For anyone that has never gone underground, the experience really is otherworldly and wondrous. Caves and caverns hold ancient lava flows, formations built drip by drip over thousands of years, underwater lakes and wells and twinkling roofs that closely resemble the night sky. Across the United States, there are people that have been exploring these caves and caverns and now many of them are open to the public in a way that is safe for them to explore and discover another world.
The ground has opened up in so many places, but these are the great cave destinations across America that families can add to their next road trip or vacation plans.
Deep in the heart of Texas sit the Natural Bridge Caverns which are a huge attraction because of the family friendly tours that mix education with cool facts. The caverns are just outside of San Antonio in New Braunfels, where you can descend over two hundred feet underground to see the largest caverns in the state and the largest bat colony. After you’ve gazed at the underground formations, head back up for even more adventurous fun on some high wire challenge courses.
Kentucky is home to the largest known cave system, with so many chambers that you could travel through a good portion of the Mammoth Cave National Park without ever having to leave the network. Park rangers lead the tours here and the focus is on the geological importance, formation and wildlife in and around the caves. This park is an entire destination with camping, boating and other types of recreation possible for families and guests.
This cave makes the list because of the way you descend and the interesting source of its name. The opening to the cave is a steep drown down and open cavern and its thought that this opening is what accounts for the moaning sounds miners said they heard, and ultimately led to the discovery of the caves. Guests can walk down into the shaft or rappel, with the help of trained guides, giving you the ultimate explorer’s experience. The caverns are so extensive you can book up to a three hour explorer’s tour with guides, some of which will take you through tight tunnels.
Springfield, Missouri is home to the Fantastic Caverns which are a great option for families with little ones or anyone that might have a hard time keeping up. The caves are the only caves in America where you can drive through the entire system, and that is exactly how visitors get to visit inside these beautiful caverns. The ride along idea was created when the family that owns the caves and the land it sits under realized how delicate the caverns were and realized that regular tours would not be the better option. This is a family owned and operated cave, so they are especially welcoming and accommodating to families.
Have you ever visited one of the natural caves before?
I have actually never seen a cave like any of these in real life. I was in a “cave” tour in upstate NY once, but it was more of a man-made tunnel that they were calling a cave because it had a few stalagmites starting to grow in it.
I know there are caverns like this in PA and NY – our neighbors. We have yet to see them in person but I’d love to.
I’ve been to Natural Bridge Caverns several times in the past and loved it. We try to stop in every time we’re down that way.
Wow. This looks amazing. A great place to get close to nature.
I have never been in a cave that wasn’t man made. Son and I would love to explore these.
There are quite a few natural caves in the UK I’ve visited. The best being Wookey Hole – if you are ever in England, do check it out!
I have been wanting to take the kids to visit caves. They are very much into their science and geology classes. This is perfect to plan something for the holiday break
I visited Lurray caverns in Virgina several years ago. It’s not quite as grand as the cave that’s shown here. I’d love to see those listed.
I’ve been to the natural bridge caverns in Texas. They are breathtaking.
There are a few caverns in Florida that I dared enter into, but that’s about it. I’d love to see the one pictured. It’s beautiful.
I have but not any of these! I hope I can visit a few more as the kids get older.
I love visiting natural caves but haven’t seen any of the ones you mention here. They sound great!
Um wow!! I love how you blurred the strangers in the background. That’s cool! I haven’t done a cave tour since last June in Collingwood.
I have never heard of the Moaning Caves & I live in California! I must look it up now & go 🙂
The only cave I’ve been to is Laray Caverns in Virginia. It’s a pretty amazing place to visit.
I’d love to swim in a cave or cavern. IT seems so adventurous!
For the longest time I wanted to see Mammoth Cave. It sounds fascinating to me.
I would love to go see a cave and waterfall. It sounds like such a cool thing to see!
This is a great list! I have always wanted to go into some of these amazing caverns! I think my family would love to join me too!
I am totally scared of being underground, but I did go to a cave one and hang out in the front. I think if I could get over my fear, it would be so fascinating to really go deep inside!
I think my boys would be all over this. they love caves and exploring, this is something I really need to look into. Thanks for sharing the picture was breathtaking
I’ve never been to any of these places. We could make a day trip to the Missouri location though. We don’t live too far from the Maquoketa Caves in Iowa.
My husband and I used to explore caves all the time before we had kids. We have plans to see Natural Bridge Caverns next summer
I never have, but it sure sounds kind of fun!