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: Bugs, Slugs and Other Uugs, National Moth Week, Lake Life, Port Royal History Walk, Evening Nature Hike, Kids Nature Games, and Cooling at the Cave.
Guides are available in the park office.
Programs marked with an * will help you earn your badge.
Sunday, July 20th
Bugs, Slugs and Other Uugs*
Time: 8:30am–10:00am
Ages: 4-adult
Let’s look for the creepy crawlies that hide under rocks and logs!
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 18th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
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 really neat 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 18th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Monday, July 21st
Lake Life*
Time: 3:30pm–5:00pm
Ages: 5 – 10
What animals and plants live in and around the lake? Learn the answer through books and a short hike.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 19th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
“Bugs” DVD Showing
Time: 7:30pm–8:00pm
Ages: All Ages
If you don’t want to be outside in the heat but still want to learn about bugs and other insects, join us for this indoor program.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 19th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Tuesday, July 22nd
Port Royal History Walk*
Time: 7:00pm–8:00pm
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 20th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Wednesday, July 23rd
Evening Nature Hike*
Time: 7:15pm–8:30pm
Ages: All ages
We will take the easy Lake Trail to see what else is out around the water as the day ends and the sun goes down.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 21st.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Thursday, July 24th
Basic Trail First Aid
Time: 10:30am–11:30am
Ages: 5 and Up
Do you like to hike or spend time in the woods? Have you ever wondered how to treat some of the more common injuries encountered while hiking? Join us on a short hike around the natural area and practice some basic trail first aid as we walk.
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 22nd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Friday, July 25th
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 23rd.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Saturday, July 26th
Cooling at the Cave
Time: 3:00pm–5:00pm
Ages: All ages
The Friends of Dunbar Cave present a throwback to Dunbar’s past as a music and dance cave. The Cumberland Winds Jazz Group will play at the cool cave entrance as you play games and enjoy homemade refreshments.
Free, refreshments provided with a donation. T-shirts and memberships available to purchase. There will also be a silent auction of various items to raise funds for the Friends group and the good work they do for the park.
No reservations needed.
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 really neat 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 24th.
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.
