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, Evening Trail Hike, Stellaluna, Cave Wonders, Pine Cone Feeders 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, August 5th
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 and also make a sundial to take home with you.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 3rd
Evening Trail Hike
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
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.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 3rd.
Monday, August 6th
Tree Identification Hike
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Ages: 6-Adult
Walk the Short Loop (1 mile) trail with a Ranger, learn about some of the common trees you can find in the park, and maybe even your backyard.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 4th.
Tuesday, August 7th
Stellaluna
Time: 11:00am–11:45am
Ages: 5 – 10
Come out for the reading of Stellaluna, a story about a bat who is separated from her mother, at the cave entrance. We will meet at the Visitors Center and walk to the cave together.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 5th.
Wednesday, August 8th
Cave Wonders
Time: 11:00am–11:30am
Ages: 6 – Adult
Explore the cool cave entrance, look for 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, August 6th.
Thursday, August 9th
Pine Cone Feeders
Time: 11:00am–11:45am
Ages: 5 – 10
Learn about pine cones, birds, and seeds while making a pine cone feeder for your backyard.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 7th.
Evening Trail Hike
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
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.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 7th.
Friday, August 10th
Lake Life
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Ages: 5-adult
What lives in the lake? We’ll walk around the easy Lake Trail and learn about the aquatic plants and animals that make it home.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 8th.
Saturday, August 11th
Butterflies
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Ages: 6 – Adult
Learn about the different species of butterflies, their lifecycle, and how they affect our ecosystem during this special program event!
Program Leader: John Froeschauer, Regional Interpretive Specialist
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 9th.
Evening Trail Hike
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
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.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations by: 4:30pm, August 9th.
