Discover the natural wonder and rich history of Horse Cave, Hart County - your ultimate destination for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences in Kentucky!
8 reasons to take the exit to Kentucky’s Hart County region
July 29, 2026
6 min read
8 reasons to take the exit to Kentucky’s Hart County region
The mouth of Hidden River Cave opens up in the downtown of the small city of Horse Cave, about 80 miles south of Louisville and about 13 miles west of Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo: American Cave Conservation Association.Visitors can feed the adorable capybara, the world’s largest rodent at Kentucky Down Under. The park is an Australia-themed animal park located at Exit 58, 3700 L and North Turnpike Road, I-65, Horse Cave, Kentucky Provided By Hart County TourismThe world’s longest underground suspension bridge is located inside the Hidden River Cave in Horse Cave, Kentucky Provided By Hart County TourismHidden River Cave, here located beside the old American Cave Museum April 3, 1996, supplied Horse Cave, Ky., with water and tourism before pollution problems. But environmental efforts have improved the water and the cave is now open for visitors. Photo: Jackie Bell / The TennesseanThe Green River in Hart County Kentucky offers two floats and canoe and kayak rental that give visitors an intimate view of arguably the most scenic stretch of Green River. This section features river bluffs, islands, chutes, mild riffles and long deep holes, which are perfect for beginners or a family seeking a day away from the world. Provided By Hart County TourismThe Green River in Hart County Kentucky is one of the most biologically diverse in the world, holding species only found in this river system. Provided By Hart County TourismThe Green River in Hart County produces some of the highest water quality in Kentucky. Many springs empty into this stretch of the river that pump a constant flow of clean, cold water and give the river a color more reminiscent of the shallows of the Caribbean than south-central Kentucky. Provided By Hart County TourismIn a canoe or kayak, paddlers find their way to the “300 Springs Waterfall” which is tucked along the Green River. Hundreds of crystal-clear streams pour from towering limestone cliffs and spill over moss-covered ledges into the river below. Accessible only by boat. Provided By Hart County TourismKentucky Stonehenge, 201 Lynn Ave. in Munfordville, Kentucky is a family-built site featuring a Stonehenge-style stone replica with open yards for visitors. The roadside attraction is free to visit. Provided By Hart County TourismKentucky Stonehenge, 201 Lynn Ave. in Munfordville, Kentucky is a family-built site featuring a Stonehenge-style stone replica with open yards for visitors. The roadside attraction is free to visit. Provided By Hart County TourismDutch Country Safari Park, 2125 L and N. Turnpike Road, Horse Cave, Kentucky is a laid-back farm and zoo, offering train rides, camel sightings, hayrides and a petting zoo. Provided By Hart County TourismVisitors are welcome to try ice cream made from camel milk at Dutch Country Safari Park, 2125 L and N. Turnpike Road, Horse Cave, Kentucky. The park is a laid-back farm and zoo, offering train rides, camel sightings, hayrides and a petting zoo.Historic post card of Sunset Dome in Hidden River Cave from the 1930s. Kentucky Historical Society, Ronald Morgan Kentucky Postcard CollectionHidden River Cave Suspension Bridge Photo: Clay CookBlind crayfish are among some 21 species with lives entirely inside Hidden River Cave. Courtesy Gary RussellWelcome signs greet guests at the beginning of the property at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier JournalVisitors can watch, feed and touch Kangaroos as they roam through an open field freely. Interpreters discuss the animals’ habits and habitats. It is all part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier JournalA blue and gold Macaw is a part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier Journal A Kookaburra is a part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier JournalVisitors can watch, feed and touch Kangaroos as they roam through an open field freely. Interpreters discuss the animals’ habits and habitats. It is all part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier JournalVisitors can watch, feed and touch Kangaroos as they roam through an open field freely. Interpreters discuss the animals’ habits and habitats. It is all part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier JournalVisitors can watch, feed and touch Kangaroos as they roam through an open field freely. Interpreters discuss the animals’ habits and habitats. It is all part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier JournalVisitors can watch, feed and touch Kangaroos as they roam through an open field freely. Interpreters discuss the animals’ habits and habitats. It is all part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier JournalVisitors can watch, feed and touch Kangaroos as they roam through an open field freely. Interpreters discuss the animals’ habits and habitats. It is all part of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. March 25, 2025 Photo: Scott Utterback/Courier Journal Feeding Kangaroos at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo Photo: Clay CookMammoth Valley Park has the only alpine slide in Kentucky and the longest twin zip line in Kentucky along with go carts, a disc golf course and a mountain view chairlift. It is located at 3061 Mammoth Cave Road, Cave City, Kentucky.Mammoth Cave National Park hiking. Photo: Tarah ChieffiA camper relaxes in Mammoth Cave National Park. Provided By National Park ServiceA guide leads a lantern tour in Great Onyx Cave at Mammoth Cave National Park. Provided By National Park Service. Photo By Kait EvensenCleaveland Avenue in Mammoth Cave, Provided By National Park ServiceA cascading flow of water pours into the cave system at Shower Bath Springs near Frozen Niagara in Mammoth Cave. Provided By National Parks ServiceCleaveland Avenue in Mammoth Cave Provided By National Park ServiceNew Era Whiskey is releasing its first bourbons, a trio of cask-strength single barrel bourbons honoring three of Kentucky’s most iconic natural landmarks: Nature’s Crossing at Natural Bridge, Dark Wonders at Mammoth Cave, and Magic Moonbow at Cumberland Falls
Reach lifestyle and entertainment reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This is a Things To Do story from the Courier Journal reported by Kirby Adams. This Things To Do story was posted on June 30, 2026. Here is a link to the original story. Thanks to Courier Journal in Louisville for allowing us to post this story on our website.
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