United States, 25 Jefferson Street Suite 300 Clarksville, TN 37040 | 1 (800) 530-2487. Friends of Dunbar Cave, Inc. has been awarded a Mini Grant to purchase tools for a trail rerouting project at Dunbar Cave State Park. The park is 144-acres and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee. How long(time and distance wise) is the cave tour? I enjoyed it. One projectile point found at Dunbar Cave dates back as much as 10,000 years to the Paleo-Indian culture. Wilson School Road Forest and Cedar Glades, Western Highland Rim Physiographic Province. You dont venture very far into the cave, in my opinion, because they want as much of it left untouched as they can. 92% of travellers recommend this experience. Nature & Parks, Caverns & Caves, State Parks. Map updates are paused. You can also hike one of our three miles of trails, learn about Dunbar Caves resort and musical history, or simply watch for wildlife in our restored prairie and wetland. Under 5 . We both enjoyed the tour (you can only go inside the cave if you are on a tour). Lots of parking space, only saw one other person on the trail. A few where it was like trying to walk up an ice covered hill. Dunbar Cave State Park offering summer cave tours. Cave tours frequently sell out and reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for you and/or your party. Volcano erupts in Iceland after weeks of earthquakes | CNN It has actual cave drawings from Cherokee people of long ago. Prehistoric cave art from approximately 1260 A.D. is found in the cave. Pretty accessible, up until after the cave the trail is paved. A stream exits the cave and has been impounded to form a small lake that is inhabited by many fish, turtles, and other wildlife. There have been recent excavations near the entrance that reveal it to be an important archeological site. Filming Weekend, Nov. 12-14, 2021. You must be able to step over the threshold, which is about a foot above the ground. All cave tour participants must sign a liability waiver at front desk prior to entering the cave. Its significant feature is a well-explored scenic and historic cave which above ground is surrounded by an upland hardwood forest. Does anyone know of a good place to camp near Dunbar Cave. it is a Nice place the cave is beautiful, when you get there try to walk in to the cave and watch up to the sky that view is impresive, and the hiking is not bad from the visitor center to get there, also you can use a stroller for the kids or babies and youll be fine. First time, a lot of fun!! Photo by Lisa Sims. All Rights Reserved. short 1 mile hike. Focusing on the spiritual connection indigenous people have with the cave, we descend into another world. 5 Must-Explore Caves in Tennessee - Scenic States The cave was a shelter to prehistoric native Americans as far back as 10,000 years ago and is the only site in the U.S. where the public can see native American Mississippian cave art. 2023 Visit Clarksville. . The cave attracted human occupation due to the constant stream flow and shelter at the mouth of the cave. F&M Bank is a dynamic regional bank located in Middle Tennessee and is one of the top independent banks based on asset size, headquartered in Tennessee. Dunbar Cave Tennessee State Parks United States ; Tennessee (TN) Clarksville ; Clarksville - Things to Do ; Dunbar Cave; Search. Our cave is a sacred place for indigenous people; therefore, photography inside is not allowed. Im glad I found it! Short and sweet! 91% of travellers recommend this experience. Reservations for tour tickets are highly recommended as they frequently sell out. This eight mile long cave has historical, natural, archaeological, and geological significance. You need to call ahead for the schedule and to make a reservation. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the Jazz Project will play 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. with an intermission. Some tight squeezes and crawling. Flashlights (no cellphones are required. Tours of Dunbar Cave are offered seasonally and tickets are required to enter Dunbar Cave. Cave tours fill up fast . Friends of Dunbar Cave, Inc. has been awarded an Evan Means Grant to purchase more tools for a trail rerouting project at Dunbar Cave State Park. To set up a time, go to the park office at 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road or call 931-648-5526, Opening with the 2023 Tour Season at the Dunbar Cave State Park Office. baby snakes are out so keep an eye out while hiking. Times will vary by date chosen. This tour is rugged, with uneven, slippery floors. Dunbar Cave (Clarksville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Historic Native American art an attraction at Dunbar Cave. Humans have been attracted to Dunbar Cave for thousands of years with its constant stream flow and natural air conditioning. The Fall Cooling at the Cave concert will feature music by The Cumberland Winds Jazz Project at the mouth of the cave. The tour was informative, and the Native American drawings were quite interesting. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. For the Mississippian people that lived along the Red River in the 14th century CE (and perhaps even more broadly), Dunbar Cave was a sacred place. No photography which I think is cool. You need a GOOD flashlight and fresh batteries, as there are no lights in the cave. Dunbar Cave State Park Tennessee State Parks Picnic tables to enjoy a late lunch. The Friends of Dunbar Cave, Inc. (FODC) hosts the Fall Cooling at the Cave Concert for 2023 on Saturday, September 19,, 2023, with music from The Cumberland Winds Jazz Project. One Day Entertainment, Inc. Dunbar Cave State Park. Located on 144 acres in Clarksville, TN, Dunbar Cave holds a long and rich history in its occupation and use by a variety of groups over thousands of years. 94% of travellers recommend this experience. Dunbar Cave State Park Suspends Cave Tours - TN.gov It begins with a five minute walk on a paved path from the welcome center to the cave opening. The history of the cave is very interesting and the tour guides are very knowledgeable about it. After the tour we took a hike. Pictured, Crystal Day of One Day Entertainment, Inc., and Amanda Blount, Grant Committee Chair for Friends of Dunbar Cave. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Especially learn about the people that lived here before us and the sad environment this beautiful place once stood for. Some crouching is necessary. This area is a great place to see wildlife including deer, turkey, fox, squirrel, muskrat, turtles, and all kinds of birds such as swans and woodpeckers. By Julia Koslowsky on April 26, 2023 Clarksville is home to many outdoor attractions, parks, and walking trails, but none have as much history packed into one place as Dunbar Cave. Cost is $14 for adults, $8 for kids ages 5 - 13. Confirm ation. Its been very clean the past few times weve gone. Explore this 1.0-mile loop trail near Clarksville, Tennessee. Short Loop Trail: This 1.1-mile long trail is mainly made of natural surface. Excavations reveal the eight-mile long cave was used by man for thousands of years. Because of the conditions of the cave, it is not handicap accessible and not recommended for people with mobility issues. This enabled the flow of water through small cracks and solution joints from the sinkhole plain above it to the Red River drainage. Get yourhiking boots and hand-held flashlights ready for cave tours andhiking trails. Members receive our newsletter and are invited to participate in special park projects and activities. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the park office. Thank you to everyone who made the first Cooling at the Cave 2023 concert a success! All Rights Reserved. During the cave tour season (May - September), we encourage you to take one of our tours to experience the awe of these drawings for yourself. Several people were out and about enjoying the lovely day. There is an iron gate at the cave entrance. Dunbar Cave formed as the Red River cut through the Mississippian age limestone and lowered the local water table about two or three million years ago. The Dunbar Cave State Park Visitor Center, along with a gift shop, is at 401 Dunbar Cave Road and is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. PO Box 254 Clarksville, TN 37041-0254 | friendsofdunbarcave@gmail.com, Cooling at the Cave Photos by Roger Busler. We also hiked some of the trails, although they only go a limited distance. MAKE A RESERVATION Dunbar Cave has been a State Park since 1973 and it's surrounding 110 acres is filled with scenic,. Which really isn't worth it, as the cave it very large , but they only allow you in 1/4 of a mile & thats in & out (* yes whole trip ) & $ 50.00 for 2 adults. For the Mississippian people that lived along the Red River in the 14th century CE (and perhaps even more broadly), Dunbar Cave was a sacred place. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 25 min to complete. Would go again! Many other caves close by that allow the whole cave for same price, with other features besides just darkness which they also require a flashlight or you must buy one from them , yes more $$$ . The phone number is 931 648 5526. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This public document was promulgated at a cost of $.06 per copy, July 2019. For the Mississippian people that lived along the Red River in the 14th century CE (and perhaps even more broadly), Dunbar Cave was a sacred place. We recently took a tour of Mammoth cave and although a much shorter tour, we thoroughly enjoyed this one. May - June 4th: Weekends (Saturday/Sunday)Only, June 9th - August 31st: Every day of the week, September 1st - 30th: Weekends (Saturday/Sunday) Only. we saw a lot of people walking their dogs. 100% of travellers recommend this experience. Perfect for a little picnic. Description Getting There This is a forested trail by a small lake that is fed by a stream in a cave. 931-648-5526. In a roomy, natural air-conditioned mouth of the cave, big band era con Dunbar Cave State Park is a Yelp advertiser. Dunbar Cave State Park'seight-mile cave reopenedMay 1. . The Short Loop and Recovery Trails lead into the forest and over successional fields. This tour has uneven terrain and slippery floors. Cave walkways are relatively flat but muddy and/or slippery in places. Waterfalls and wildlife: Tennessee state parks near Nashville Very nice short trail. Lots of Hype but not able to tour - Dunbar Cave. During the cave tour season (May - September), we encourage you to take one of our tours to experience the awe of these drawings for yourself. Select your desired date to view available tours. The staff at Clarksville's popular Natural Area is excited and so is the public, with many of this summer . You need to bring a flashlight or purchase one there since phones are not allowed to be used (you can take them inside, you just cannot use them). The park is 144-acres and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee. Not for over night. The Friends of Dunbar Cave was named as a General Grant Recipient from Humanities Tennessee for this project. Some stooping and climbing of steps is necessary. CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) Dunbar Cave State Park will resume seasonal tours inside the historic cave beginning May 1, 2019. 95% of travellers recommend this experience. We hope that you will visit their website and sign up for an event soon. more. Trail was mostly flat, was a bit muddy. Guests must bring a handheld flashlight. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Children must be at least 5 years old to participate. 401 Dunbar Cave Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043-5725. We'll have a Ranger-led tour of the cave! Here's a list of the trailsand mileage: Dunbar Cave is closed annually from September through April to allow its residentbats undisrupted hibernation. The park itself is beautiful, but as with anything there is a HIGH cost to view & enter cave. The 144-acre park is home to an array of wildlife, nearly five miles of trails, and picnic areas. Please tag us with #visitclarksvilletn in your Instagram or Twitter posts for the opportunity to be featured. This eight-mile-long cave has historical, natural, archaeological significance. Very unique and good learning experience. The Mississippians left many drawings on the walls of the cave, some in charcoal, some carved into the limestone itself. The IMO said there was a 200-meter (656 feet) long fissure on the slopes of the Litli Hrtur mountain, "from which lava is emerging as a series of fountains." A sacred site for prehistoric Mississippian groups since the 14th century, the cave itself offers much to explore in its cave drawings and awe-striking scenery. There are four hour-longtours every day with a 20 person maximum. Not much to see, a bunch of dead trees. All rights reserved. As a member you will be assisting us in our short and long term goals to encourage development that will protect and preserve the wilderness and recreation that Dunbar Cave State Park represents. Find a Park. Cost is $14 for adults, $8 for kids ages 5 - 13. This is a 360-degree immersive film of our Enter the Underworld tour and focuses on the indigenous peoples' use of the cave, including the Mississippian artwork. 3. Great day for a hike. The steps are uneven, there are no rails to hold on. Dunbar Cave State Park Tennessee State Parks More. . Cost is $18 and up for ages 13-over . Cave tours are offered daily most of June through August and on weekends in May and September. The Dunbar Cave Virtual Reality Cave Tour Film. Dunbar Cave has been used for thousands of years and is the site of significant prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave art dating to the 14 th century. 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. The findings and conclusions of this film do not necessarily represent the views of Humanities Tennessee or of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Featuring Tour Guide and Ranger John Ball; Dr. Jan Simek, archaeologist from the University of Tennessee; and Beau Carroll, archaeologist, Cherokee, and doctoral student from the University of Tennessee. Letter, Advisory Public Notice - Non-Discriminatory Ad Contracts. A park ranger, archaeologist, and indigenous historian descended from Mississippians will guide the viewers. You may wish to bring a light jacket during your tour. Stick to the left at the split for the loop if you want to end at the cave (which is refreshing with the cool air coming out on a hot day like today! Additionally, they will be selling t-shirts as well as cards featuring a painting by Larry Richardson, and Christmas ornaments featuring photographs of Dunbar Cave by Jim Hancock, both longtime members. The tour views Mississippian dark zone cave art, stoke marks, and previously unprotected, hence vandalized, portions of the cave. The tour views Mississippian dark zone cave art, stoke marks, and previously unprotected, hence vandalized, portions of the cave. The Events at Dunbar Cave State Park are hosted by the State of Tennessee. Once inside you must use a flashlight since the cave does not have electricity. While we do not know exactly what the drawings meant, the symbols hold sacred meanings even today for modern indigenous peoples of the southeastern U.S. Today, these drawings are protected at Dunbar Cave State Park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Open to the Public - Full Access Dunbar Cave State Park is set on 110 acres in north-central Tennessee and is home to the eight-mile Dunbar Cave - one of the largest caves in Montgomery County. There is an iron gate at the cave entrance. Dunbar Cave State Park - Facebook You'll find Native American iconography in the cave, which denotes the spot as a sacred place. Flashlights (no cellphones) are required. The walls, marked with carvings from thousands of years ago, are popular attractions. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website. Click the link below to see a list of the maps available at this park. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Dunbar Cave - visitclarksvilletn.com The park itself is open from dawn to dusk seven days a week. Dunbar Cave (Clarksville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Under 5 not permitted. Near Downtown / Austin Peay State University, The History of Clarksville-Montgomery County. Very clean. InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Clarksville, Hotels with Military Discounts in Clarksville. Due to the presence of White Nose Syndrome (WNS) in our cave, clean caving protocols are in effect. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Upcoming Events Activities Boating Camping Education & Youth Fishing Golfing Hiking Horseback Riding Organized . Dunbar Cave consists of 144 acres and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee. Thank you to everyone who made this film possible. This park has a very unique set of rock formations, sinkholes, and of course, caves and caverns. One of darkness, power, and mystery. trail is in good condition. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The Secluded Dunbar Cave In Tennessee An Underground Adventure Let us know in the poll (may take a few seconds to load): You need to bring your own flashlight. Near Downtown / Austin Peay State University, The History of Clarksville-Montgomery County. A-Z Map Park Alerts Map. Wish it had been just a little longer. Alexis Clark can be reached at aclark@gannett.com or 931-217-8519. Monthly meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the park office. Dunbar Cave has been used for thousands of years and is the site of significant prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave art dating to the 14th century. Though the cave is a physical place, the Mississippians believed it to be an actual portal into the Underworld, or the level of the universe that existed below the level where we live. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Disposable masks are provided free of charge. Dunbar Cave has been a State Park since 1973 and its surrounding 110 acres is filled with scenic, natural and historical significance. The Dunbar Cave Virtual Reality Tour will be available at the park office in late Summer/Fall 2022. Dunbar Cave Recovery Loop: 983 Reviews, Map - AllTrails Easy for little kids and pet friendly. Aside from being a massive, picturesque playground,the cave is a remarkable prehistoric site for the entire Eastern Woodlands. Get Driving Directions Still exploring? There are places that are slightly slippery. The tour inside the cave is about 1 mile altogether. The Dunbar Cave Tour Film is brought to you by Friends of Dunbar Cave, Inc. in partnership with Dunbar Cave State Park and One Day Entertainment, Humanities Tennessee and the National Endowment for the Humanities. 2022 Tours began in May with daily tours at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM, Please note: Children aged four and under are not allowed in the cave. It could be improved a lot! Friends of Dunbar Cave. Would recommend, Clarksville Greenway (Mary's Oak Trailhead), Red River Paddle Route: Rt 41 to Port Royal, Red River Paddle: Porters Chapel Bridge to HWY 41, Bluff Creek to Cumberland River Paddle Route. There are some signs showing images that have mostly degraded. Park Ranger John Ball said cave tours have been selling out every day. Click on the link for details and to purchase tickets on Eventbrite: Please join Friends of Dunbar Cave in supporting and protecting the park. Great tour if you enjoy history and Local sites! Parking, hiking trails, and cave tours are provided. Written 21 July 2022. More Info Hiking Over three miles of hiking trails range from the easy Lake Trail, the moderate Short Loop, to the strenuous Recovery Trail, which has several steep hills. The Friends of Dunbar Cave, Inc. (FODC) is hosting a membership drive in late summer (exact date coming soon), from 9 a.m. until noon. Have you always wanted to take a cave tour at Dunbar Cave State Park? Copyright 2023 Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. If you want the experience of going to a wild cave, this is as close as it gets. Information and Reference |TN State Parks, 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road And since its a cave, with sloping surfaces, there were several areas where I was skiing down them. Tickets are required and reservations are recommended. You must be able to step over the threshold, which is about a foot above the ground. Just a few trips bring a jacket and flashlight. The cave tour is a somewhat physical endeavor. All the standard rules apply; one flashlight per person (no cell phones), must be at least five years old, no photography in the cave, tennis shoes or boots recommended. | Select Tour | Pay & Reserve | Confirm ation Let's get started! There are multiple tours to choose from with varying difficulty levels and minimum ages for children. Dunbar Cave is a remarkable prehistoric site, not just for Tennessee but for the entire Eastern Woodlands. Quick, nice and peaceful. The site offers programs that coverindigenous history, state and local history, geology, prairie restoration and more.