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. There are programs for children and adults.
Upcoming events include:Wildflower Walk, Fishing Equipment and Techniques, History of Port Royal, Evening Trail Hike, APSU Bat Night and Nature Detectives!
Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All programs require reservations by the deadline listed. Programs with no reservations by the deadline are 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). 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.
Monday, August 5th
Wildflower Walk
Time: 8:00am–9:30am
Ages: 10-Adult
Learn the names and lore of the flowers on this hike to the cave and along the lake.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
Program Leader:Â Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Fish, Insects and Freshwater Mussels of the Red River
Time: 3:00pm–4:30pm
Ages: All ages
Join us at Port Royal State Park near Adams, TN and see fish, mussels and insects that you may have never seen before. Meet at Port Royal State Park’s riverside parking lot.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 4th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Tuesday, August 6th
Fishing Equipment and Techniques
Time: 12:30pm–1:30pm
Ages: All Ages
Please meet me at the visitor’s center a 12:00 or join us at Swan Lake beside the visitor’s center as I bring out different equipment and discuss the different techniques of fishing in Middle Tennessee.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 5th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Wednesday, August 7th
History of Port Royal
Time: 3:00pm–4:30pm
Ages: 4 and Up
We will make our way down the Trail of Tears as we talk about the park and its history. Meet at Port Royal in the upper parking lot next to the old building.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 5th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Evening Trail Hike
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Ages: All ages
This time of day is great for seeing wildlife such as deer, owls and bats. Come walk the 2 mile trail and beat the heat.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 6th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
APSU Bat Night
Time: 7:00pm–8:30pm
Ages: All Ages
How well do you know your bats??? Have you heard they carry rabies, get caught in your hair and so on? Please join us at the cave entrance to learn the truth about these commonly misunderstood creatures and have the chance to see one up close and personal.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 6th.
Program Leader: Shawn Settle, Seasonal Interpretive Ranger
Thursday, August 8th
Trees Are Terrific
Time: 9:00am–10:00am
Ages: 6-adult
Walk the lake trail with a ranger and learn about some of the common trees you can find in the park.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 7th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Nature Readings: Friends
Time: 3:30pm–4:00pm
Ages: 5-7
Meet at the cool cave entrance and listen to stories about friends in nature.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 7th.
Program Leader:Â Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Friends of Dunbar Cave Meeting
Time: 6:00pm–7:00pm
If you use the park, please support the park by becoming a Friends member. Visitor Center, AV room.
Friday, August 9th
Birding
Time: 8:00am–10:00am
Ages: Adult
Bring your binoculars and learn some of the birds of summer.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 8th.
Program Leader:Â Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Evening Hike
Time: 6:00pm–7:30pm.
Ages: All Ages
This time of day is great for seeing wildlife such as deer, owls and bats. Come walk the 2 mile trail and beat the heat.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 8th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Saturday, August 10th
Nature Detectives
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Ages: 5 – 12
We may not always see animals, but can still learn about the clues and signs that they leave behind.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 8th.
Program Leader:Â Amy Wallace, Interpretive Specialist
Dunbar In Days Gone By
Time: 6:00pm–7:30pm
Ages: 10-adult
Learn about what Dunbar Cave used to be like – parties, dances, bowling alleys and more.
Reservations By: 4:30pm August 9th.
Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger