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: The Secret World of Bats, Bird Hike, Dunbar Cave History Walk, Easy Night Hike, Kids Nature Games, and Eyes of the Night.
Guides are available in the park office.
Programs marked with an * will help you earn your badge.
Tuesday, July 1st
The Secret World of Bats
Time: 7:30pm–8:15pm
Ages: 8-adult
Beat the heat and learn about the fascinating winged creatures of the night through this award-winning DVD about bats found all over the world.
Reservations By: 4:30pm, July 1st.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Wednesday, July 2nd
Dunbar Cave History Walk*
Time: 9:00am–10:30am
Ages: 5 to adult
Join us for an easy walk around the grounds and to the cave to learn about Dunbar’s past, including the early settlers and the fight over ownership, why we had a pool, bowling alley, and monkeys in cages, and how those structures at the cave were used.
Reservations By: 4:30pm, July 1st.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Thursday, July 3rd
History of Port Royal*
Time: 6:00pm–7:30pm
Ages: 4 to 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, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Easy Night Hike*
Time: 8:00pm–9:00pm
Ages: All ages
If you aren’t able to do 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, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Friday, July 4th
Bird Hike*
Time: 7:00am–9:00am
Ages: 8-adult
Cardinals, Blue Jays, Phoebes and more! Bring your binoculars and learn the birds that call the Natural Area home.
Reservations By: 4:30pm, July 3rd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Fish, Insects and Freshwater Mussels of the Red River*
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
Ages: All Ages
Have you ever wondered what really lives down there 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). All ages, children under the age of 13 should be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Port Royal State Park’s riverside parking lot.
Reservations By: July 2nd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Beginning Birding*
Time: 10:00am–11:30am
Ages: 6 – adult
Learn the basics of this fun hobby with a short lesson on when, where and what to look for, the basic birds of the area, and a walk around the grounds to look for birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, but they are not required.
Reservations By: 4:30pm, July 2nd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Saturday, July 5th
Kids Nature Games
Time: 10:00am–11:00am
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, July 3rd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Dunbar of Days Gone By*
Time: 11:00am–12:00noon
Ages: All ages
Did you ever wonder why it’s called DUNBAR cave? Who was Dunbar? Who else lived at the cave or used the area? Counterfeiters, opera singers, shady characters doing suspect land deals – did they or did they not play a part in the history of our park? Come out for a short walk to learn about the park’s past.
Reservations By: 4:30pm, July 3rd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Eyes of the Night
Time: 8:00pm–9:30pm
Ages: 4-adult
Emeralds, diamonds, yellow, orange or green – each animal has a different color of eye shine at night. Bring a flashlight (each person must have one or you won’t be able to see the shine) and join us on a walk around the lake to search for our night creatures.
Reservations By: 4:30pm, July 3rd.
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.
