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, Night Hike, Cave Wonders, Insects, Nature Detectives 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 24th
Insects*
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – 12
We’ll learn the different kinds of insects, catch and release them!
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 22nd.
Bats Are Fun*
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 5 – 8
Learn about bats through videos, books and games.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 22nd.
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 23rd.
Monday, June 25th
Cave Wonders*
Name: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 12 – adult
Explore the cool cave entrance, look for the critters that call it home like phoebes, salamanders, spiders
and millipedes.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 23rd.
Tuesday, June 26th
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 24th.
Insects*
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 5 – 12
We’ll learn the different kinds of insects, catch and release them!
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 24th.
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 25th.
Wednesday, June 27th
Walnut Friends
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
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 25th.
Thursday, June 28th
Acorn Extravaganza
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 5 and up
Learn fun facts about acorns, the fruits of the mighty oaks around us, and make an acorn necklace to take home with you.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 26th.
Eyes Of The Night
Time: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Ages: 5 – adult
Emerald green, topaz yellow, diamond white – and opals! Animals of the night have jewel-bright eyes.
Bring a flashlight and we will hike around the lake hoping to catch the eyes of our nocturnal animals.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 26th.
Saturday, June 30th
Bats*
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 8 – adult
Watch our wonderful video on The Secret World of Bats and see marvelous bats from all over the world catching frogs and lizards, fishing, even drinking blood.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 29th.
Night Hike*
Time: 8:15pm – 9:15pm
Ages: All Ages
Here’s your chance to be in the park past closing time. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and walk a mile as we explore the woods and lakeshore for nocturnal critters such as bats, owls, deer, frogs, and raccoons.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservation By: 4:30pm June 29th.
*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.
