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: Fishing Equipment and Techniques, Lake Life, Wildflower Hike, Spiders, Nature Boot Camp, Morning Nature Hike, and Trees Are Terrific.
Guides are available in the park office.
Programs marked with an * will help you earn your badge.
Sunday, July 13th
Fishing Equipment and Techniques
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Ages: All Ages
Are you new to fishing or have children that really want to learn how to fish? Please meet me at the Visitors Center or join us at Swan Lake beside the Visitors Center as I bring out different equipment and discuss the different techniques of fishing in Middle Tennessee.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 11th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Lake Life*
Time: 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Ages: 4-adult
What lives in the lake? We’ll walk around the easy Lake Trail and learn about aquatic plants and animals like turtles, frogs and beavers.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 11th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park 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 11th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Monday, July 14th
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 By: 4:30pm July 12th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Tuesday, July 15th
Time: 9:30am–11:00am
Ages: 5-11
Eight-legged creepy crawlies? Or neat animals? Learn about spiders through books and a spider hunt.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 13th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Port Royal History Walk*
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
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 13th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Thursday, July 17th
Nature Boot Camp
Time: 5:30am – 6:30am
Ages: 14 – adult
Want to learn different ways to use nature as a gym? Let us show you how to use things found on the park as gym equipment and train to use the human body how nature intended. Classes are on Thursdays and Saturdays through July 26th (you don’t have to come to every class).
Please make reservations as space is limited.
Port Royal Plant Walk
Time: 9:00am – 10:00am
Ages: 10 – adult
Walk the River Bottom Trail (1/2 mile) and learn the trees and other plants of the area.
Meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 15th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Friday, July 18th
Time: 7:00am – 8:30am
Ages: 5 and Up
Bring your walking sticks as we make a 2 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 16th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Trees Are Terrific*
Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
Ages: 5 – adult
Learn about the trees around you on this easy walk around the grounds.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 16th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Saturday, July 19th
National Moth Week
Time: 8:00pm – 9:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Bring your cameras and field guides out to Dunbar Cave to see what kinds of moths we can find in our light trap. We will set up a very specialized attractant to bring in moths and other nocturnal insects. All species found will be turned in to the Butterflies and Moths of North America database.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 17th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive 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.
