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 during the year. There are programs for children and adults.
Some of the upcoming events include: Port Royal History Walk, Dunbar’s History, Woodland Wildlife, Evening to Night Hike and the Mysterious Underground World.
Thursday, January 7th
Port Royal History Walk
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am
Ages: 8 to adult
Join us for a walk around Port Royal Historic Area. Meet at the upper parking lot (beside the Visitor Center).
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 6th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Dunbar’s History
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Ages: 8 -adult
Enjoy a walk around the area as you learn about our history.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 6th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Friday, January 8th
Woodland Wildlife
Time: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Ages: 4 – adult
Enjoy a walk through the woods as we look for the animals of winter.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 6th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Evening to Night Hike
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
All: ages
We will walk the one mile Short Loop Trail as the sun sets and nocturnal animals come out.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 6th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Saturday, January 9th
Time: 3:00pm – 3:45pm
Ages: 8 – adult
See bats as we could never see them here through this award-winning nature documentary. We will be inside the warm Visitor Center – come early and see our Museum!
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 7th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Monday, January 11th
Mysterious Underground World
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Ages: 8 – adult
Since we aren’t able to go in the cave this time of year, take this chance to learn about America’s greatest caverns in this indoor DVD presentation.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 9th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Tuesday, January 12th
Bird Hike at Port Royal
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Ages: Adult
Bring binoculars and learn the birds that call this area home for the winter. Meet at Visitor Center (upper) parking lot.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 10th.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Port Royal Hike
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Ages: All Ages
Join us for a hike on the Port Royal Historic Area’s River Bottom Trail. Dress warmly and prepare for a muddy trail. Meet at River Bottom Trail parking lot.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 10th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Wednesday, January 13th
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Ages: All ages
This is a great time of year to walk in the woods at night – no heat, no humidity, no bugs. Dress warmly and we will walk the Short Loop Trail as the sun sets and darkness rises– we might hear owls and other creatures as we go.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 11th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Ranger
Thursday, January 14th
Recovery Trail Hike
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Ages: Adults
Enjoy a 2 mile walk through the woods to look at trees, fungi, animals and other organisms.
Reservations required by: 4:30pm, January 12th.
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.
Dunbar Cave State Park is located at 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road, Clarksville Tennessee.
Port Royal State Historic Park is located at 3300 Old Clarksville Springfield Road, Adams, Tennessee.
Call 931.648.5526 for reservations.
