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: Frogs and Toads, Hunters of the Past, Junior Ranger Kickoff, Night Flight 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.
Friday, August 5th
Fossil Fun
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: 6 to adult
Uncover the secrets of prehistoric life with a hands-on fossil exhibit and fun activities.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
Hunters of the Past
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: 8-adult
The atlatl is a hunting tool used for millennia. See how you would do hunting wild game with a stick!
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
Junior Ranger Kickoff
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 6-14
Pick up a Junior Ranger Adventure Guide and complete some of the activities to get your badge!
Program Leaders: Park Interpretive Specialist, Ranger and SIR
No Reservations Needed.
Saturday, August 6th
Idaho Springs Exploration
Time: 9:00am – 10:30am
Ages: 6-12
There’s no better way to beat the heat than playing in a creek! Expect to see crayfish, minnows, insects, salamanders and lots of other fun stuff. You WILL get wet – wear old clothes and shoes (required).
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
Hunters of the past (the art of the atlatl)
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 8-adult
The atlatl is a hunting tool used for millennia. See how you would do hunting wild game with a stick!
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
What’s Wild?
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 6 to adult
Learn the difference between wild and domesticated animals by making a collage. Bring old magazines and newspapers with animal pictures.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
Night Flight
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: 5-Adult
Meet at the mouth of the cave to witness a true miracle of nature as our bats emerge from their sleep to get a bite to eat.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
Sunday, August 7th
Fossil Fun
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 6 to adult
Uncover the secrets of prehistoric life with a hands-on fossil exhibit and fun activities.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 5th.
Tree Identification Hike
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Ages: 6 – adult
Walk around the park discovering some of the common trees found in our area.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 5th.
Monday, August 8th
Hunters of the Past (the art of the atlatl)
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 8-adult
The atlatl is a hunting tool used for millennia. See how you would do hunting wild game with a stick!
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 6th.
Bats and Cave Salamanders
Time: 7:45pm – 8:45pm
Ages: All Ages
Stick around after the park closes and view some of the nocturnal delights that emerge from our cave once day turns to night. Bring a flashlight!
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 6th.
Wednesday, August 10th
Frogs and Toads
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 3 – 8
Join us as we learn the difference between these two and take a short frog hike to TRY to find some.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 8th.
