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: Nature Boot Camp, Beginning Birding, Trail of Tears Walk, Fishing Equipment and Techniques, and Insects.
Guides are available in the park office.
Programs marked with an * will help you earn your badge.
Sunday, August 3rd
Nature Boot Camp
Time: 5:30am–6:30am
Ages: 12 and up
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. Please sign up as only 16 people will be admitted per class.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 1st.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Beginning Birding
Time: 6:30pm–7:30pm
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 August 1st.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Tuesday, August 5th
Trail of Tears Walk
Time: 9:00am–10:00am
Ages: 8- adult
Join us at Port Royal Historic Area to learn about the Trail of Tears. Meet at the River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 3rd.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
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 August 3rd.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Thursday, August 7th
Summer Wildflowers
Time: 7:00pm–8:00pm
Ages: 12 – adult
Want to learn to identify the flowers of our summer fields and roadsides but can’t take one of our wildflower hikes? Learn about them through this video showing.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 5th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Friday, August 8th
Fishing Equipment and Techniques
Time: 9:30am–10:30am
Ages: All Ages
Are you new to fishing or have children that really want to learn how to fish? Please meet me at the visitor’s center of Port Royal State Park as I bring out different equipment and discuss the different techniques of fishing in Middle Tennessee.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 6th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Saturday, August 9th
Nature Boot Camp
Time: 5:30am–6:30am
Ages: 12 and up
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. Please sign up as only 16 people will be admitted per class.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 7th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Time: 7:30pm–8:30pm
Ages: All ages
Enjoy an easy evening walk as daytime turns into night.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 7th.
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.
