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: Night Hike, Snake Tales, Birds, Butterflies 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.
Thursday, August 11th
Nature Readings – Butterflies
Time: 3:0pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 3 – 8
We will sit at the cool cave entrance and learn about butterflies through fun books.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 9th.
Night Hike
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Walk one mile at night as we explore the woods and lakeshore for owls, deer, frog, and raccoons.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 9th.
Friday, August 12th
Snake Tales
Time: 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Ages: 3-10
Join us as we read books about a boy who was afraid of snakes – and a snake who was afraid of people!
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 10th.
Evening Critter Hike
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 6 – Adult
Join us for a hike to observe the many creatures that come out at night on the park .
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 10th.
Saturday, August 13th
Butterflies
Time: 10:30am – 12:00noon
Ages: 10 – adult
See Tigers, Zebras, Skippers and more beautiful colorful butterflies at the Natural Area – and learn to identify them. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Program Leader: John Froeschauer, Regional Naturalist
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 11th.
Snakes
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Ages: All ages
Join Sherry and Donnie of Reptiliacs for a close up look at live snakes.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 11th.
Full Moon Rising Hike
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Ages: 5 – adult
The full moon will rise at 7:28 – be with us as we hike by the light of the moon – and maybe see owls, beaver, frogs and other animals.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 11th.
Sunday, August 14th
Sinkholes!
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages: 6 to adult
Understand how and why the earth opens up beneath our feet … and houses… and streets! Short indoor presentation plus a hike on the Short Loop Trail to see actual sinkholes.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 12th.
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 12th.
Monday, August 15th
Birds
Time: 8:30am – 10:00am
Ages: All ages
Birdwatching at its best – come take an early morning hike and see our many different birds.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 13th.
Tuesday, August 16th
Recycling
Time: 3:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 5 to adult
View a short presentation on how and why to recycle.
Program Leader: Jerrod Manning, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 14th.
Insects
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
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 August 14th.
Wednesday, August 17th
Night Hike
Time: 7:30pm – 8:45pm
Ages: All Ages
Walk one mile and explore the woods and lakeshore for owls, deer, frogs, and raccoons.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 15th.
