Year-Round Fun in Hart County Kentucky
The best things to do in the Mammoth Cave National Park area in the winter
Shake off the bonds of the calendar. Gear up for spectacular year-round adventures right here in the Mammoth Cave National Park and Horse Cave area and in the surrounding beautiful rural Hart County, Kentucky, midway between Louisville and Nashville.
We’re sure that you know that that Hart County is the place for you if you’re looking for outdoor nature adventures, Kentucky hiking, scenic cave tours, sweet animal encounters, history, delicious food, or unique lodging experiences. And you probably know that all of our attractions are open from spring through fall, but we have good news for you – most of our adventures are open year-round! If winter is your target getaway season, you’ll still have plenty of outstanding adventure choices, warm campfire experiences, and cozy lodging options.
WHAT’S OPEN YEAR-ROUND?
- Mammoth Cave National Park – This one’s the big dog – the longest cave system on the planet. Not only do they have several cave tours year-round (only closed on Christmas day), but they have more than 80 miles of gorgeous above-ground trails that are open every day of the year. You can bring your pet along on the above-ground trails, and some of those trails are fully accessible.
- Hidden River Cave – Located right on Main Street in the middle of the National Register of Historic Places Commercial District in the beautiful small town of Horse Cave, this cave has hourly tours that include the world’s longest underground suspension bridge that runs along a subterranean river to 3 dome rooms including Sunset Dome, the largest in Kentucky’s cave region. You can take your pet along on this trip. They also offer an off-trail Wild Cave Tour that is available by reservation. Winter hours are 9:30 am to 5 pm daily with the last tour going out at 4 pm.
- Mammoth Onyx Cave is located at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo and a tour is included in the admission. The 30-minute tour includes dramatic stalagmites and stalactites, cave popcorn, and cave cauliflower. Winter hours are 9 am to 4 pm.
2. Pet all the kangaroos
You can interact with more than 30 kangaroos at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, where you can also feed the exotic birds, encounter small animals at the petting area, see animal shows, and tour beautiful Mammoth Onyx Cave. Winter hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily.
- Hiking Trails
- Munfordville’s Green River Park and Arboretum has a ¾ mile walking trail, playground, disc golf, picnic pavilions, access to Green River, and the entranceway to the Jenny Wilson Byrd Memorial Hiking Trail.
- Mammoth Cave National Park Hiking Trails – More than 80 miles of gorgeous above-ground trails that are open every day of the year. You can bring your pet along on the above-ground trails, and some of those trails are fully accessible.
- Maple Avenue Park in downtown Horse Cave has a 1/3-mile walking trail, a playground, and a large picnic pavilion.
- The award-winning Horse Cave Stories Cell Phone Tour along the pathway of Hidden River Cave beneath your feet tells stories from locals about how a town grew on top of a cave.
- The Old Munfordville Walking Tour is made up of 13 historical buildings and sites that were either occupied during the Civil War or have a special place in the establishment of Munfordville.
- Cycling. Check here for information and maps about our cycling options.
- Paddling. Check out our suggestions and maps. For flat water paddling enthusiasts looking for outdoor adventures, it doesn’t get much better than Kentucky canoeing and kayaking trails, especially along the cool waters of the Green River that passes by 300 Springs and leads into the state’s only National Water Trail.
Munfordville’s Green River Park and Arboretum has a ¾ mile walking trail, playground, disc golf, picnic pavilions, access to Green River, and the entranceway to the Jenny Wilson Byrd Memorial Hiking Trail.
Maple Avenue Park in downtown Horse Cave has a 1/3-mile walking trail, a playground, and a large picnic pavilion.
The award-winning Horse Cave Stories Cell Phone Tour in historic downtown Horse Cave takes you along the pathway of Hidden River Cave beneath your feet tells stories from locals about how a town grew on top of a cave.
- The Old Munfordville Walking Tour is made up of 13 historical buildings and sites that were either occupied during the Civil War or have a special place in the establishment of Munfordville.
- Our driving trail through the beautiful Kentucky countryside to check out the Hart County Barn Quilt Trail features more than 70 quilt designs. And along the way, be sure to stop at a local restaurant, shop or farm market.
- Immerse yourself in the history
- American Cave Museum is part of the Hidden River Cave complex located in historic downtown Horse Cave. This interactive museum was called “A little bit of Smithsonian in rural Kentucky” by The Nature Conservancy Magazine. Their self-guided tour is free and includes access to the cave entrance.
- Hart County Historical Museum – You’ll find exhibits about the area, the Civil War, the local basket making tradition, and more at this museum in downtown Munfordville.
- Battle for the Bridge Historic Preserve – The 84-acre battlefield located on 812 Rush Island Bend Rd. Horse Cave, KY 42749 has seen action from both battles (The Battle of Munfordville and The Battle of Rowlett’s Station). It is currently owned and preserved by the Hart County Historical Society.
The cute little shops in Horse Cave’s downtown National Register of Historic Places Commercial District have loads of vintage, antiques, gifts, boutique items, and local food. While you’re there check out Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum, too!
All of our local Amish-owned businesses except Dutch Country Safari Park are open year-round Monday through Saturday with great food, outdoor supplies, household and gift items. Use our map as a guide for you fun shopping adventure.
Fuel up for adventure at our local restaurants for fresh-made hamburgers, comfort food, biscuits and gravy, delicious salads, homemade pizza, sandwiches on homemade sourdough, Amish donuts and pastries, and so much more.
7. Stay with us
Plan your overnight at one of our local lodging options. You’ll find treehouses, tepees, cabins, rv sites, franchise hotels, a local retro motel, and vacation rentals.