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: Beginning Birding, Animals of Port Royal, Morning Nature Hike, Kids Nature Games, Evening Woods Walk 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 29th
Night Hike
Time: 8:00–9:15pm
Ages: All ages
Enjoy an evening stroll through the woods as we look for the creatures of the night.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 29th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Tuesday, July 30th
Beginning Birding
Time: 6:30pm–8:00pm
Ages: Adults
Birding is a fun hobby – learn the basics with this program. Bring binoculars.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 30th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Wednesday, July 31st
Frogs and Toads
Time: 7:30pm-9:00pm
Ages: 5-10
Join us as we learn the difference between these creatures and take a short frog hike.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 30th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Animals of Port Royal
Time: 7:30pm–9:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Join us at Port Royal State Park in Adams, TN for a walk around the park ground to see what kinds of animals we can find. During this time of day there is no telling what cool animals will show themselves as we make the fairly easy walk around the parks trail. Please bring a flashlight and wear bug spray.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 30th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Thursday, August 1st
Morning Nature Hike
Time: 8:30am–10:00am
Ages: All Ages
Bring your walking sticks as we make a 1 mile hike around the natural area trails. We will see what animals will show themselves and will 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 By: 4:30pm July 31st.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Friday, August 2nd
Kids 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 By: 4:30pm August 1st.
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 By: 4:30pm August 1st.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Saturday, August 3rd
Lake Life
Time: 9:30am–11:00am
Ages: 4-adult
What lives in the lake? We’ll walk around the easy Lake Trail and learn about aquatic plants and animals.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 2nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
A Sense of Nature
Time: 5:00pm–6:30pm
Ages: 4–10
We will use sight, sound, touch and smell (and maybe a little tasting) to learn about the natural things around us.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 2nd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Night Hike and Night Critters
Time: 8:00pm–9:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Come out and enjoy Dunbar Cave State Natural Area while the park is usually closed. We will learn night sounds as well as learning many of the animals that come out after we have been in bed. The hike will be a moderate in difficulty due to terrain but we will move slowly because of the dark. Adults please have flashlights as we will try to keep the amount of light to a minimum
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 2nd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
