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: Bats, History of Dunbar Cave, Welcome Summer Hike, Nature Detectives, Frog Talk and so much more!
All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
*Designates program that meets Junior Ranger requirements.
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, June 17th
History of Dunbar Cave*
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 8 – Adult
Join Ranger Adam at the cave entrance and learn about the reasons why Dunbar Cave has drawn people to it over the years. Topics will include Native American use of the cave and the Dunbar Cave and Idaho Springs Resorts.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 15th.
Walnut Friends
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Ages: 5 – 11
Make a fun walnut figure as you learn about this nut.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 15th.
Monday, June 18th
Evening Trail Hike*
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Ages: All ages
This time of day is great for seeing wildlife such as deer and bats. Come walk the two mile trail and beat the heat.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 17th.
Tuesday, June 19th
Goodbye Spring Night Hike*
Time: 8:15pm – 9:20pm
Ages: All Ages
This is the last day of Spring! Say goodbye spring, hello summer on this hike through the woods at night. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and walk a mile as we explore the woods and lakeshore for nocturnal critters such as owls, deer, frog, and raccoons.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 18th.
Wednesday, June 20th
Welcome Summer Hike*
Time: 5:00am – 6:30am
Ages: 5 – Adult
It’s the first day of summer and the longest day of the year! Take a one mile hike in the coolest part of the day.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 18th.
Nature Detectives*
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 5 – 12
Tracks and scat, feathers and fur. Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 18th.
Night Hike *
Time: 8:00pm – 9:15pm
Ages: All Ages
Stay in the park past closing to explore the woods and lakeshore for critters such as owls, deer, frog, and raccoons.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 19th.
Thursday, June 21st
Bats*
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 7 – Adult
Watch our wonderful video on The Secret World of Bats and see marvelous bats from all over the world doing all kinds of things.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 20th.
Friends of Dunbar Cave Meeting
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Age: Adult
If you use the park you should support the park. Come to find out about our Friends Group. Potluck food will be served.
Friday, June 22nd
Un-Nature Hike *
Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: 6 – Adult
Come hike with a ranger as we look for things that don’t belong in the park.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 20th.
Don’t Be A Bully – Plant Native*
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 6 – 14
Some plants will take over the woods and natural areas – learn what plants you shouldn’t have in a garden.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 20th.
Frog Talk*
Time: 7:30pm – 8:45pm
Ages: 9 – Adult
Come and learn about the sounds of local frogs and toads, and take a walk around Swan Lake to try out our identification skills by listening for the songs of our amphibian friends.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 20th.
Saturday, June 23rd
The Human Sundial
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 6 -14
Learn to tell time by using your shadow, and make a sundial.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 21st.
Junior Ranger Kickoff*
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 6-14
You can become a junior ranger! Pick up a Junior Ranger Adventure Guide and complete some of the activities to get your badge and certificate!
Program Leaders: Park Interpretive Specialist and SIR
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 22nd.
Wildflower Walk*
Time: 6:45pm – 8:00pm
Ages: 10-Adult
Learn the names and lore of the flowers on this hike to the cave and along the lake.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 21st.
*Junior Ranger Program – Pick up a Junior Ranger Adventure Guide in the office. Complete the requirements to become a Junior Ranger and get a badge and certificate.
