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. There are programs for children and adults.
Upcoming events include: Night Hike, Evening Woods Walk, Night Hike and Night Critters, Fireflies, Kids Hike, Insects 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.
*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.
Sunday, June 16th
Nature Finds: Scavenger Hunt*
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Ages: 4-9
We will walk around the lake and look for interesting natural things and learn how they fit together.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Night Hike*
Time: 8:00pm–9:15pm
Ages: 5 and Up
Dunbar Cave is a happening place after the gates close. Enjoy an evening stroll through the woods as we listen for Owls, Frogs, Toads, Crickets and other creatures of the night.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Monday, June 17th
Evening Woods Walk*
Time: 6:30pm–8:00pm
Ages: All ages
This time of day is great for seeing wildlife such as deer. Come walk the Recovery Trail (2 miles) with a
Ranger in the evening and beat the heat. Bring water and sturdy shoes.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Tuesday, June 18th
Night Hike and Night Critters*
Time: 8:00pm–9:30pm
Ages: 10 and Up
Come out and enjoy Dunbar Cave State Natural Area while the park is usually closed. We will learn night sounds as well as learning many of the animals that come out after we have been in bed. The hike will be a moderate in difficulty due to terrain but we will move slowly because of the dark. Adults please have flashlights as we will try to keep the amount of light to a minimum.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Fireflies
Time: 8:15pm–9:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Lightning bugs, glowworms, little lanterns of the night. Join us for a program on these magical insects. If the show is really spectacular we will stay out even later, but if little ones need to get to bed you can leave at any time!
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Amy Atkins Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Wednesday, June 19th
Morning Nature Hike*
Time: 8:00am–9:30am
Ages: 10 and Up
Bring your walking sticks as we make a 2 mile hike around the natural area trails. We will see what animals will show themselves and will discuss some of the plant life seen along the trail. The hike will be at a slow pace but will be moderately strenuous due to terrain. Please have shoes that are good for hiking, clothing that can get dirty and be ready to ask questions.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Thursday, June 20th
Kids Hike*
Time: 9:00am–10:00am
Ages: 5-15
Bring your kids out for a walk around the lake. They will learn about the natural world around them and get to ask lots of questions. All ages are welcome but children age 5 and younger should bring a parent for help with the walk. Please have shoes that are good for hiking and clothing that can get dirty.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Night Hike*
Time: 8:00pm–9:15pm
Ages: 5 and Up
Dunbar Cave is a happening place after the gates close. Enjoy an evening stroll through the woods as we listen for Owls, Frogs, Toads, Crickets and other creatures of the night.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Friday, June 21st
Insects*
Time: 10:00am–11:30am
Ages: 5–12
We’ll learn the different kinds of insects, catch and release them!
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Overnight Backpacking Training (Part 2)
Time: 6:00pm–8:00pm
Ages: 10 and up
This is the second part of a four part training series preparing people to head out for an overnight stay in our local woods. For this installment we will wear and bring all of our gear (we will have talked about how to pack in Part 1). Following a simple gear check we will head out on one of your trails here at the park. This hike will be strenuous do to terrain and the weight. After the hike we will check for injuries and discuss treatment and ways to alter gear to avoid injury in the future.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Saturday, June 22nd
Native American History and Artifacts
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm
Ages: All Ages
The history of Native Americans in Middle Tennessee goes back thousands of years to the cave dwelling Paleo Native Americans. Come meet us at the cave entrance and see all the artifacts and learn how the native people of the area used them and how they were created. Get to look at and TOUCH items made by the native people thousands of years ago while enjoying the natural air conditioning the ways the natives did.
No Reservations Required Just Come Meet Us at the Cave Entrance.
Presented by: John Froeschauer and Shawn Settle
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.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
