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: Learn About Dunbar Cave SNA*, Bats and White Nose Syndrome*, Frogs and Toads*, History of Port Royal*, Night Hike and Night Sounds*, and Kids Nature Games.
Guides are available in the park office.
Programs marked with an * will help you earn your badge.
Tuesday, June 24th
Learn About Dunbar Cave SNA*
Time: 2:00pm–3:00pm
Ages: 8-adult
Did you know that Native American Indians lived at the cave entrance? Have you ever wondered why we have a dance floor and bandstand at the cave? Why is it called Dunbar Cave Natural Area?? Learn about the Natural Area, past and present, with this indoor presentation.
Reservations By: 10:00am June 24th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Wednesday, June 25th
Bats and White Nose Syndrome*
Time: 2:00pm–3:00pm
Ages: 10-adult
Learn about the bats of Dunbar Cave and Tennessee and the disease that is affecting them.
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 24th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Thursday, June 26th
Frogs and Toads*
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Ages: 5 – 10
Join us as we learn the difference between these creatures and take a short frog hike.
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 25th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Time: 7:45pm–9:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Lightning bugs, glowworms, little lanterns of the night. Join us for a program on these magical insects. If the show is really spectacular we will stay out even later, but if little ones need to get to bed you can leave at any time!
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 25th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Friday, June 27th
Pawprints and Poop*
Time: 9:00am-11:00am
Ages: 5–12
Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind.
Reservations By: 4:30 June 25th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
History of Port Royal*
Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm
Ages: 4 – adult
Come out and explore Port Royal State Park. We will make our way down the Trail of Tears as we talk about the park and its history. Please wear clothing appropriate for hiking and bring sun screen and bug spray. We will meet at Port Royal in the upper parking lot next to the old building.
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 25th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Night Hike and Night Sounds*
Time: 7:30pm–9:00pm
Ages: 5 – adult
Come out and enjoy Port Royal State Historic Park 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 June 25th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Easy Night Hike*
Time: 8:00pm–9:00pm
Ages: All ages
If you aren’t comfortable doing the longer night hikes we have, come out for this easy hike around the lake. We might see or hear owls, frogs, raccoons, beavers, night insects and more creatures as we go through the darkness.
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 25th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Saturday, June 28th
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 June 26th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Park by Flashlight Hike*
Time: 8:00pm–9:30pm
Ages: All ages
Hike the one mile trail by flashlight as we see what we can find after the park closed for the night. Bring a flashlight (one per person), water and wear your bug spray.
Reservations By: 4:30pm June 26th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Dunbar Cave State Park Programs Information
Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All programs require reservations by the Deadline Listed. Programs with no reservations by the deadline will be 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).
Age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is younger or older than the age limits given.
Call 931.648.5526 for reservations.
