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: Whats’ in Swan Lake?, Nature Art, Bats And Cave Salamanders, Night Flight 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.
Thursday, August 18th
Nature Readings – Friends
Time: 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 3 – 8
We will sit at the cool cave entrance and learn about nature friends through fun books.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 16th.
Friday, August 19th
Nature Art
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: 4-8
Meet at the cool cave entrance and make art about nature, using natural materials.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 17th.
What’s In Swan Lake?
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: 6 – adult
Walk around the lake and look for beaver, muskrat, dragonflies and other creatures.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 17th.
Saturday, August 20th
Fun With Bats
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 5 – 11
Learn about the fun furry creatures that sleep in the cave and fly around at night.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 18th.
Native American Artifacts
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 6-12
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 August 18th.
Fish Of Swan Lake
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 7 to adult
While wandering around the lake, view and discuss the varied fish species Dunbar has to offer.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 18th.
Bats And Cave Salamanders
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: All Ages
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: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 18th.
Sunday, August 21st
Nature Games
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: All Ages
Come learn about predator/prey relationships through fun and games.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 19th.
Night Flight
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: 5-Adult
Meet at the mouth of the cave to witness our bats emerge from their sleep to get a bite to eat.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 19th.
Monday, August 22nd
Fossil Fun
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 6 to adult
Uncover the secrets of prehistoric life with a hands-on fossil exhibit and fun activities.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 20th.
Tuesday, August 23rd
Morning Hike
Time: 8:00am – 9:30am
Ages: Adults
Come out for a hike on our trails.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 21st.
Nature Finds: Scavenger Hunt
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 4 – 9
We will walk around the lake and look for interesting natural things and learn how they fit together.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 21st.
Night Flight
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: 5-Adult
Meet at the mouth of the cave to witness a true miracle of nature as our bats emerge from their sleep to get a bite to eat.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 21st.
Wednesday, August 24th
Micro Hike
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: All ages
Get down and crawl along the ground to discover insects and their habitats. Be prepared to get dirty.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 22nd.
