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.
Upcoming events include: Bats are Fun, Walnut Friends, Night Hike, Spiders, History of Dunbar and so much more!
All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
*Dunbar Cave State Park reserves the right to cancel some programs in case of extreme heat or inclement weather.
Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult for each three children). The age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child who is too young or too old for the program. Call 931.648.5526 for reservations.
Sunday, July 8th
Walnut Friends
Time: 3:00pm–4:00pm
Ages: 5 – 12
Walnuts – good to eat, important to the forest. Make a fun walnut figure as you learn about this nut.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 6th.
Night Animals
Time: 8:15pm–9:15pm
Ages: 5 – adult
Walk with us as we explore the woods, cave entrance and lakeshore for nocturnal critters such as owls, deer, frog, bats, raccoons, salamanders and night insects.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 6th.
Monday, July 9th
The Human Sundial
Time: 10:00am–10:30am
Ages: 6 – 14
How can you tell time without a watch? Learn how to tell time by using your shadow, then make a sundial to take home with you.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 7th.
Wednesday, July 11th
Spiders
Time: 9:00am–10:30am
Ages: 5-11
Eight-legged creepy crawlies? Or neat animals? Learn about spiders through books and a spider hunt.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 9th.
Snake Stories
Time: 3:30pm–4:00pm
Ages: 5-10
Join us as we read books about a boy who was afraid of snakes – and a snake who was afraid of people! Meet at the cave entrance.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 9th.
Evening Trail Hike
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm
Ages: All ages
This time of day is great for seeing wildlife such as deer and bats. Come walk with the Ranger.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 9th.
Thursday, July 12th
Trees Are Terrific
Time: 9:00am–10:30am
Ages: 6-adult
Walk the lake trail with a ranger and learn about some of the common trees you can find in the park and maybe even your back yard.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 10th.
Night Hike
Time: 8:10pm–9:20pm
Ages: 5 – adult
Walk with us as we explore the woods, cave entrance and lakeshore for nocturnal critters such as owls, deer, frog, bats, raccoons, salamanders and night insects.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 10th.
Friday, July 13th
History of Dunbar
Time: 9:00am-10:00am
Ages: 7-adult
Did you know that Dunbar Cave was once a popular summer resort? People came from all over to tour the cave, swim in the first concrete pool in town, take a boat ride in the lake, dine at the Idaho Springs Hotel, and then dance the night away to big band music at the cool cave entrance. Take a tour of the park and learn about why people have such fond memories of the Dunbar Cave of times past.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 11th.
Nature Detectives
Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Ages: 5 – 12
Tracks and scat, feathers and fur. Learn about the clues and signs that animals leave behind.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 11th.
Don’t Be A Bully – Plant Native
Time: 6:00pm-6:45pm
Ages: 6 – 14
Some plants will take over the woods and natural areas – learn what plants you shouldn’t have in a garden.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 11th.
Saturday, July 14th
Bats
Time: 2:00pm–3:00pm
Ages: 8 – adult
Stay indoors, stay cool and learn about The Secret World of Bats.
Program Leader: Dave Webb, Seasonal Interpretive Range
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 12th.
Bats Are Fun
Time: 7:00pm–8:30pm
Ages: 5 – 8
We will learn about bats through videos and books, then walk along the lake and see if we can spot some bats flying through the night sky.
Program Leader: Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Reservations By: 4:30pm July 12th.
