Considering how close they are to each other, I would say visiting both is a perfect way to spend a long weekend! Is it Worth Bringing Children Along?įor those considering bringing kids, I can attest that I remembered the difference between stalactites and stalagmites to this day (and impressed my husband when reciting them!) all due to my trip there as a young ten or eleven-year-old girl. Mammoth Cave and Crystal Onyx Cave showcase very different aspects of cave biomes, but both are very worth your time to visit. It was fascinating, and we highly recommend stopping by Crystal Onyx Cave while in the area!Ĭommon Questions About Mammoth Cave and Crystal Onyx: Are Mammoth Cave and Crystal Onyx Worth Visiting? We were led through small passageways and uneven terrain past flowing and dripping water and even sat in complete darkness at the end of the tour to demonstrate the level darkness a cave can create. We were then guided into the entrance of the cave, led down a second flight of stairs where we immediately noticed a drop in temperature and beautiful rock formations. Our 9:00am tour with a very educated tour guide led us down an outdoor ramp and stairs to the opening of the cave. While traveling in the area, we chose to visit Crystal Onyx Cave first. Crystal Onyx Cave, a Neighbor to Mammoth Cave Stalactites and stalagmites formed around a staircase in Crystal Onyx Cave Of course, this practice did not last long but it’s amazing that the houses remain intact. The cave still holds at least 2 of the tiny huts where ill patients resided while calling the cave home. In the mid-1800s doctors believed the crisp (“clean”) air of the cave could heal patients with tuberculosis. We then made our way about a mile down the trail through several large passageways (that were very easy to navigate due to the well-maintained footpaths) to the area of the cave where those infected with tuberculosis were sent. How could something so large exist underground? No picture can adequately show the magnitude of the Rotunda room, but let’s just say we’re pretty sure a football field could fit inside it! I had been there as a child, but it was just as breathtaking the 2nd time as it had been the first. Kaleb geeked out as he observed for the first time the massive rooms created by erosion. The Passageways in Mammoth Cave National Park Minutes later we began the descent by stairs, though an elevator was provided for those pre-approved. Due to Covid, masks were required throughout our time there, but it was only at that moment that I felt the weight of the number of people surrounding us and even felt concerned about Covid. After receiving instructions for our time in the cave by a park ranger, our group migrated down a paved hill and then made an orderly line to hand our tickets to the attendant. I love to stop at the national park and utilize their trails to stretch our legs and get some exercise before continuing on down I-65.) (This has come in handy a few times when traveling through the area with dogs. It is not until they descend into the cave that they are required to pay their tour admission cost. Visitors to the park are welcome to use the hiking trails at no cost to them. Note: There is no additional admission fee to the national park visitors must only pay for cave tours. Mammoth Cave National Park A massive dome at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky Tours and Admission Cost at Mammoth Caveīecause my husband and I visited Mammoth Cave National Parkduring Covid, only one tour was available. Interested in other national parks in the area? We love national parks! Here are some of our blog posts on ones in the area: Shenandoah National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore, and Gateway Arch National Park. Stalagmites, located on the cave floor, are formed as the stalactites above drip on the cave floor, eventually, without disturbance, forming a solid pillar that connects both the stalactite and stalagmite. Stalactites and stalagmites are mineral deposits carried by water that slowly solidify over thousands of years to form beautiful, conical-shaped rock formations both from the ceiling and the floor respectively.
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