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.
Some of the upcoming events include: Trees Are Terrific, Safe Day Hike, Animal Homes, Wildflower Hike, Port Royal History Walk, and Night Hike and Night Sounds.
Guides are available in the park office.
Programs marked with an * will help you earn your badge.
Sunday, July 6th
Trees Are Terrific*
Time: 10:00am–11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
Learn about the trees around you on this easy walk around the grounds.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 5th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Safe Day Hike*
Time: 11:00am–12:00noon
Ages: All Ages
Join us for a class on basic day hike safety. We will talk about everything from blisters to walking sticks and the essentials to have with you on any day hike.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 5th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Evening Nature Hike*
Time: 7:15pm–8:30pm
Ages: All ages
We will take the one mile Short Loop Trail to see what else is out in the woods as the day ends and the sun goes down.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 5th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Monday, July 7th
All About Turtles
Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm
Ages: 4 – 12
We can always count on seeing turtles! Learn about the reptiles that have a shell.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 5th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Tuesday, July 8th
Animal Homes
Time: 3:30pm–5:00pm
Ages: 3 – 8
Where do animals live and sleep? Learn the answer through books and a short hike.
Reservations Required By: 4:30pm July 6th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
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 By: 4:30pm July 6th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Thursday, July 10th
Port Royal History Walk*
Time: 9:00am–10:00am
Ages: 5- adult
Join us for a walk around Port Royal Historic Area to learn what it was like in the past. Meet at the upper parking lot (beside the Visitor Center).
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 8th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Night Hike and Night Sounds*
Time: 7:30pm–9:00pm
Ages: 5 and Up
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 July 8th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Friday, July 11th
What’s Bugging You? – Insects*
Time: 9:00am–11:00am
Ages: 5 – 12
We’ll learn about insects with books and a DVD, then get outside to catch and release them!
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 9th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Creek Stomp*
Time: 10:30am–11:30am
Ages: 5 and Up
Bring your water shoes and imaginations as we use nets to capture the creatures of the Swan Lake spillway. We will see what animals will show themselves and will discuss them and what their role is in the circle of life. Please have footwear and clothing that can get wet.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 9th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Evening Walk*
Time: 7:00pm–8:30pm
Ages: All ages
Enjoy an evening stroll around the lake as we look for animals that live in or near the water.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 9th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Saturday, July 12th
Night Hike for Little Naturalists (and their parents)*
Time: 8:00pm–9:00pm
Ages: 2 – 10
Bring out the kids and take an easy walk around the lake with our ranger. (Younger children are also welcome to come along if you can’t find a babysitter).
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 10th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
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.
