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: Evening Nature Hike, Fish, Insects and Freshwater Mussels of the Red River, Lake Critters, Fishing Equipment and Techniques 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.
Monday, July 1st
Evening Nature Hike
Time: 6:00pm–7:30pm
Ages: 5 and Up
Bring your walking sticks as we do a 2 mile hike around the trails. We will see what animals will show themselves and discuss some of the plant life seen along the trail. The hike will be at a slow pace but will be moderately strenuous due to terrain. Please have shoes that are good for hiking, clothing that can get dirty and be ready to ask questions.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Wednesday, July 3rd
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
Thursday, July 4th
Fish, Insects and Freshwater Mussels of the Red River
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Have you ever wondered what really lives under the water? Come join us at Port Royal State Park near Adams, TN and I bet I can show you fish, mussels and insects that you have never seen before. Please wear closed toe shoes and clothing that can get wet (or waders). Children under the age of 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Port Royal State Park’s riverside parking lot.
Reservations Required by: 4:30pm July 3rd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Night Lights
Time: 8:00pm–9:15pm
Ages: 4-adult
We will walk around the lake and find out what we can see at night.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Friday, July 5th
Fishing Equipment and Techniques
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Are you new to fishing or have children that really want to learn how to fish? Please meet me at the visitor’s center or join us at Swan Lake beside the visitor’s center as I bring out different equipment and discuss the different techniques of fishing in Middle Tennessee.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Evening Woods Walk
Time: 6:30pm–8:00pm
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.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Saturday, July 6th
Lake Critters
Time: 10:00am–11:30am
Ages: 4 and Up
Come out and explore Swan Lake as we find animals to talk about and learn their importance to the natural world around us. Please wear closed toed shoes, clothing that can get wet and insect repellent. We will play in the shallow water and see what animals allow us to capture them.
Reservations Required.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger