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Adventures at Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum

I love caving and the Bowling Green, Kentucky region has a LOT of caves to explore in the area. The boys and I enjoyed several adventures at Hidden River Cave.

I loved that this cave is tucked away under the downtown streets of Horse Cave City and that you have options for all adventure levels.

Zipline American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave

Zipline Above the Cave

You can zip line 70 feet above ground at 30 mph. You can opt for a single zip or there are discounts for multiple trips.

Zipline American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave
Zipline American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave

Make sure that you wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothing if you plan on ziplining or rappelling. Don’t forget to dress in layers if you plan on entering the cave. It’s around 60 degrees year-round.

Rappel American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave

Rappel to the Cave Entrance

You can also rappel down 75 ft to the opening of the Hidden River Cave. The hardest part of repelling is leaning back over the edge because it feels so unnatural.

My older son was a little nervous but the guide did a great job of coaching him over the edge. I promise that’s the hardest part! The rest is really fun once you make it over the edge and you get some unique perspectives of the cave.

Rappel American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave

You can choose a single rappel or there are discounts for multiple trips.

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Hidden River Cave Tours

Hidden River Cave first started doing tours around 1916. The public guided tour gives you a lot of history and information on the cave ecosystems as well.

There is a public guided tour that lasts about 45-60 minutes or an extreme 3 or 5-hour tour.

American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave

The cave used to be a source of hydroelectricity and a water source for the town. This tour has quite a few steps, 230, but the views are totally worth it.

Hidden River Cave

If you are interested in the Wild Cave Tours you will need to make a reservation in advance.

The American Cave and Karst Center

You can learn more about cave systems inside the American Cave Museum which is onsite and included with your cave tour

American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave

At the museum, you learn about karst geology, the history of caving, archeology, cave wildlife, and cave formations.

American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave
American Cave Museum ~ Hidden River Cave

You can find out more about Hidden River Cave to plan your next adventure from their website.

Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum is located at 119 E. Main St., Horse Cave, KY 42749.

Disclosure: I was given complimentary accommodations and admissions from Visit Bowling Green for review purposes. All opinions are my own. 

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Adventures at Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum

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