- Minutes away from Mammoth Cave, lodging, food, fun - M. Rasey
Mammoth Caves are located in rural Kentucky and are a world class cave system. The caves are part of the US National Park system and offer an educational, awe-inspiring experience. Here's a comprehensive guide for planning a trip to Mammoth Caves; where to stay, what to eat, and what to do.
Mammoth Cave Lodging
While the National Park Service does run a hotel and rents cabins, the lack of air conditioning in rustic cabins is a drawback in the summer. Most tourists opt to stay in nearby Cave City which is about 20 minutes from the caves. There are several Mammoth Cave motels and hotels in Cave City with a wide variety of prices. Reservations are a must because rooms fill up fast, especially in the summer.
Other Mammoth Cave hotels and motels include:
- Comfort Inn
- Super 8
- Best Western
- Sleep Inn
- Motel 6
Some are in better repair than others so tourists should read guest reviews before reserving a room. The Comfort Inn is the newest hotel in the area and offers a free continental breakfast, a well-appointed fitness room, pool and even a game room. The rooms are clean and have refrigerators and microwaves. Next to the hotel are a go kart track, game arcade, and souvenir shop that will help keep everyone busy.
For more adventurous tourists, there is the The Oakes Motel, a series of 1920s stone cabins and RV campsites located on the route to Mammoth Caves away from the Cave City center. Unlike the cabins at Mammoth Cave National Park, the cabins have air conditioning and kitchenettes. These would be a fun option for anyone looking to revisit the days when traveling by car was new and the height of fashion.
There are also several different camp grounds at Mammoth National Park which are supported by a large Camp Store. However, the summer heat can be intense leaving camping only for die-hard lovers of the outdoors.
Where to Eat at Mammoth Caves
Fast food junkies will think they have died and gone to the great big drive thru in the sky. Every fast food chain is represented in the Mammoth Cave area; McDonalds,Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, Wendy's and Sonic are but a few. Anyone who wants fresh homemade food will have to take their chances at local mom and pop restaurants or at the eateries run by the National Park Service.
Mammoth Cave National Park restaurants:
- Crystal Lake Coffee Shop
- Travertine Restaurant
- Troglobites
Cave City locally owned restaurants:
- Chicago Bar & Grill
- Cream& Sugar Cafe
- Eagles Nest Family Restaurant
- Sahara Steak House
Coupons for 10% off the total check at some restaurants can be found in the Cave Country Tourist Guide, which is provided free-of-charge to guests of local hotels.
Note that the county is a 'dry county' meaning alcohol may be served at restaurants, but is not sold in stores.
Mammoth Cave Attractions
Aside from the visiting the caves themselves, the Mammoth Cave area also offers:
- Several go kart tracks
- Bumper boats
- Mini golf courses
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Zip lines
- Scenic chair lift rides
- Gunfight shows
- Horse stables
- Souvenir shops
- Dinosaur World
All of these Mammoth Cave attractions are located on the road leading to Mammoth Cave National Park and easy to find. Web coupons for many attractions can be found on the Cave City website.
The Mammoth Cave area in Kentucky, truly offers something for everyone. The caves will amaze even the most jaded world traveler and there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.
Michelle Rasey - Michelle R. Rasey has extensive expertise in International Business and Health. She holds two BA degrees and an alternative medical ...
