So popular were the free cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park last year that park officials have decided to offer similar days this year, beginning with Valentines Day.
“Please come out and join us for a Mammoth Passage tour on February 14, free of charge,” says Superintendent Patrick Reed. “We had such a great response from the public last year, we are continuing the free tours days again this year. Just stop by the visitor center to pick up your free ticket.”
Visitors must pick up their free tickets at visitor center ticket office prior to tour times. On February 14, the free guided Mammoth Passage tours will depart from the visitor center at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The ¾-mile, 1¼ hours Mammoth Passage tour enters the cave at the Historic Entrance and follows a route along Houchins Narrows, the Rotunda, the nitre mining artifacts, Audubon Avenue, and Rafinesque Hall. These are some of the mammoth passages for which the cave was named.
“No matter what the weather is doing on the surface, we like to say it’s always a good day to go in the cave,” adds the superintendent. “In winter, the cave is a balmy 54 degrees; in summer it’s a cool and pleasant 54 degrees.”
Camping fees and fees for other tours of Mammoth Cave will not be waived this day.
The park has scheduled the next fee-free day on Saturday, April 24, during National Park Week.
Comments
Carlsbad has a no-fee area of the cave, and I've never understood why Mammoth can't do likewise. The historic entrance would be a good place for a no-fee, no-guides area.