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 take Flight, Atlatl Demonstration, Night Hike 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.
Sunday, June 12th
Paleo-Palooza
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: 6 – adult
Take a look into the past, what animals and plants were here, how they lived, what they are like now. Hands-on fossil exhibit, slideshow and activities.
Program Leader: Brandon Parker, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations: By 4:30pm June 10th.
Atlatl Demostration
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 8 – adult
What’s that? It’s a hunting tool that has been used for over 25,000 years! Join us for a demonstration and even give it a shot (or throw) yourself.
Program Leader: Brandon Parker, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations: No Reservations Needed.
Bats Take Flight
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: All Ages
We will begin at the Visitor Center, then go to the cool mouth of the cave and learn about bats as a few of them emerge from the cave and fly over the lake catching their dinner.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations: By 4:30pm June 10th.
Monday, June 13th
Stream Exploration
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: 6 – 12
Beat the heat by playing in the creek! Meet at Rotary Park and look for crayfish, minnows, salamanders and other fun stuff. You WILL get wet, wear shoes you can get wet (no bare feet allowed).
Program Leader: Brandon Parker, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations: By 4:30 June 11th.
Atlatl Demonstration
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 8 – adult
What’s that? It’s a hunting tool that has been used for over 25,000 years! Join us for a demonstration and even give it a shot (or throw) yourself.
Program Leader: Brandon Parker, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations: No Reservations Needed.
Tuesday, June 14th
Frog Talk
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 6 – adult
Learn about the life and sounds of local frogs and toads, and walk around Swan Lake to try out our identification skills by listening for the songs of our amphibian friends.
Program Leader: Brandon Parker, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations: By 4:30pm June 12th.
Bats Take Flight
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: All ages
We will begin at the Visitor Center then go to the cool mouth of the cave and learn about bats as a few of them emerge from the cave and fly over the lake catching their dinner.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations: By 4:30pm June 13th.
Wednesday, June 15th
Full Moon Lunacy
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 5-adult
The full moon is rumored to cause strange things to happen. Learn about the moon and watch a moonrise. Program will be canceled in case of rain or cloudy weather.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations: By 4:30pm June 13th.
Thursday, June 16th
Fireflies
Time: 7:45pm – 8:45pm
Ages: All Ages
Lightning bugs, glowworms, little lanterns of the night. Join us for a program on these magical insects.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations: By 4:30pm June 14th.
Saturday, June 18th
Night Hike
Time: 8:15pm – 9:15pm
Ages: All Ages
Beat the heat and look for some of the park’s more elusive critters in this hike around the lake and through the woods, looking for owls, deer, raccoons and more. Bring a flashlight.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations: By Noon June 18th.
