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Construction Coming To Mammoth Cave National Park

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Published Date

July 9, 2015
The entrance to the Historic tour cave at Mammoth Cave National Park/NPS

Some interruptions are coming to Historic cave tours at Mammoth Cave National Park/NPS

A variety of construction projects coming to Mammoth Cave National Park beginning in August will cause a few issues for park visitors, but in the long run should provide a better experience for them.

Cedar Sink Road Repair

One mile of Cedar Sink Road, in the southwest corner of the park, will be rebuilt, surfaced, and guardrails will be replaced. The road will be closed August 1 through December 31. Detour signs will direct traffic to use the Silent Grove Road.

Historic Tour Trail Reconstruction

Two miles of cave trail will receive paving stones and lint guards between September 2015 and December 2016. Tours/routes will be altered; the following is an outline from the contract:

* September 8, 2015 – Memorial Day 2016: on weekdays there will be no tours in the Historic section; weekend tours to Rafinesque Hall.

* Fall break 2015 (about four weeks): Daily tours to Rafinesque Hall.

* Spring break 2016 (about six weeks): Daily tours to Rafinesque Hall.

* Memorial Day 2016 – Labor Day 2016: Historic section will be open for tours.

* Labor Day 2016 – December 31, 2016: On weekdays there will be no tours in the Historic section; weekend tours to Rafinesque Hall.

* Fall break 2016 (about four weeks): Daily tours to Rafinesque Hall.

On average, 225,000 people walk the Historic Tour route every year. Most of the existing trail used on cave tours was constructed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Over the decades, the route has become marked by pot holes, loose sediment, and uneven surfaces.

A boardwalk and concrete paving stones were installed in the last 15 years as pilot projects to help determine the type of trail that would best suit various cave environments. Paving stones, like those used on patios, have proven to be the most practical method. The park is currently soliciting bids for the work through www.FedBizOpps.gov. The bid period closes July 17.

The construction schedule is tentative. Posted tour offerings and tour times may be subject to change during the construction period.

Concessions Facilities Renovation

The main lodge (dining areas, gift shops, lobby, accessible rooms, Rotunda Room) will be closed September 8 – May 16, 2016 for replacement of utilities, including HVAC, plumbing, electric; a fire suppression system will be added. 

The hotel's Heritage Trail wing will close September 8, and will be demolished when funding becomes available.

Forever Resorts will continue to offer limited food service at the Cavers Camp Store.

Daily bus transportation for cave tours will continue.

Lodging as follows: To reserve rooms after October 1, call 270-758-2225. Sunset Terrace Lodge will receive interior and exterior renovations and landscaping. Work begins September 8. Ten rooms will remain open from September 8 to November 1. Work will continue through the winter and is planned to be completed by mid-March 2016, when Sunset Terrace Lodge will reopen.

The 10 hotel cottages, which have HVAC units, will remain open through the fall (weather dependent), closing November 1. The 20 Woodland Cottages, which are rustic structures without HVAC, will remain open in the fall as long as weather permits.

All lodging will close for the season on November 1, with plans to reopen in March 2016. The concessions contract, to operate food service, gift sales, and overnight accommodations, is open for bid through September 9.

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