FAQs

Do you need reservations for a cave tour?

We always recommend reserving your cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park as far in advance as possible. Those reservations can be made at https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm

Regular tours of Hidden River Cave in downtown Horse Cave depart on the hour and do not require reservations. However, their off-trail Cave Adventure Tours do require reservations by phone at 270.786.1466 or online at https://hiddenrivercave.com/tour-information-and-tickets/

Tours of Mammoth Onyx Cave at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo are included with your entrance ticket. Reservations are not required.

What is your local time zone?

Hart County is in the Central Time Zone. All of the Kentucky counties to our north on I-65 are in the Eastern Time Zone, and Hart County and all of the Kentucky counties to our south on I-65 are in the Central Time Zone.

Are the attractions open year-round?

Most of our Hart County attractions are open year-round including Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum. However, Dennison’s Roadside Market is open April 1 through October, and Dutch Country Safari Park is open late March through October.

Which attractions are accessible?

Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo has golf carts to rent that can carry a wheelchair. Most sections of the zoo are accessible for wheelchairs except Mammoth Onyx Cave and the Outback. The American Cave Museum is accessible, and there is an elevator down to the cave entrance level and a paved path to the mouth of the cave. The self-guided tour of the museum and trip to the entrance are free. Dutch Country Safari Park allows you to drive your own vehicle through the ¾ mile safari. Mammoth Cave National Park has an accessible cave tour and other accessible offerings. Please make reservations as early as possible for the cave tour. Information at https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Can you bring dogs with you to the attractions?

You can take your dog on a cave tour at Hidden River Cave. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome in most areas of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. Dogs are not allowed on cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park, but there are other activities they can enjoy: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/index.htm

Where can you purchase alcoholic beverages?

The only place that serves alcohol in Hart County is The Feeder Restaurant in downtown Horse Cave. However, there are several liquor stores and bars that serve alcoholic beverages in nearby Cave City.

Is there an Amish village to visit or tour?

Hart County has more Amish families than any other Kentucky county. The businesses are spread out around the county. A map can be downloaded at https://kygetaway.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Amish-Brochure-10-22.pdf

How far is Mammoth Cave National Park from Interstate 65?

We suggest that if you are traveling along I-65 you use exit 53. Then you will travel about 10 miles to the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center. You will enter the park about 5 miles before the visitor center. The speed limit inside the park is 35 miles per hour, and it is enforced. Watch for wildlife along the road. We suggest you budget 20 to 30 minutes to enjoy the beautiful drive through the park safely, park your vehicle, and enter the Visitor Center.