Clarksville, TN – Dunbar Cave State Natural Area has been a State Park since 1973. The cave and its surrounding 110 acres have considerable scenic, natural and historical significance. The entrance offered shelter to prehistoric Native Americans as far back as 10,000 years.
Dunbar Cave State Natural Area will present many nature programs this summer.
Upcoming events include: Native American Artifacts, Nature Hike, Bats and Cave Salamanders, Childrens’ Theatre, Cooling at the Cave and so much more!
Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All programs require reservations by the deadline listed. Programs with no reservations by the deadline are canceled.
All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children). The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program. Call 931.648.5526 for reservations.
Sunday, July 24th
Native American Artifacts
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 7-12
Long ago Native Americans lived in what is now Tennessee. Come see and learn about artifacts they left behind and what they were used for.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 22nd.
Don’t Feed the Geese!
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: All ages
Observe the geese and discuss the importance of migration and why we shouldn’t feed the animals.
Program Leader:Â Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 22nd.
Monday, July 25th
Nature Hike
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: 5 and up
Hike the Short Loop (1 mile) and learn about plants and animals found in the park.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 23rd.
The Geography of Tennessee
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 8 – adult
Discuss and learn about the various regions that Tennessee has to offer.                       Â
Program Leader:Â Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 23rd.
Bats and Cave Salamanders
Time: 8:00pm – 9:15pm
Ages: 8 to adult
Stick around after the park closes and view some of the nocturnal delights that emerge from our cave once day turns to night. Bring a flashlight!
Program Leader:Â Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 23rd.
Tuesday, July 26th
Recycling
Time: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 5 to adult
View a short presentation on how and why to recycle.
Program Leader:Â Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 24th.
Sinkhole Geology
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 8 to adult
Understand how and why the earth opens up beneath our feet … and houses… and streets! Short indoor presentation plus a hike on the Short Loop Trail to see actual sinkholes.Â
Program Leader:Â Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 24th.
Thursday, July 28th
Beginning Birding
Time: 8:15am – 10:15am
Ages: Adults
Birding is a fun hobby – learn the basics with this program. Bring binoculars.
Program Leader:Â Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 26th.
Bats Are Fun
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 5 – 8
Learn about bats through videos, books and games.Â
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 26th.
Friday, July 29th
Trees Are Terrific Hike
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages:Â 7 to adult
Learn the trees of the region on our one mile trail.
Program Leader:Â Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 27th.
Hike Down Idaho Springs
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: 8 to adult
Observe the original stream that flows from the cave and see how the landscape looked before the formation of Swan Lake.  Bring old shoes and clothes that can get wet and muddy.Â
Program Leader:Â Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 27th.
Night Hike
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Age: All Ages
Walk the Short Loop trail (1 mile) with a Ranger at night as we explore the woods and lakeshore for nocturnal critters such as owls, deer, frog, and raccoons. Bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 27th.
Saturday, July 30th
Childrens Theatre Craft Activity
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am
Age: All Ages
Join us for a crafty activity that leads in to the performance later.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 29th.
Childrens’ Theatre – Animal Tales – A flood of Friends
Time: 11:00am
Performance by the wonderful actors, dressed up as animals. No reservations needed.
Childrens Theatre Craft Activity
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Time: 12:30pm – 1:00pm
Age: All Ages
Join us for a crafty activity that leads in to the performance later.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 29th.
Childrens’ Theatre – Animal Tales – A flood of Friends
Time: 1:00pm Â
Repeat performance of the 11:00 presentation.
No reservations needed.
Cooling at the Cave
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Age: All ages
The Friends of Dunbar Cave present music, games and refreshments at the cool cave entrance. Refreshments for a donation, t-shirts and postcards available to purchase.
Sunday, July 31st
Native American Artifacts
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Age: Ages 7-12
Long ago Native Americans lived in what is now Tennessee. Come see and learn about artifacts they left behind and what they were used for.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 29th.
Don’t Feed the Geese!
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Age: All ages
Observe the geese and discuss the importance of migration and why we shouldn’t feed the animals.
Program Leader:Â Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 22nd.