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: Human Sundial, Bats, Night Hike, Trees are Terrific, History of Dunbar Cave and so much more!
All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
*Dunbar Cave State Park reserves the right to cancel some programs in case of extreme heat or inclement weather.
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 1st
The Human Sundial
Time: 11:00am – 11:30am
Ages: 6 – 14
How can you tell time without a watch? Learn how to tell time by using your shadow, then make a sundial to take home with you.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 30th.
Night Hike
Time: 8:15pm – 9:15pm
Ages: All ages
Walk with us as we explore the woods, cave entrance and lakeshore for nocturnal critters such as owls, deer, frogs, bats, raccoons, salamanders and night insects.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 30th.
Monday, July 2nd
Trees Are Terrific
Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 6-adult
Walk the lake trail with a ranger and learn about some of the common trees you can find in the park and maybe even your back yard.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 30th.
Wednesday, July 4th
Don’t Be A Bully – Plant Native
Time: 5:00pm – 5:45pm
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 July 2nd.
Thursday, July 5th
Bats
Time: 11:00am – 12:00am
Ages: 8 – adult
Stay indoors, stay cool and learn about The Secret World of Bats.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 4th.
Friday, July 6th
Cave Wonders
Time: 10:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 12 – adult
Explore the cool cave entrance, look for the critters that call it home. What might we see? Ringneck snakes, cave salamanders, phoebes, spiders, millipedes and others.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 4th.
Travel Into The Past
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Ages: 7-adult
Did you know that Dunbar Cave was once a popular summer resort? People came from all over to tour the cave, swim in the first concrete pool in town, take a boat ride in the lake, dine at the Idaho Springs Hotel, and then dance the night away to big band music at the cool cave entrance. Take a tour of the park and learn about why people have such fond memories of the Dunbar Cave of times past.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 4th.
Saturday, July 7th
Acorn Extravaganza
Time: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 5 and up
Learn fun facts about acorns and make an acorn necklace to take home with you.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 5th.
History Of Dunbar Cave
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: 6 – adult
Stay cool at this indoor program. We will see what Dunbar Cave used to be, from the Native Americans who called the entrance home, to the first settlers, Resort years, Big Bands and Country Music.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 5th.
*Dunbar Cave State Park reserves the right to cancel some programs in case of extreme heat or inclement weather.
