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: Tree Identification Hike, Creek Animals, Night Hike, Nature Detectives. Overnight Backpacking Training (Part 2), Wildflower Hike, Birds of Prey 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 23rd
Tree Identification Hike
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Ages: 6-Adult
Walk the Short Loop (1 mile) trail with a ranger and learn about some of the common trees you can find in the park and maybe even your back yard.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Creek Animals
Time: 2:30pm–4:00pm
Ages: 6 and up
Come out and explore the spillway and creek that drain Swan Lake. We will find all kinds of animals and we will talk about their importance to the natural world around us. Please wear closed toed shoes and clothing that can get wet. The walk to the spillway will be easy but please use insect repellent. We will play in the shallow water and see what animals allow us to capture them.
Reservations Required by 11:00am, June 23rd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Night Hike
Time: 8:00pm–9:30pm
Ages: 10 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: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Full Moon Lunacy
Time: 8:15pm–9:30pm
Ages: 5-adult
The full moon is rumored to cause strange things to happen. Learn about the moon and watch as it rises over the lake. Program will be canceled in case of rain or cloudy weather.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Monday, June 24th
Nature Detectives*
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Ages: 5 – 12
Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind.
Reservations Required by 4:30pm, June 22nd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Wednesday, June 26th
Nature Games
Time: 8:30am–10:00am
Ages: All Ages
Bring out the kids for fun games that will allow them to understand nature and enjoy the outdoors. Please have clothing that can get dirty and be ready to have fun.
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 28th
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
Wildflower Hike
Time: 7:00pm–8:00pm
Ages: Adults
Learn the names and lore of the flowers on this easy hike around the lake.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Saturday, June 29th
Birds of Prey
Time: 11:00am, 2:00pm and 5:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Please join us at the cave entrance as Rebecca Davenport of Montgomery Bell State Park brings out some of her feathered friends. Come and enjoy learning about these wonders of the sky and get a close look at hawks and owls as we enjoy the natural air conditioning of the cave. Cameras Welcome!!!
No Reservations Needed.
Presented by Rebecca Davenport and Shawn Settle
Between Bird Shows – Animals of Tennessee (Pelts)
Ages: All Ages
Have you ever wondered what a beaver, or perhaps a bobcat feel like? Come join us at the cave entrance and find out. Showing of pelts will take place between birds of prey showings.
No Reservations Needed.
Presented by Rebecca Davenport and Shawn Settle
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
