2010 Mammoth Cave Area Travel Guide - LINKABLE 11.20.09
2010 Mammoth Cave Area Travel Guide - LINKABLE 11.20.09
2010 Mammoth Cave Area Travel Guide - LINKABLE 11.20.09
TITLE PAGE
1. Visitors Centers 5
4. Theme Parks 34
a. Big Mike¶s Mystery House 35
b. Cave Country Go Carts 36
c. Dinosaur World 37-38
d. Guntown Mountain 39
e. Ky Action Park & Jesse James Stables 40
f. Jesse James Mini Golf 41
g. Ky. Down Under & Ky. Caverns 42-43
h. Beech Bend Park 44
5. Water Activities 45
a. Mammoth Cave Canoe & Kayak 46
b. Green River Canoeing 47
c. Ridgetop Pay Lake 48
d. Yogi Bear¶s Jellystone Park Waterslide 49
e. Big Buffalo Crossing Canoe & Kayak 50
f. Barren River Resort State Park 51
g. Nolin Lake State Park 52
6. Golf 53
a. Cave Valley Golf Club at Park Mammoth 54
b. Diamond Caverns Golf 55
c. Fox Hollow Golf Course 56-57
d. Barren River Lake State Park Golf 58-59
e. Shady Hollow Golf Course 60
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7. Museums 61
a. Floyd Collins Museum 62-63
b. Mammoth Cave Wax Museum & Village 64
c. Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum 65
d. American Cave Museum & Hidden River Cave 66
e. South Central Kentucky Cultural Center 67
f. Hart County Historical Museum 68
g. Shaker Museum at South Union 69-71
h. Historic Railpark Train Museum 72-73
i. National Corvette Museum 74-75
j. Corvette Assembly Plant Tour Guidelines 76
k. Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia 77-79
9. Horseback Riding 88
a. Jesse James Riding Stables 89
b. Barren River State Park Horseback Riding 90
c. Double J Stables & Horseman¶s Camp 91
d. Mammoth Cave Horse Camp 92-94
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13. Dining 129
a. Family Style & Sit Down Restaurant 129-130
b. Fast Food 131-132
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VISITOR CENTERS
Franklin Welcome Center I-65, Mile Marker 0
Phone: 270-586-6292
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TOURIST INFORMATION
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TOURIST INFORMATION
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CAVES
CAVE CITY
HORSE CAVE
CUB RUN
PARK CITY
BOWLING GREEN
* Note - Please dress accordingly for cave tours with comfortable walking shoes and
light sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket. Temperatures in cave range from 48 to 54 degrees
Fahrenheit and combined with changes in humidity and personal temperature preferences
may be cooler or cold to different individuals taking tours.
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Mammoth Cave National Park
CONTACT INFORMATION
Visitors Information
One Mammoth Cave Parkway
P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY. 42259
Phone: 270-758-2180
www.nps.gov/maca/
GPS Coordinates: N37 11 13.2¶ | W086 06 4.3¶
WHEN TO COME
Mammoth Cave National Park is open daily, with tours offered every day except
December 25, but tour schedules vary from season to season. Summer is the busiest
season, especially around July 4, but certain times in the spring and fall can also be very
busy. You¶ll find less hubbub in the winter season, but fewer tours are offered. Fees are
charged for cave tours. Certain cave tours may require special clothing or equipment.
Visitor Center hours also vary through the year. Contact the park for cave tour
descriptions, schedules, and information on surface activities and special events.
Remember, caves are warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
GETTING HERE
By Air: The nearest major airports are in Louisville and in Nashville, each about 1 ½
hours¶ drive.
From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70.
Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the
Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255
and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road
until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave
Parkway to the Visitor Center.
GPS:
If you¶re equipped with in-car GPS, the Visitor Center coordinates are:
37 11 13.2N 86 06 4.3W
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GETTING AROUND
There is no public transportation in the park. Although the cave tours and most services
are centered around the park¶s Visitor Center area, you should plan on driving to various
locations in the park, or to services outside the park.
Green River bisects Mammoth Cave National Park, and can be crossed within the park
via Green River Ferry or Houchins Ferry ± two of the few operating rural ferries in
America. Green River Ferry operates year-round, 6:00 am ± 9:55 pm. Houchins Ferry
operates March ± November, 10:15 am ± 6:00 pm.
Ferry operations are subject to changing river levels. You may call the Ferry Hotline at
(270) 758-2166 for current information.
RESERVATIONS
Reserve a tour before you visit (not required but strongly advised). Cave tours can and do
sell out. Summer days, holidays, and all weekends are busy. Make advance reservations
so you can plan ahead to enjoy the tour of your choice. Cave tours, campsites, and
selected picnic shelters are available by reservation. Reservations are strongly
recommended for cave tours at any time of the year, and for other facilities during the
busy summer season.
By Phone: 877-444-6777
TDD (hearing impaired): 877-833-6777
Online: Recreation.gov
Prices: Current tour, campsite and picnic shelter prices are available online through the
reservation system or at: www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm
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SMART TRAVEL TIPS
Pets
Mammoth Cave Hotel (270-758-2225) has a pet kennel with fees by the hour or day.
Only service animals are permitted in the cave. Pets left in parked vehicles may be
removed by park personnel because vehicle temperatures may threaten the animals¶ lives.
Pets must be on a leash at all times.
Accessibility Information
The park is unable to provide access to the cave for visitors in wheelchairs. The Frozen
Niagara Tour may be accessible for visitors with canes and walkers. For details on
accessible surface trails, camping, and accommodations call 270-758-2180.
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ABOUT MAMMOTH CAVE
Beneath the sandstone and shale ridges of Mammoth Cave National Park lies the most
extensive cave system on Earth. After 4,000 years of intermittent exploration, the full
extent of this water-formed labyrinth remains unknown. With over 365 miles of
surveyed passageways, Mammoth Cave is over twice as long as any known cave. How
long might it be? Geologists think there could be 600 miles of yet undiscovered
passageways.
This vast cave system holds one of the world¶s most diverse cave ecosystems. About 130
forms of life can be found in Mammoth Cave. Most are quite small. Some use the cave
only as a haven, while others are such specialized cave dwellers that they can live
nowhere else. All depend on energy from the surface. Life in the cave is not separate
from the rest of the park¶s natural communities. It is an extension of the larger biological
whole, whose diversity and abundance are preserved in this place. To tour the cave and
not explore the park¶s surface trails and waterways is to gain but half of the total picture
here.
The rugged, forested hill country of Mammoth Cave National Park is sanctuary to an
array of wildlife. Deer and wild turkey frequently feed near roadsides, and 60 miles of
park hiking trails provide access to the diverse life of the eastern hardwood forest. The
Green River further enhances the variety of scenery and habitat. Running 27 miles
through the park, the Green River is one of North America¶s most biologically diverse
rivers. This abundance has drawn humans to this region for nearly 10,000 years.
Prehistoric peoples explored 10 or more miles of Mammoth Cave 4,000 years ago.
Archeological evidence shows that these early cavers collected crystals and other salts in
the cave. Cave exploration ceased 2,000 years ago, not to resume until the cave was
rediscovered in 1798.
Mammoth Cave played an important role at the very start of American tourism. As an
attraction, the cave predates all national parks. Publicized in the War of 1812, the
³mammoth´ cave of Kentucky became an attraction by 1816. With the early scenic
national parks, Mammoth Cave helped define our national identity in the 1800s, when a
young United States sought status among world powers. Despite industrial and military
might, we lacked the ancient places and cultural antiquities that Europe offered.
Wonders of nature were our greatest treasures. Big was beautiful: Mammoth Cave,
Grand Canyon, and Giant Sequoia. These superlatives still live up to what Ralph Waldo
Emerson once called ³the brag´ about them.
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A World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
Mammoth Cave was authorized as a national park in 1926 and fully established in 1941.
Only 40 miles of passageway had been mapped then. As surveying techniques improved,
great strides were made in describing and understanding the cave system¶s overwhelming
extent. Several park caves were shown to be connected, and we now know the cave
system extends well beyond the national park boundary. The park was named a World
Heritage Site in 1981 and became the core area of an International Biosphere Reserve in
1990. With its 53,000 surface acres and underlying cave ecosystem, Mammoth Cave
National Park is an international treasure.
But national park status and international recognition do not guarantee the continued
protection and integrity of the natural systems of Mammoth Cave National Park. The
park is not a self-contained system. Research shows that the cave and resident
ecosystems are parts of regional groundwater basins in the much larger Green River
basin. Groundwater inputs originate far beyond the park boundary, and under high-water
conditions the water quality is seriously degraded. Air quality studies detect ozone at
concentrations that can damage vegetation. To preserve these world class cave, forest,
and riverine ecosystems for future generations, we must work together to protect the
region¶s air and watersheds.
Cave Formation
Limestone underlies the Mammoth Cave region. As rainwater infiltrates the soil, it picks
up small amounts of carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide reacts with the water to form a
weak carbonic acid, making the groundwater mildly acidic. Like most major caves,
Mammoth Cave was formed by the slow dissolution of limestone by groundwater.
Animals living in the cave depend on the quantity and quality of this water.
Eroded limestone landscapes ± called karst topography ± are typified by the Mammoth
Cave area. Sediments of a shallow sea covering this region 350 million years ago formed
the limestone, as highly soluble layers over a 70-million-year period.
Over time, as groundwater dissolves the limestone, it forms underground streams. These
streams converge, as surface streams do, and create Mammoth Cave¶s underground
rivers. Over Mammoth Cave¶s geologic history the Green River, the region¶s master
stream, has carved deeply and entrenched itself in its valley. Cave streams responded by
creating younger, lower routes and abandoning older and higher channels, creating a
network of cave passages. At depths of up to 450 feet below the surface, cave streams
are still forming passages today.
As the cave formed, many aquatic species from surface waters slowly adapted to cave
habitats. Several evolved as the specialized animals now found in cave streams. These
cave biological communities are parts of a nutrient-poor ecosystem that needs excellent
water quality to survive.
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The geological character that creates Mammoth Cave also threatens the cave¶s ecology
today. Rainwater-turned-groundwater flows readily through the cave¶s aquatic habitats,
but so do pollutants like human waste, agricultural runoff, hazardous spills on roadways,
and oil and gas drilling wastes. These are easily washed into cave streams.
Because most of the cave¶s groundwater originates beyond the park, the Biosphere
Reserve boundary encompasses Mammoth Cave¶s watershed. Today the park and its
neighbors work together through the Biosphere Reserve Program to help better protect
the cave while promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural, industrial, and
business practices outside the park.
Stephen Bishop was a self-educated enslaved person who became a legendary cave guide
and explorer. He began guiding visitors at age 17 in 1838. He was the first person to
explore many miles of the vast cave.
Amateur caver Floyd Collins drew national media attention in 1925, pinned for days by a
boulder in Sand Cave. He died before rescuers could free him. The publicity played a
role in Mammoth Cave being made a national park in 1926.
Over 10,000 years ago Paleo-Indians hunted animals in the Green River valley near
Mammoth Cave. From 4,000 to 2,000 years ago, Late Archaic and Early Woodland
Indians explored and mined minerals from Mammoth and other caves. Artifacts these
earliest explorers left ± including cane reed torches they used to light their way into
distant parts of the cave ± are well-preserved in drier passageways.
European-American settlers came to the Green River valley in the late 1790s. Like
native people before them, the newcomers found uses for Mammoth Cave. The cave
served as a mine for saltpeter, key to the manufacture of gunpowder. Before the War of
1812 enslaved persons mined large quantities of this mineral.
By war¶s end Mammoth Cave¶s notoriety had grown. Around 1816 people started to
visit the cave. In 1838 Stephen Bishop and Mat and Nick Bransford, enslaved persons
owned and leased by the cave¶s owners, became renowned guides.
Bishop discovered many miles of cave. He was first to cross the previously impassable
Bottomless Pit and the first to see the cave stream¶s natural residents, called eyeless
cavefish. The Bransfords and their descendants were guides at Mammoth Cave for over
100 years.
* Information from the National Park Service & U.S. Department of the Interior
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MAMMOTH CAVE TOURS
INTRODUCTORY TOURS
Broadway Tour
½ mile, 1 ¼ hours
The cave¶s natural entrance is the doorway to prehistoric cavers, American patriots, the
nineteenth century western frontier, and all the geology that goes along with it! This
family friendly tour is a great introduction to the Mammoth Cave system and its natural
and cultural history.
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GENERAL TOURS
Historic Tour
2 miles, 2 hours
Have you been in other more decorative caves, but never in Mammoth Cave? This
journey through the natural entrance leads to ³classic´ Mammoth Cave ± landmarks
visited by writers, scientists, military figures and celebrities of the 1800s and early 1900s.
A great family trip! Tour limit: 120. Total stairs: 457. Elevation change: 300¶.
Includes parts of the Mammoth Passage, Violet City Lantern, Star Chamber, River
Styx and Discovery tour routes. Tour meets outside Visitor Center doors.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Snowball Tour
2 miles, 3 hours
Visitors descend nearly 200 stairs at the Carmichael Entrance of Mammoth Cave, pass
the craggy breakdown of the Rocky Mountains and enter gypsum encrusted Cleaveland
Avenue. This tour showcases gypsum in various crystalline shapes and sizes. The
beautifully elliptical Cleaveland Avenue terminates in the Snowball Room, viewed by
visitors since the 1840s. Food may be purchased from the park¶s concessionaire during
the 45 minutes spent in this room, traditionally a 20th-century underground meal stop.
Visitors retrace Cleaveland Avenue, ascending nearly 200 stairs at the Carmichael
Entrance. Tour limit: 38. Total stairs: Approximately 400. Elevation Change: 267¶.
Tour meets at the Bus Loading area. Difficulty: Moderate.
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SPECIALTY TOURS
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Focus on Formations
¼ mile, 1 ½ hours
Are you a shutterbug and want more time to take cave photographs? Read the
description for the Frozen Niagara Tour, add the opportunity to have an extra 30 minutes
for slower walking for photography, and you have the Focus on Formations Tour! This
tour is typically offered on summer evenings. Tripods permitted on this tour only.
Limestone walls set in layers, then swathed in motionless curtains of orange and tan beg
for your lens on a short stroll underground, while stalactites and flowstone pose for
photos. Park rangers point out decorative formations and discuss the challenges of cave
lighting on the interpretive walk into the cave; still and video cameras may then be used
on the return trip through Thanksgiving Hall, Shower Bath Springs, Drapery Room Onyx
Collonade, and Rainbow Dome. Tour limit: 30. Total stairs: 13, with 98 optional stairs
at the Drapery Room. Elevation change: Approx. 50¶ at the Drapery Room.
Participants will caravan in private vehicles as they follow the Ranger guide to the
Frozen Niagara Entrance. Tripods are permitted on this tour only. Difficulty: Easy.
SPELUNKING TOURS
Introduction to Caving
3 miles, 3 ½ hours (including bus to/from entrance)
Want to really go caving, but afraid the Wild Cave Tour is a bit too much? Try this
shorter caving challenge. This tour ncludes the same crawling and climbing, but less of
it. This team building activity is a good one for family members ages ten and older.
Adults must accompany children (on this and all cave tours, with the exception of the
Trog Tour). Visitors must have had their 10th birthday. An adult must accompany
visitors under age 18. High-top, over-the-ankle lace-up boots, with lug or deeply
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treaded soles, are required. No low-cut hiking or athletic shoes allowed. You will not
be allowed to participate in the tour if you are not wearing proper footwear, and no
exceptions can be made. Chest or hip measurement must not exceed 42 inches; if you
are larger than this, you cannot physically pass through the crawlspaces. Work or
climbing gloves and long pants are recommended ± do not overdress. Helmets, lights
and kneepads provided. Tour requires a minimum of 2 participants. You may bring a
small bag to carry water, but both hands must remain free for crawling and climbing.
Difficulty: Difficult.
Trog Tour
1 ½ miles, 2 ½ hours
No Mom, no Dad ± no teenaged brother or sister ± just a dozen kids ages 8 through 12,
two guides and a lot of cave dirt! This tour is a great learning experience by way of
physical exploration, including crawling and some short climbs. The tour is usually best
enjoyed with a sibling or friend, but not a good activity for children with asthma or strong
allergies. Tour limit: 12 children, 8 ± 12 years only. Difficulty: Moderate.
** Special access prices are for visitors presenting Golden Age, Golden Access, and
America The Beautiful Senior and Access Passes. (Box office only ± not available by
reservation.
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Onyx Cave (Located at Guntown Mountain)
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 about ¼ mile west and Guntown Mountain entrance will
be on the right, opposite the entrance to Dinosaur World.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $7.95
Child: $4.95 (age 5 ± 11)
DESCRIPTION
Located high above the surrounding limestone sinkhole plain, Onyx Cave is a system of
vertical shafts uncovered during construction of the Guntown Mountain parking lot on
Huckleberry Knob. The pits and domes of Onyx Cave were protected from weathering
by the Knob¶s sandstone cap rock and after their formation have slowly became coated
by calcite crystal flowstone. The combination of crystals and seeping water makes the
walls of this most unusual cave shimmer. This is a 30 minute guided tour, which is
perfect for those traveling with a limited time schedule.
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Outlaw Cave (Located at Kentucky Action Park)
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Head west on Highway 70 and Kentucky Action Park will be on the left,
about 2 miles from the interstate.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $6.95
Child: $5.95 (age 6-12)
DESCRIPTION
Lying on the side of a limestone valley just beneath the sandstone cap rock of the
Mammoth Cave Plateau, Outlaw Cave offers a 35-minute non-strenuous, guided tour
filled with beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and other breath taking
formations. Area legend has it that famous outlaws such as Jesse James who roamed this
part of the country in 1880, robbing stagecoaches and banks, hid out in Outlaw Cave as
well as in other area caves. Jesse and his gang would have found this cave ideal as a
³hideout´ because the natural opening is large enough to ride a horse inside. A tour in
Outlaw Cave is perfect for the whole family, where its short length, few stairs, and
affordability makes it easily accessible to most people. Outlaw Cave offers a lantern tour
daily as well as normal tours.
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Hidden River Cave (Located at American Cave Museum)
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 58. Head east on Highway 218 and American Cave Museum and Hidden River
Cave will be on the right at 119 East Main Street, about 2 miles from the interstate.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
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Hidden River Cave (Continued)
EXHIBITS INCLUDE:
• Bats, Blind Fish and other Cave Animals
• Prehistoric and Modern Cave Explorers
• History of Horse Cave and Mammoth Cave
• The Incredible Floyd Collins Story
• Saltpetre Mining
• Groundwater Science and Cave Geology
Hidden River Cave¶s enormous cave entrance in the town of Horse Cave leads to a 8-
mile labyrinth of passageways connected by a subterranean river, the Hidden River. The
cave tour begins at the American Cave M useum where history and science exhibits
introduce visitors to the fascinating world of caves. There are two ways to explore
Hidden River Cave: a one-hour guided walking tour of the downstream section of the
cave and a three-hour Wild Caving Adventure Tour.
Hidden River Cave is the largest privately operated cave in Kentucky. Famed naturalist
John Muir called Hidden River Cave ³a noble gateway to the birthplace of springs and
fountains and the dark treasuries of the mineral kingdom´. Your Hidden River Cave tour
will take you into one of Kentucky¶s most scenic cave entrances to a subterranean river
flowing one hundred feet below ground. The tour passes the remnants of a turn-of-the-
century hydro-electric generating system which once supplied the town of Horse Cave
with water and electricity. Hidden River Cave and its rare blind fish population were
nearly lost to groundwater pollution. Through the efforts of the American Cave
Conservation Association, the cave has been restored and is considered an international
model of conservation.
The story of Hidden River Cave is both one of nature¶s grandeur and of human impact on
cave ecosystems. It tells of how people can make a positive change in restoring these
fragile places. Closed to tours for 50 years due to groundwater pollution, the cave has
made a remarkable recovery.
Visit the nation¶s only museum dedicated to caves and their protection to learn about this
remarkable conservation success story.
GROUP ADVENTURES:
Become a cave explorer for a day! Caving adventure tours are available by reservation
throughout the year. Get a close-up look at the wonders of the underground ecosystem.
Scramble along muddy subterranean river banks. Explore small crawlways. Discover
eyeless cave animals. The tour focuses on conservation, safe caving and team building.
It is ideal for middle, high school and college groups, as well as scout groups. Wild
caving adventure tour video can be viewed on Hidden River Cave¶s website at
www.cavern.org.
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Hidden River Cave (Continued)
For the more adventuresome, a walk on the wild side awaits you on Hidden River Cave¶s
off-trail ecology tour. Grab your boots and gloves for a wild scramble along the slippery
banks of Hidden River. Discover fragile cave formations, impressive canyons and
domes, eyeless crayfish, and blindfish. Two, three and five hour tours are available by
reservations only. Hidden River Wild Cave tours are available throughout the year and
are ideal for field trips and teambuilding.
For more information visit: http://cavern.org/hrc/adventuretour.php
The Hidden River Cave Adventure Tour takes you on a mile long trip into the earth to
explore an underground stream, discover unique cave animals and trek through Hidden
River Cave. Experience caving like never before as professional, well-trained guides
take you 150¶ underground and off the beaten path and through the dark, mysterious
labyrinth of Hidden River Cave.
A crawl along the river¶s edge provides a unique opportunity to view aquatic cave
wildlife in their natural environment. As you navigate the rocky terrain, trickling water
reveals underground falls. What other adventures lay beneath the city of Horse Cave?
There¶s only one way to find out.
2-Hour Tour:
Duration: 2 ½ hours (2 hours inside the cave)
Cost: $25 per participant*
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Hidden River Cave (Continued)
3-Hour Tour:
Duration: 3 ½ hours (3 hours inside the cave)
Includes a 30-foot crawl
Cost $35 per participant*
On a limited basis, they will be offering adventure tours to individuals during the summer
and to smaller groups that wish to do this popular tour. Prices may vary depending upon
the size of the group. Please contact Peggy Nims at (270) 786-1466 if you are interested
in arranging a private cave adventure tour for your friends or family.
Adventure Tours involve strenuous hiking through muddy and wet cave passages,
in addition to crawling, stooping and climbing over rocks. Adventure Tours are not
recommended for anyone that has claustrophobia, breathing or walking difficulties.
Proper equipment and safe caving practices are stressed. Caving helmets and lights
are provided. Participants must wear boots, gloves, warm clothing and be prepared
to get muddy. Youths must be at least 12 years of age; an adult must accompany
ages 12 ± 18. The temperature inside the cave is approximately 58 degrees
Fahrenheit. Restrooms are not available. Advance registration required.
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Hidden River Cave (Continued)
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Kentucky Caverns (Located at Kentucky Down Under)
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 58. Kentucky Down Under is located at the northeast corner of the I-65
interchange at Exit 58.
HOURS OF OPERATION
November 1st ± Mid March: open daily 9 am ± 4 pm for Kentucky Caverns (animal
exhibits closed during winter)
ADMISSION PRICES
AAA, Senior (age 62 or older), Military ± 10% discount = $19.30 plus tax
Active Military (with ID) admitted free
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Kentucky Caverns (Continued)
DESCRIPTION
Visitors to Kentucky Caverns are surprised and delighted by the density and variety of
formations and the extensive range of natural color to be found in the cave. A stroll
through Kentucky Caverns is truly a visit to a natural wonderland. Visitors are also
amazed to learn that both the formations themselves and their palette of colors are part of
the important story of the many ways in which the surface and subsurface are connected.
During the spring, summer and fall of the year Kentucky Caverns can be seen as part of
the combined activities of Kentucky Down Under and Kentucky Caverns. Visitors take a
journey that explores life in the great outback of Australia and the three-dimensional
world of caves. Together these two attractions provide an interactive, family-oriented
experience which helps visitors better understand the relationships of the natural world
and the impact man can have on those relationships.
Kentucky Down Under closes November ± mid March. Kentucky Caverns remains open
year round. For more information call: 800-762-2869 or visit: www.kdu.com.
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Cub Run Cave
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
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Cub Run Cave (Continued)
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $14
Child: $9
Seniors: $12
Under 4 is free.
DESCRIPTION
Word of the discovery spread quickly. The cave and its spectacular sights opened to the
public the next year, only to be closed as land disputes ensued, brought by land owners of
acreage above the cavern. These amazing and remarkable sights of Cub Run Cave were
sealed for over a half century « until now!
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Diamond Caverns
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 48. Diamond Caverns is located just one mile west of I-65 at exit 48 on Hwy
255 in Mammoth Cave National Park.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $16.00
Child: $ 8.00 (ages 4 ± 12)
DESCRIPTION
In 1859 a young slave discovered a pit in the bottom of one of the region¶s many dry
limestone valleys near Mammoth Cave. Lowered on a rope into the cave, the first visitor
thought the sparkling calcite formations resembled diamonds, and the name for the cave
was born.
Providing tours for over 150 years, Diamond Caverns is the fourth oldest show cave in
the country. The cave is presented by a state-of-the-art lighting system that brings to life
a profusion of spectacular natural formations throughout. Delicate deposits of calcite
crystals fold in drapery like formations along the passage walls.
Knowledgeable guides will explain the fascinating geology of the caverns and recall the
history of the cave during the ½ mile long guided tour. Modern concrete trails with
safety handrails provide a comfortable underground tour experience.
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Lost River Cave
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
From I-65, take exit 22 onto Scottsville Road, turn left on Cave Mill Road (stoplight #9),
Continue to Nashville Road (31W), turn right to Lost River Cave.
HOURS OF OPERATION
*Occasionally the river rises to flood stage and boat tours have to be temporarily
suspended.
ADMISSION PRICES
Gemstone Mining
Small treasure bag $5
Large $7
Fossil Treasure $9
Butterfly habitat free w/boat tour - Admission May 26th ± September 5th
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Lost River Cave (Continued)
DESCRIPTION
Lost River offers Kentucky¶s only Underground Boat Tour. As a natural shelter, the
Cave has been home to a number of historic visitors. Native Americans found haven here
for thousands of years before European settlers built a milling operation inside the
massive natural opening. Occupied during the Civil War by both Union and Confederate
forces the Cave was an important staging location. Another infamous transient visitor
was the notorious outlaw Jesse James. In the 1930¶s and 40¶s the country¶s only ³air-
conditioned´ Nite Club was host to the hottest big bands of the era.
Listed on the National Historic Register, Lost River Cave¶s boat tour and gift shop are
open year-round, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year¶s Day. While visiting
discover the seasonal Butterfly Habitat and the unique Blue Holes located along the
valley trails.
• Native Americans were sheltered within the massive natural opening for
thousands of years.
• In the 1790¶s. European settlers built a one of a kind water-powered mill inside
the cave entrance.
• In the fall of 1861 Confederate forces used Lost River Cave as a temporary
shelter. One-year later, 44,000 Union troops from the 14th Corps camped at Lost
River before moving on to Nashville for the Battle of Stone River.
• Colonel John Hunt Morgan and his Southern Raiders are thought to have hidden
in the cave after burning the depot at South Union, Kentucky.
• Local lore says that the notorious Jesse James Gang used the cave as a hideout.
• 1933 Billboard Magazine announced the opening of the country¶s only air-
conditioned ³Nite Club´ that operated until the early 1960¶s. (Lost River Cave
Ballroom may be reserved for special occasions and events.)
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THEME PARKS
CAVE CITY
HORSE CAVE
BOWLING GREEN
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Big Mike¶s Mystery House and Rock & Gift Shop
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. from the Cave City exit (53) off I-65 just go west, as though you were
going to Mammoth Cave National Park. After a few miles you will see a road (Highway
70) that goes left. Don¶t take that one. Instead, just keep going straight and after the next
curve you will see Big Mike¶s on the right side of the road.
HOURS OF OPERATION
DESCRIPTION
There is no better place in the Mammoth Cave area to buy some of the world¶s greatest
rocks, minerals, gems and fossils, as well as a huge selection of other gifts and souvenirs.
But, Big Mike¶s is not just about being the biggest and most popular rock and gift shop in
the area. Their Mystery House is fun for people of all ages. You will sense things that
will baffle your mind. The whole family will be able to enjoy this one-of-a-kind
attraction in South Central Kentucky.
Another one-of-a-kind attraction ± in the world ± is ³Big Mo,´ their mosasaur fossil and
the full scale replica of the ancient beast that became Big Mo that sits at the front of their
property. You¶ll be amazed!
35
Cave Country Go-Carts
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Located behind Cracker Barrel and in front of McDonalds.
HOURS OF OPERATION
March: 11 am ± 7 pm
Memorial Day ± Labor Day: 1 pm ± 10 pm
ADMISSION PRICES
Game Room
DESCRIPTION
36
Dinosaur World
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Dinosaur World is located on the southwest corner of the I-65 & Exit 53
interchange.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $9.75
Child (ages 3 ± 12): $7.75
Children under 3: Free
Seniors (over 60): $8.95
Student Group Rates: $6.00
Friendly pets on leashes - Free
DESCRIPTION
The Dinosaur Walk ± Dinosaur World has over 100 life size dinosaurs in an outdoor
museum setting. The Dinosaurs are so believable that visitors claim to see them moving
through the shadows cast by the many native trees.
Fossil Dig ± Search in a paleontological setting for authentic fossils to take home.
37
Boneyard ± Unearth a life size dinosaur skeleton.
Mammoth Garden ± Interact with our new herd of mammoths that just moved into the
park.
Picnic Area & Playground ± Even the picnic areas and playgrounds are fun filled and
dinosaur themed. The playground is surrounded on all sides with a covered picnic area
with dinosaurs hiding in the bathrooms!
Gift Shop ± The first look at the 5,000 square foot Gift Shop is breath-taking. It holds
everything from stuffed dinosaur toys to fossils and authentic dinosaur eggs. The shop
has hidden treasures on every aisle.
38
Guntown Mountain
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Guntown Mountain is located on the northwest corner of the I-65 & Exit
53 interchange.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $14.95
Child (ages 5 ± 11): $8.95
5 and under: Free
DESCRIPTION
Experience the Old West as if you were there! In frontier days, this was wild and rugged
land, and the men who passed through here were equally as rugged. Come and see for
yourself the action packed drama of gunfights in the street, a public hanging, dance hall
girls, truly mystifying magic, a stunt show filled with side splitting comedy and some of
the best music in the cave area. Ride the shuttle bus or take the scenic chairlift to the top
of the mountain. A wonderful family experience for reliving the past days of the famous
Wild West. Guntown Mountain is located on the scenic highest point in the Mammoth
Cave area.
39
Kentucky Action Park & Jesse James Riding Stables
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 west about 2 miles from I-65 and Kentucky Action Park
will be on your left.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
10 Tickets: $35.00 (10 tickets good for any activity except horseback riding)
40
Jesse James Mini Golf
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 west about 2 miles from I-65 and Kentucky Action Park
will be on your left.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
41
Kentucky Down Under & Kentucky Caverns
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 58. Kentucky Down Under is located at the northeast corner of the I-65 and
Exit 58 interchange.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
All the fun at one low price! One price admission to all Kentucky Down Under exhibits
includes the Outback Walkabout, the Aviary, the Discovery Area, the Woolshed, Camp
Corroboree, Taraba Station ± PLUS a 45 minute tour in Kentucky Caverns! In order to
enjoy all that Kentucky Down Under has to offer, guest should allow between 4 and 5
hours to spend with us.
42
Kentucky Down Under (Continued)
• Ask about Birthdays, Company Picnics, & Catered Meals.
• Group Rates are available for 15 or more.
• Ample free parking ± motor coaches are welcome.
COME BACK ALL YEAR LONG WITH A WALKABOUT PASS ± ASK FOR
DETAILS!
Committed to Education
Bring your students to experience the wonders of the Land Down Under. Students will
have an unforgettable experience while learning biology, history, science, social studies,
and more ± all while meeting core content subject matter! Call today to plan your Field
Trip of the Year!
Discovery Area ±Who knows what you might find here! Meet our reptiles &
amphibians.
Kookaburra Kingdom ± A quiet peaceful place unless the Kookaburras are laughing!
Kentucky Caverns ± Earth¶s hidden dimensions will delight the eyes, engage the
imagination & stimulate thought.
Gift Shop & Fudge Factory ± Sample our hand-made fudge & take home the perfect
reminder of an unforgettable trip.
Bird Garden ± Enjoy the vivid sights & sounds of our exotic birds.
Aviary ± Hand feed our brilliant, inquisitive but sometimes pesky lories!
Taraba Station ± Ever wondered how animals ended up in certain areas? Learn about
what happens when you move animals across the oceans.
Outback Walkabout± Close encounters with Kangaroos, Wallabies, & maybe an Emu!
Woolshed ± Help out with the chores of the sheep station & wonder as the border collies
herd sheep.
43
Beech Bend Park
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
From I-65: Beech Bend is located in Bowling Green, KY. 5 minutes west of I-65 (exit
28). Take Exit 28 and follow 31W South to the fifth traffic light and turn right on
Riverview Avenue which turns into Beech Bend Road.
From Natcher Parkway: Take Exit #7. Go to the first stop light and take a left on
Highway 68-80 and go to the next stop light and take a left onto Riverview ± and follow
the signs to Beech Bend.
DESCRIPTION
Beech Bend Park was named the 5th Friendliest Park in the World for 2007 & 2008 by
Amusement Today¶s Golden Ticket Awards! Beech Bend is affordable family fun, close
to home! You truly can spend the day, without spending a fortune! Beech Bend offers
entertainment sure to please every member of your family including over 40 world class
amusement rides and water slides, mini-golf, go-carts, games of skill and luck, a petting
farm and terrific live shows and entertainment. Plus there¶s championship drag racing
and stock car racing each week at adjacent Beech Bend Raceway. Beech Bend also
offers first class camping facilities within walking distance to all the other entertainment
venues. Bring your own tent or RV, or rent one of theirs.
New in 2009 was the Sea Dragon Swinging Ship. The Sea Dragon has a bit of interesting
history. It was purchased from Michael Jackson¶s Neverland Ranch in California. Also
new in 2009 was ³Retro Rock´, an updated Magic Show featuring Dinky Gowen, and
³Beech Bend Super Star Talent Show´.
44
WATER ACTIVITIES
CAVE CITY
LUCAS
MUNFORDVILLE
NOLIN LAKE
45
Mammoth Cave Canoe & Kayak
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 west about 3 miles from I-65 and instead of turning left
with Highway 70, keep going straight as the road becomes Highway 255. Mammoth
Cave Canoe and Kayak will be about 2 miles further and on the left ± directly opposite
the Wayfarer Inn Bed & Breakfast.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
$50.00 per canoe (Rates are per canoe or kayak with paddles and lifejackets included)
$45.00 per kayak
• All trips depend upon the river level and your pace!
• Call for more trip prices
• Reservations are recommended
• Camping permits are available
• Group rates are available
• Shuttle service is provided
DESCRIPTION
Mammoth Cave Canoe & Kayak offers a variety of canoe trips through Mammoth Cave
National Park on the slow moving Green River. Trips range from a three hour paddle to
a three day camping excursion. Canoers can expect to encounter deer, beaver, fox,
bobcat, wild turkey, a large variety of birds, and several different species of fish such as
muskie, smallmouth bass, and catfish..
46
Green River Canoeing
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing Address:
3202 Chaumont Road
Park City, KY. 42160
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 west about 2 miles from I-65 and Green River Canoe is
located at the east end of Kentucky Action Park¶s parking lot.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
$50.00 per canoe (Rates are per canoe or kayak with paddle and life jacket included)
$45.00 per kayak
DESCRIPTION
Green River Canoeing offers a large selection of canoe trips to fit all your canoeing
needs. Canoeing or Kayaking down the Green River through the Mammoth Cave
National Park for a 3 hour trip or a 2 night and 3 day camping expedition is just waiting
for you to experience. You can experience the many miles of dramatic bluffs and natural
environmental wonders while making your exciting journey.
47
Ridgetop Pay Lake
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 west about 3 miles from I-65 and Ridgetop Lake will be
on your left, just past Hillbilly Hound Fun Park.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open: 6:00 am ± 12 midnight (except Thursday, Friday & Saturday ± all night fishing)
ADMISSION PRICES
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
Ridgetop Lake is a clean, quiet, fishing lake with a family atmosphere. They stock the
lake with farm-raised catfish three days a week. They also stock with big catfish (10 lbs.
and up) on a regular basis. Kids can fish for bluegill, too! Bring the family and enjoy the
fishing! Catfishing, bait, groceries, camping supplies. No fishing license required.
48
Yogi Bear¶s Jellystone Park Waterslide
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 west about 1 miles from I-65 and Jellystone Park and
Campground will be on your right.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
Enjoy a 70 degree plunge down their 300 foot waterslide. Creating memories for family
and friends is what they are all about at Yogi Bear¶s Jellystone Park Camp Resort.
49
Big Buffalo Crossing Canoe & Kayak Outfitter
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 65. Take left at end of exit ramp and go 1.6 miles, River Road will be on your
right. Big Buffalo Crossing Canoe & Kayak is at the end of River Road.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
Get to know the Green River from a paddler¶s perspective. Owner Barry Turner supplies
canoes, kayaks, paddles, life jackets ± and a wide variety of adventures on the water.
Choose from float trips (2-3 hours), day trips (6-7 hours) and overnight trips. Routes
include five of the state¶s largest springs, such as the beautiful 300 Springs waterfall, as
well as Mammoth Cave National Park. Group packages are available. Walk-ins are
welcome, though Barry recommends calling at least an hour before arrival. Large groups
of 25 or more must reserve canoes at least five days in advance. Open dawn to dusk
daily.
50
Barren River Resort State Park
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53, take Highway 90 East to Glasgow, take US-31 E south to Barren River
State Park.
HOURS OF OPERATION
DESCRIPTION
Barren River Lake provides hours of entertainment for the boating enthusiast. The
marina has 100 open slips, 40 covered slips, a launching ramp, rental fishing boats and
pontoons. Barren River also is unsurpassed for fishing pleasure. With an abundance of
largemouth, white and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough
fish, you are sure to get a bite. A sparkling 10,000-acre lake is surrounded by rolling
hills, a 2,000-acre hardwood forest and a championship 18-hole golf course. Warm water
fish species dominate the creek, with stockings of striped bass in the lake and rainbow
trout below the dam. The resort is the site of the annual Glasgow Highland Games.
Barren River Lake was authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1938. The Louisville
District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed, built, and operates the project to
reduce flood damages downstream from the dam. The dam is about 10 miles east of
Scottsville, KY., on the Barren River, a tributary of the Green River. The drainage area
above the dam is 940 square miles.
51
Nolin Lake State Park
CONTACT INFORMATION
2998 Brier Creek Road
Mammoth Cave, KY. 42259
Phone: 270-286-4240
GPS Coordinates: N37 11.1696', W086 5.9985'
DIRECTIONS
From Nashville: On I-65 , take exit 28 at Bowling Green. Turn north on US 31W, drive
12 to 15 miles, and turn left onto KY 101. At the town of Rhoda, KY 101 merges with
KY 259. Follow KY 259 North to KY 728 East. Turn right onto KY 728 East.
Approximately 7 miles later, turn left onto KY 1827. Follow KY 1827 to the park.
From Louisville: On I-65, exit onto the Western Kentucky Parkway at Elizabethtown.
Follow the WK Parkway to the Leitchfield exit (107) onto KY 259 South. From
Leitchfield, drive 17 miles on KY 259 South to KY 728 East. Turn left onto KY 728
East. Approximately 7 miles later, turn left onto KY 1827. Follow KY 1827 to the park.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
This facility opened in May of 2001. There are 32 camp sites with water and electricity,
20 primitive sites, a restroom/shower building, laundry facilities and dump station. A
new playground is located by the sites. Three camp sites have been adapted for the
disabled.
Fishing & Boat Ramp - Bass, walleye, catfish and crappie are the prize catches. There
is a launching ramp on the park. A 5,795-acre lake ideal for recreation and relaxation.
Beach ± A sand beach curves along the shore of the lake. There are no restrooms or
bathhouse facilities.
Picnicking ± Picnic tables and grills are found in the picnic area. No restroom facilities.
52
GOLF
PARK CITY
GLASGOW
LUCAS
CUB RUN
53
Cave Valley Golf Club at Park Mammoth
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 48. Take Highway 31W, west just off of I-65.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
The 9-hole ³Bluffs´ course at the Cave Valley Golf Club facility in Park City, Kentucky
features all the hallmarks of Kentucky golf. Designed by Gary Robbins, the Bluffs golf
course opened in 1995.
Fore! Foremost is popularity among the recreational pleasures offered at Park Mammoth
Resort is 27-hole championship golf. Open year round, weather permitting; people come
from hundreds of miles to tee off on their rolling fairways.
54
Diamond Caverns Golf
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf Club is quickly gaining a reputation as having one of
the best golf courses in the state. Their greens are manicured to perfection. Their course
is secluded so you will not have any distractions, except for the incredible beauty of the
surrounding forests. With gentle sloping hills, your next shot will take you to more of the
beautiful countryside this area has to offer.
Golf packages are available for those wishing to spend more than just a few hours on the
fairways. Enjoy unlimited golf with packages beginning as low as $114.31 per person.
Call 270-749-3114 to reserve a package for you and your friends.
55
Fox Hollow Golf Course
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 90 East to Glasgow, follow scenic byway to Highway 63
and golf course is only 1 ½ miles.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Monday Special
18 Holes: $16
Wednesday
Seniors: $10 until noon
Thursday
18 Holes: $14 until noon
56
Fox Hollow Golf Course (Continued)
Friday
Couples Friday Night Scramble
Members: $4
Non Members: $20
DESCRIPTION
You will find Fox Hollow Golf Course beautifully nestled away from the mainstream in
the gently rolling hills of South Central Kentucky. Driven by their love of golf, family,
and nature, the Shipley family is continuously developing a golf course community that
successfully merges all three. Whether it¶s a fox on the 14th green, children in the pool,
or the latest in home design, you¶ll find what you¶re looking for at Fox Hollow!
General Information:
57
Barren River Lake State Resort Park Golf
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53, take Highway 90 East to Glasgow, take US-31 E south to Barren River
State Park.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Cart Fees
18 holes: $12.75
9 holes: $7.50
58
Barren River Lake State Resort Park Golf (Cont¶d)
DESCRIPTION
Kentucky is famed for bluegrass, bourbon, beautiful mountains and thoroughbreds. And,
spurred by a renewed focus from the State Park system, golf now is becoming a larger
part of Kentucky¶s recreational reputation. With 19 State Park golf courses, there is sure
to be something for everyone.
There are 18-hole and 9-hole courses situated in every region of the state, offering
exciting championship play amid the pastoral beauty of the ³nation¶s finest´ park system.
Each course offers an outstanding golf experience for players of all ages.
The Chip Shot package includes overnight lodging and 18 holes of golf with a golf cart.
The package price is per person, per night, based on double occupancy, plus tax and is
subject to availability. Same day replay. For additional golf package combinations and
rates please visit: http://parks.ky.gov/golftrail/packages/.
For those desiring an all-inclusive package, the Tee¶s and Zzz¶s golf package includes
overnight lodging, breakfast and dinner, 18 holes of golf with a golf cart, welcome gift
card and preferred tee times. The package price is per person, per night, based on double
occupancy, plus tax and is subject to availability. Same day replay. For additional golf
package combinations and rates please visit:
http://parks.ky.gov/golftrail/packages/teeznzeez/rates.htm.
59
Shady Hollow Golf Course
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
Summer Hours: 7 am to 5 pm
Winter Hours: 7 am to 3:30 pm
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
The 18-hole ³Shady Hollow´ course at the Shady Hollow Golf Course Facility in Cub
Run, Kentucky features 6,100 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The
course rating is 70.0 and it has a slope rating of 113 on grass. Designed by J.C. Ramsey,
the Shady Hollow golf course opened in 1997. J.C. Ramsey manages the course as the
Superintendent. Blue tee = 67.9 White tee = 65 Slope Blue = 121 Slope White = 116
60
MUSEUMS
CAVE CITY
HORSE CAVE
GLASGOW
MUNFORDVILLE
BOWLING GREEN
AUBURN
ELIZABETHTOWN
61
Floyd Collins Museum (Located at Wayfarer Inn)
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. West on Highway 70 (toward Mammoth Cave National Park) 5 miles. At
the Wayfarer Bed & Breakfast, formerly the Mammoth Cave Gift Shop.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults:
Child:
DESCRIPTION
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for attraction. The museum is presented in cave like setting,
including painted illustration, information, and newspaper accounts of the entrapment of
the famous cave explorer Floyd Collins. Artifacts of the explorer are on display. Also,
the cave where Floyd Collins died is within walking distance of the museum.
Floyd Collins was a legendary spelunker and Kentucky backwoods boy. He¶d discovered
nearby Crystal Cave and turned it into a profitable commercial attraction. He was part of
the infamous Cave Wars between Mammoth and 17 other hungry cave attractions. In
1925, Floyd was plugging away at his exploration of a wet rat hole called Sand Cave,
hoping to find major passages, perhaps even a link to the massive Mammoth Cave
system. A little rock fell out of the wall and wedged Floyd¶s foot, 150 feet from the
surface.
Floyd had only one light, was ill-clothed, didn¶t have a protective helmet, and was
exploring alone. Don¶t forget, now ± this is America¶s Greatest Cave Explorer.
Relatives eventually noticed that Floyd was missing, and a quick check of his latest
62
Floyd Collins Museum (Continued)
hangout confirmed the worst. The ensuing rescue effort and publicity carnival lasted for
18 days and captured the ghoulish interest of the whole nation, via the relatively new
medium of radio.
They tried everything ± digging and hacking at the passageway, sending down reporter
Skeets Miller, who chronicled the drama. A passage just above Floyd eventually
collapsed, cutting him off for his last few days. As the historical marker matter-of-factly
states, his plight ³Aroused sympathy of nation.´ In the end, Floyd died.
Floyd¶s body was displayed in a glass-topped coffin in Crystal Cave for many years.
After some vandalism, in which his body was stolen ± and later found in a nearby field
(missing a leg) ± he was placed in a chained casket. You could get a peek on the tour if
you gave the guide a tip. The National Park Service eventually absorbed Crystal Cave
and closed it to the public. In 1989, the family had him properly buried in Flint Ridge
Cemetery.
The museum chronicles the rescue attempt in a series of stuccoed, cave-like alcoves. The
final chamber contains a chained coffin. A Floyd Collins ballad, popularized on the then
new medium of radio, plays in the background. You can sign the guest register near a
replica of his tombstone.
You can visit the real tombstone in a cemetery on the National Park grounds, next to the
old Mammoth Cave Baptist Church. A little further up the road, you can park and walk a
mile and a half to the old Crystal Cave ticket booth and entrance. Proceed at your own
risk; though there are no warning signs, and the NP folks aren¶t encouraging visits. The
ghost of Floyd may still be out looking for his leg.
A 1999 film documentary, ³The Story of Floyd Collins´ was shot locally. Many of the
key scenes in Sand Cave were shot in the larger and more accessible Short Cave, a
private cavern available for events and rental, across from Diamond Caverns.
63
Mammoth Cave Wax Museum & Village
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. West on Highway 70 (toward Mammoth Cave National Park) 1 mile and
the museum will be on the left on a small hill.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $8.00
Child: $5.00 (ages 4 ± 10)
DESCRIPTION
The museum displays an authentic portrayal of famous Americans and other Famous
people throughout history, past and present. In the many different scenes, you will see
some of the men and women who helped shape history displayed in unbelievable lifelike
settings and hear audio narrations of the parts they played in history.
64
Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. East on Highway 90, ¾ mile east of I-65 and the museum will be on the
left, just before Sahara Steakhouse.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $7.95
Child: $4.95 (ages 3 ± 11)
DESCRIPTION
Since 1969 the Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum has featured some of the greatest
animals ever. The museum has nearly 14,000 sq. ft. of exhibit area containing rare &
exotic animals such as tigers, lions, bears, leopards (including the snow leopard, one of
the rarest cats in the world), deer, sheep, ox & much more. They also have a huge
selection of marine life, insects, and many more creatures. The exhibits have been made
to make the animals look like their natural environment. Take a walk on the wild side
and explore a world of over 1,600 specimens of wildlife. Fun for the entire family!
Bring your cameras to capture wild animals up close.
65
American Cave Museum & Hidden River Cave
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 58. Head east on Highway 218 and American Cave Museum and Hidden River
Cave will be on the right at 119 East Main Street, about 2 miles from the interstate.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
DESCRIPTION
66
South Central Kentucky Cultural Center
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53, take Highway 90 east to Glasgow. Located one block west of public
square, turn on Liberty Street, go one block, turn right on Water Street, across from
BB&T Bank.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
FREE
DESCRIPTION
The South Central Kentucky Cultural Center is dedicated to telling the story of the
people, places, and events that make up the geographic area known as the ³Barrens´ ±
Metcalfe, Allen, Hart, and Monroe Counties, as well as Barren County. Housed in the
Old Kentucky Pants factory in downtown Glasgow, the center ± also known as the
Museum of the Barrens ± is a 30,000 sq. ft. packed with area history.
Take a trip back in time at the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center. Visitors can
travel all the way back to 12,000 B.C.; also included are tools and firearms, a log cabin,
and a gristmill from the mid 1800¶s. Other attractions include an extensive military
exhibit starting with the Civil War, a doll collection, a one-room schoolhouse and the
town square as it looked at the turn of the century. The purpose of the center is to attract
people who are interested in learning about the history of the Barrens as depicted in the
museum displays, conducting genealogical research and attending meetings in an
attractive facility.
67
Hart County Historical Museum
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
FREE
DESCRIPTION
The Hart County Historical Museum, located in the Chapline Building, is located just off
the square in Downtown Munfordville, Kentucky. The museum has an extensive
collection of historic objects, images, books, maps and papers relating to the history of
Hart County. The museum is here to preserve local history and artifacts and to educate
the public about our past.
At the museum, one may also research their Hart county ancestors and Civil War activity.
The Munfordville Walking Tour includes ten historic buildings, many of which have
Civil War histories.
68
Shaker Museum at South Union
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
The Shaker Museum is located 1 mile south of US-68 on KY-1466, ten miles west of
Bowling Green, KY.
• From I-65, take exit 20 (Natcher Parkway) North.
• From the Natcher Parkway, take exit 5 (US-68 / KY-80) and turn left (west) onto
US-68 /KY-80.
• Continue west on US-68 about 10 miles to KY-1466 and turn left onto KY-1466
to the Shaker Museum.
HOURS OF OPERATION
During Regular Season (March 1 through November 30), the Shaker Museum is open
for tours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday ± Saturday and 1:00 PM ± 5:00 PM Sundays
(Central Time). The last tour begins 45 minutes before closing. The Museum is closed
Thanksgiving Day.
During Winter Hours (December 1 through February 28), the Shaker Museum is open
for tours from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM on Tuesday ± Saturday (Central Time). The last
tour begins 45 minutes before closing. The Museum is closed Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day, New Year¶s Eve and New Year¶s Day.
For updated information, please call 800-811-8379, or 270-542-4167. You can also
reach them by email at: shakmus@logantele.com.
ADMISSION PRICES
69
Shaker Museum at South Union (Cont¶d)
School Tours
The Shaker Museum offers a wide range of tours and activities for school groups of all
ages. Cost is $4 per student, with teachers and bus drivers free. They offer three tours:
The Shaker Schoolhouse Experience (May 1- June 5); General School Tour (August 1
± November 30); and Christmas Dinner in 1909 (December 7 ± 18). Please call them at
1-800-811-8379 to make reservations.
DESCRIPTION
South Union is more than just a memory. It is a place to visit and learn firsthand about
the Shaker way of life. Several of the original buildings have been restored and now
house a fine museum of Shaker folk life and material culture, a unique museum shop and
the Shaker Tavern Bed and Breakfast.
The Shaker Museum, found in the 40-room 1824 Centre House, is filled with scores of
original artifacts exemplifying the Shakers¶ fine craftsmanship. Oval Boxes, baskets,
Shaker silk and linen, early wooden tools as well as trestle tables, benches, chairs and
other furnishings display the diversity of shaker genius. The architecture of the Centre
House is pure Shaker; its double room doors and staircases illustrate the Shaker practice
of separating the sexes. Multi-drawered built-in cabinets and peg strips along the walls
emphasize the Shaker principles of order and cleanliness. Transoms over the retiring
room doors allow for good air circulation, one of the essential rules for good health.
The Shakers were a communal religious organization that flourished in America during
the 19th century. Their ideals of simplicity and perfection produced a legacy of
unparalleled craftsmanship and created for them a reputation of honesty, humility, and
dedication to God.
The religious beliefs of the Shakers set them apart from mainstream America. Their
charismatic founder, Ann Lee, established a theology that eventually included principles
of celibacy, communal ownership of property, public confession of sin and withdrawal
from ³worldly´ society. A dance-like ritual performed as part of their worship service
gained them the derogatory title ³Shakers´ ± a name they later came to accept.
South Union was one of 24 villages established by the Shakers. During the village¶s 115
year history, the Shakers acquired and worked 6,000 acres of farmland, constructed over
200 buildings and maintained industries for which they gained a national reputation.
South Union garden seed, fruit preserves, brooms, hats, bonnets, baskets, rugs, linen and
silk were marketed to customers in the south from Nashville to New Orleans.
The Shakers of South Union created a unique material culture, combining the simplicity
in design mandated by Shaker leaders with the regional characteristics brought into the
community by converts steeped in southern tradition.
70
Shaker Museum at South Union (Cont¶d)
Today there is still one active Shaker community located at Sabbathday Lake, Maine.
Even though the Shakers left South Union over 80 years ago, their legacy lives on
through the things they left behind. The Shaker Museum at South Union, a nonprofit
educational organization, is devoted to preserving that legacy.
The Shaker Tavern, built in 1869 as a business venture for the South Union Shakers,
housed a hotel for the ³people of the world.´ For more than 30 years, the Shaker Tavern
maintained a thriving business, catering to the Victorian railroad travelers who stopped at
South Union. Today, the Shaker Tavern is open once again to the public for overnight
accommodations. A dedication to Shaker goodness combines with the ³worldly´
Victorian atmosphere to provide a unique bed and breakfast experience. The Shaker
Tavern is also available for special events, group meals and other gatherings by
reservation. Phone: 800-929-8701
The Museum Shop offers a large collection of Shaker books and reproductions.
Handmade baskets, oval boxes, tinware, candles, Shaker brooms and herbs as well as
many other unique items are available.
For online shopping visit: www.shakermuseum.com .
71
Historic Railpark Train Museum / L&N Depot
CONTACT INFORMATIO
Sharon Tabor, Executive Director
401 Kentucky Street
Bowling Green, KY. 42101
Phone: 270-745-7317
www.historicrailpark.com
GPS Coordinates: N36 59.9818', W086 26.2347'
DIRECTIONS
From I-65, Take Exit 26 west onto Cemetery Road (Highway 234). Follow Cemetery
Road 3 miles as it becomes 8th Avenue. Turn right onto Kentucky Street and left into the
Museum parking lot.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
The museum accepts cash, personal checks, travelers¶ checks, Discover, Mastercard and
Visa.
Purchase tickets and trip packages online at the Bowling Green Area Convention &
Visitors Bureau website at: www.visitbgky.com/packages.html
Accessibility: The train Museum is fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The
Railpark section has limited accessibility due to factors such as narrow hallways and door
openings.
72
Historic Railpark and L&N Depot (Cont¶d)
DESCRIPTION
Interactive Exhibits:
• Meet Alfred Owens, a Pullman Porter who went to work for the railroad in 1926,
see and hear him tell you about µhauling Mrs. Roosevelt.¶
• Hear the distinctive sound of the old Pan American speeding down the tracks as
recorded by the WSM Radio station in 1934 while you wait to board your
personalized tour of a real passenger train.
• Step into the wide screen L & N Theatre and relax in the plush, first class seats as
you enjoy an entertaining assortment of railroad films and classic news reels.
• Witness the burning of Bowling Green¶s first depot by five Confederate Texas
Rangers.
• Touch a button to hear the sounds of the first and last passenger trains on the L &
N Railroad.
• Ask a real Conductor, Railroad Engineer, or Dining Car Cook a question and
listen to their answers.
73
The National Corvette Museum
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 28. The National Corvette Museum is located on the southwest corner of the I-
65 and Exit 28 interchange.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open seven days a week, 8am to 5pm Central Time. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving,
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year¶s Day.
ADMISSION PRICES
Group Tours: Groups of 15 or more may arrange a guided tour at special rates when
booked in advance.
Special Events: April through October the Museum hosts an array of exciting events
featuring special exhibits, tours and more. You¶re invited to be a part! Check out their
website for specific dates and information: www.corvettemuseum.org .
74
The National Corvette Museum (Cont¶d)
DESCRIPTION
Crafted in power and beauty, no other sports car has carried the dreams of a nation like
the Chevrolet Corvette.
Now you can imagine yourself in the driver¶s seat of America¶s sports car at the National
Corvette Museum.
Come to the heart of Corvette Country, Bowling Green, Kentucky, and experience the
dream of America¶s sports car.
75
Corvette Assembly Plant Tour Guidelines
(Issued by the Corvette Assembly Plant)
Monday ± Thursday
8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:45 PM, 2:00 PM Central Standard Time
Age Restrictions:
Children must be seven years of age or older. School groups must be fourth grade or
above.
Plant Shutdowns:
Tours are closed on most major Holidays and during the first two weeks in July. Tours
may also be canceled during pre-production of future models or due to unexpected
business matters, so call tour information ahead!
76
Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 94. On west side of I-65, turn right onto Buffalo Creek Drive. The museum is
just past the Holiday Inn Express.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $5.00
Seniors: $4.00
Tour Groups: $4.00
Students: $2.00
Student Tours: $2.00
Preschoolers Free
*Handicap Accessible
The Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia is available for group tours. If you or
your party is interested in scheduling a group tour please contact them at:
info@schmidtmuseum.com.
.
DESCRIPTION
77
Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola (Cont¶d)
Atlanta Pharmacist and former Confederate Captain in the Civil War, Dr. John Styth
Pemberton was the inventor of the ³secret formula´ that would later become known as
Coca-Cola. In 1886, while working on an elixir or in his words; ³the ideal brain tonic´,
Dr. Pemberton took the basic formula of his earlier French Wine Coca, took out the wine,
added extract of Cola nut, essential oils and other ingredients to concoct what his
bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, later branded Coca-Cola. Mr. Robinson was also
responsible for the Spencerian script used by Coca-Cola which was later to become the
most recognized trademark in the world. John Pemberton died in 1888, and through a
series of complicated transactions, another Atlanta druggist, Asa Candler, ended up with
control of the Coca-Cola Company. It was through Candler¶s brilliant marketing that
Coca-Cola¶s popularity began to spread throughout the country. Another stroke of
marketing genius was introduced by Joseph Biedenharn of Vicksburg, Mississippi. In
1894, the Biedenharn Candy Company was the first to bottle Coca-Cola in the
Hutchinson stoppered bottles. Two enterprising lawyers from Chattanooga, Tennessee
named B.F. Thomas and J.B. Whitehead, recognized the potential of selling Coca-Cola in
bottles and purchased the bottling rights for almost the entire country from an
unconvinced Asa Candler. Coca-Cola¶s history is rich with intuitive company leadership.
Under the leadership of men like Robert Woodruff, Coca-Cola became the most famous
soft drink and trademark in the world.
In 1901, Ben Thomas, one of the two lawyers who purchased the bottling rights to Coca-
Cola, persuaded Frederick Schmidt to leave his managers position with Southern Railway
Express of Chattanooga and to purchase a Coca-Cola bottling franchise in Louisville,
Kentucky. In April of 1901, the first bottle of Coca-Cola was produced by the Coca-Cola
Bottling Works 2nd under the ownership of Frederick Schmidt. In 1920, Fred Schmidt
divided the Louisville Franchise Territory between his three sons and the Elizabethtown
78
Schmidt M useum of Coca-Cola (Cont¶d)
territory was given to, middle son, Luke Schmidt. Upon his death in 1941, his wife Irene
managed the operation until 1955 when their son Bill, after completing college and
serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force, returned to Elizabethtown to take over
the family business. Bill and his wife, Jan, represent the third generation of Coca-Cola
Bottlers. In the 1970¶s, Bill and Jan¶s two sons, Luke and Larry, began work at the
bottling plant. Luke and Larry represent the fourth generation of the Schmidt family to
be active in the business. In the mid-1980¶s, Luke left the CCBC in Elizabethtown to
organize and head up an entity dedicated to recycling plastic beverage containers. Larry
remained active in the management of the business, becoming president in the mid-
1990¶s and stayed in the position through the sale of the Coca-Cola franchise in 1999 and
the subsequent sale of the bottling and canning facility in 2004.
With completion of the third Elizabethtown Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in 1971, Bill and
his wife, Jan, began to search out a few Coca-Cola memorabilia was filling warehouses.
In 1976, dedicated space was created in the bottling plant for the Schmidt Museum
Collection of Coca-Cola Memorabilia, which opened to the public in March of 1977.
After 25 years and almost a million visitors from around the world, the Museum closed in
November of 1999 due to changes in State safety regulations. In April 2001, The
Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia reopened in the Elizabethtown Tourism and
Convention Center located at 1030 North Mulberry. The interim museum exhibited over
1,100 rare artifacts from a collection, which now numbers well over 80,000 items. In the
Fall of 2005, the Schmidt Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia moved to its new 32,000
square foot museum/warehouse facility located at 109 Buffalo Creek Drive,
Elizabethtown, KY.
79
THEATER & THEATRE
HORSE CAVE
GLASGOW
80
Kentucky Repertory Theatre
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 58. Head east on Highway 218 and Kentucky Repertory Theatre will be on the
right at 107 East Main Street in Historic Downtown Horse Cave, about 2 miles from the
interstate.
HOURS OF OPERATION
To see the performance dates scheduled for Kentucky Repertory Theatre please visit:
www.kentuckyrep.org/2009%20Season.html.
ADMISSION PRICES
81
Kentucky Repertory Theatre (Cont¶d)
DESCRIPTION
KRT History
Kentucky Repertory Theatre at Horse Cave was founded in 1976 through the vision of
Horse Cave residents who identified a need to bring both cultural and economic growth
to the area. The curtain rose for the first performance on June 10, 1977 with Warren
Hammack leading as Artistic Director of what was then known as Horse Cave Theatre.
For 33 seasons the Theatre has maintained and strengthened its purpose to provide
quality, professional theatre, particularly for the citizens of Kentucky, by presenting a
repertory of work drawn from the very best of their diverse culture¶s theatrical heritage.
In addition to being one of the few remaining rotating repertory theatres in the country,
KRT is an important facilitator of cultural growth in the region. This is achieved by
providing a wide variety of educational opportunities and making live theatre experiences
accessible to everyone in the region and beyond. In 2002, Warren Hammack retired after
guiding Horse Cave Theatre for 25 years. He was succeeded by Robert Brock.
Kentucky Repertory Theatre is located in the City of Horse Cave, population 2,252 in
Hart County, Kentucky, population 17,445, a rural area in the cave region of Southern
Kentucky. In 2003 Horse Cave and Hart County were added into the Appalachian
Regional Commission (ARC), meeting ARC¶s criteria for classification as economically
distressed. In spite of this, the Theatre¶s presence for 27 years has enabled Horse Cave,
which is currently in the process of significant downtown revitalization, to retain its
identity. In addition to being added to the National Register of Historic Places, the city is
a member of the Kentucky Main Street Program established to generate renewed
confidence in downtown areas through an improved image and to create new job
opportunities through the attraction of new businesses and strengthened service/retain
markets. In addition, Horse Cave was recognized as one of eleven Kentucky cities to
receive the 2002 Enterprise Cities Award for its Heritage Festival Project. Awarded by
the Kentucky League of Cities and Lane Report, it recognized cities that demonstrate
entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence in local governance.
The structure that houses Kentucky Repertory Theatre was renovated for the first season
in 1977 to accommodate a 346-seat auditorium featuring a modern thrust stage. At the
same time, a structure designed to resemble a tobacco-curing barn indigenous to the area
was built to provide space for the lobby and dressing rooms. A $1.3 million Addition and
Renovation project, completed in 1993, reshaped two turn-of-the century buildings into
one theatre-producing facility. The 1998 purchase of a residential building adjacent to
the Theatre and a commercial warehouse property less than one block away provided
space for the Theatre¶s administrative offices and a home for the Scene and Properties
Shops. The improvements have enabled the Theatre to produce its programs more
efficiently and to expand its production season and educational offerings through the
winter months.
82
Kentucky Repertory Theatre (Cont¶d)
In 1977, local attorney Robert Hensley donated the historic Horse Cave State Bank
building to Kentucky Repertory Theatre. Employing a City Block Development Grant
and a Renaissance on Main grant, the Theatre renovated the structure, with the primary
objective of creating a home for KRT¶s newly incorporated education program, the
Kentucky Theatre for Youth. In addition, KRT included office and meeting space on the
ground floor and five units of company housing on the second floor. The estimated cost
of rehabilitation was $650,000. The building covers 2,688 square feet on the first floor
and the same amount on the second floor. The building was fully completed in 2007.
KRT is a unique gem in Southern Kentucky. For 33 years, this fully professional
(Equity) theatre has produced repertory performances of classic plays in a rural area
where fine-arts opportunities are limited. KRT has also commissioned more than two
dozen original plays. The educational arm of the Theatre served more than fifteen
thousand elementary and high school students last year alone. KRT offers student
matinees and workshops at the Theatre. Touring productions, workshops, and classes
also travel to schools in 35 counties.
KRT has been identified by U.S.A. Today as ³«one of 10 great places to see the lights
way off Broadway.´
Kentucky Repertory Theatre was selected by Governor Steve Beshear to receive the
highest honor Kentucky bestows on an arts organization, The Governor¶s Award in
Community Arts.
Kentucky Repertory Theatre was chosen by the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial
Commission to produce two plays about Abraham Lincoln as official activities
surrounding the celebration of his birth.
83
Marquee Highland 8 Cinemas
CONTACT INFORMATION
2400 Happy Valley Road
Glasgow, KY. 42141
Phone: 270-678-1613
24 hour Movie Information: 270-678-1605
www.marqueecinemas.com/location.asp?location=4494
GPS Coordinates: N37 0.5689', W085 55.2723'
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Head east on Highway 90 and Marquee Cinemas will be about 9 miles
from I-65 and on your left, directly across from Glasgow¶s Super Walmart.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
General Admission:
Adult: $8.00
Matinee (Shows before 6:00 pm) $6.25
Child (Ages 2 to 11) $6.25
Senior (Ages 62 & older) $6.25
Early Bird (1st show before 2pm Mon-Thur) $5.75
3-D Films:
Adult Evening: $10.50
Matinee (Shows before 6:00 pm) $8.75
Child (Ages 2 to 11) $8.75
Senior (Ages 62 & older) $8.75
Early Bird (1st show before 2pm Mon-Thur) $8.25
84
The Plaza Theatre
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
Take Highway 90 from I-65, Exit 53, to Glasgow. Highway 90 will become Happy
Valley Road in Glasgow and follow Happy Valley Road until it dead ends into Race
Street. Turn right on Race Street and go through three traffic lights until you reach the
town square. The Plaza Theatre will be just off the square on the northeast side.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday ± Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed for lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:00
PM) Evenings of performances, Box Office opens one (1) hour prior to showtime.
DESCRIPTION
Construction of the building, designed by local architect, Dixon Rapp, began in the spring
of 1930. Financial difficulties caused by the Great Depression made it necessary to
proceed only as funds became available. The construction took four years to complete.
According to Aspley family sources, the tile and sculptures were imported from Italy.
The Plaza became the second air conditioned building in Glasgow, the Trigg Theatre
being the first. Sound was provided by a state-of-the-art RCA system. Three giant
projectors were installed to show multi reel movies.
85
The Plaza Theatre (Continued)
Bruce¶s original plan called for the Plaza to open on his birthday, July 4th, but it was not
ready. The opening came on August 23, 1934, and was accompanied by full-page ads in
local newspapers. The first show was ³The Cat¶s Paw´, starring Harold Lloyd. All 1,500
seats were reportedly sold out. Admission was 25 cents for adults in the evening, 20
cents for matinees, and 10 cents for children for all shows. These prices continued for
many years. According to Duane Aspley, Bruce¶s granddaughter, Mrs. Mary Aspley sold
tickets, while Bruce greeted guests, and Sam Gass ran the projectors. William Beatty
Jones reportedly sat on a stool for hours in front of the ticket window to buy the first
ticket. Bobby Goodman admits to having also been in that first audience.
In April 1935, Mr. Aspley announced a new policy of offering stage shows as well as
screen shows. They were usually on the same bill and at ³no advance in price.´ Uncle
Dave Macon on Wednesday and Thursday, May 1st and 2nd, 1935 headed the first live act
under this new policy. Because of the proximity to Nashville, many country music artist
appeared at the Plaza. Minnie Pearl, oretta Lynn, he Carter Family, Flatt and Scruggs,
Porter Wagoner, and Dolly Parton were among those who performed here.
Not all headliners were from country music. Dinah Shore, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry
were among others who visited the Plaza. Gene Autry¶s January 15th, 1938, appearance
was advertised as continuous shows from 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM. During one of these
shows 3 year old Roberta Sanders responded to Gene¶s invitation and went on stage with
Gene and ³Champion the Wonder Horse.´
On one occasion the on-stage attraction was female Siamese twins who talked of their
experiences and offered musical numbers.
Throughout most of the time of its operation, the Plaza offered a different program of
movies four times each week. New movies opened each Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Saturday. One notable exception to this pattern was the original showing of ³Gone
With the Wind.´ This movie opened for a seven day run on March 21, 1940. Another
exception was an ³advance in price.´ All reserved seats were $1.26 including tax and
were available at Cherry¶s Coffee Shop. The Wednesday matinee showing was
continuous with no reservations and at a cost of 75 cents. The movie returned for a
regular engagement in February 1941.
During World War II, Mr. Aspley was active in the effort to sell war bonds and was
recognized for his efforts by the state of Kentucky and by the Secretary of the Treasury
and President Franklin Roosevelt. Food drives at Thanksgiving, free shows for children
at Christmas, and charity events to meet special needs were also held at the Plaza. Bruce
Aspley was twice honored as Glasgow¶s Man of the Year.
In 1953 the Plaza Theatre made the necessary alterations to show its first 3-D movie,
³House of Wax.´ Two years later Bruce and Mary Aspley retired and soon moved to
86
The Plaza Theatre (Continued)
Florida. Their son, Walter ³Jigger´ Aspley, assumed management of the Plaza and
operated it until he sold it in the 1970s. The theater was then rented to different groups
for a variety of uses until it closed in the 1990s.
The Plaza was purchased by the city of Glasgow in September2001 for $200,000.
Renovation was begun under the leadership of Mayor Charlie Honeycutt who worked
tirelessly on the project even after he left office. Renovations have been made possible
through government grants, city funds, and the contributions of individuals and groups.
87
HORSEBACK RIDING
CAVE CITY
MAMMOTH CAVE
LUCAS
88
Jesse James Riding Stables (Located at KY. Action Park)
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Head west on Highway 70 and Kentucky Action Park will be on the left,
about 2 miles from the interstate.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
½ Hour: $12
1 Hour: $16
2 Hours: $30
DESCRIPTION
There is nothing more exciting than horseback riding and what better place than in
Kentucky, and at Jesse James Riding Stables.
• Jesse James Riding Stables is one of the largest riding stables in Kentucky
• Jesse James Riding Stables has been in business for over 34 years.
• They offer only guided trail rides for 2 year olds and up.
• They are also an approved site for the Kentuckiana Girl Scouts.
• People from all over the world have come to know that Jesse James Riding
Stables offers an outstanding experience and great value to vacation plans.
• Let their guides lead you into the valley, to see up close, some of the most
breathtaking scenery this area has to offer.
89
Barren River State Resort Park Horseback Riding
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 90 east to Glasgow. Turn right on US 31-E and travel
south about 14 miles to Barren River Resort State Park.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $15
DESCRIPTION
The entire family can enjoy guided trail rides from Memorial Day through Labor Day
from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, weather permitting. Rides leave every hour on the hour and
last for approximately 45 minutes. Your ride will take you through a wooded area along
the lakeshore and through a meadow area of the park. As you proceed through these
various habitat areas, you may see wildlife including, but not limited to, whitetail deer,
wild turkey, great blue herons, Canadian geese, rabbits, and may even hear the sounds of
our state bird, the Cardinal. Children under 6 are not permitted on the rides. Current
rate of $15 per person, advance signup recommended. Extension #2418.
90
Double J Stables & Horseman¶s Camp
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jack Bacon
542 Lincoln School Road
Mammoth Cave, KY. 42259
Phone: 270-286-8167
Toll Free: 800-730-4773 (Only in Kentucky)
www.doublejstables.com
GPS Coordinates: N37 10.9084', W086 5.4777'
DIRECTIONS
Coming from the North on I-65, take exit 71 ± Bonneville. At the end of the ramp make
a right, go ¼ mile and make another right. Go another ¼ mile and make a left on
Highway 728. Take Highway 728 for 14 miles, go through the stop sign at Cub Run. Go
another 7 miles, pass Fork¶s Grocery Store on your left, Double J Stables is the second
paved road on the left.
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
1 Hour: $15
1 ½ Hours: $20
2 Hours: $25
4 Hours: $75
6 Hours: $95
8 Hours: $125
DESCRIPTION
Double J Stables and Campgrounds is located off the Northeastern corner of Mammoth
Cave National Park. They are as close as you can get to Mammoth Cave National Park.
You do not need to cross or ride on any public roads to enter the park, just mount up and
ride on in. Mammoth Cave National Park offers 70 miles of beautiful scenic trails. For
the most part, they are challenging. The trailhead is located adjacent to their
campgrounds. If you are camping with your own horse, no guide is required. Trail maps
are available and all trails are newly marked.
91
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1253
Mt. Washington, KY. 40047
DIRECTIONS
92
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp (Continued)
From the South:
HOURS OF OPERATION
RATES
93
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp (Continued)
DESCRIPTION
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp is nestled on the fringe of Mammoth Cave National Park in
south central Kentucky. You will experience approximately 60 miles of back country
trails offering incredible views of big timber, caves, rivers, waterfalls, creeks, four
seasons of color and an abundance of wildlife.
While in camp you will enjoy first class amenities including water, electric, picnic tables,
fire rings and a modern restroom shower facility. Additionally, you can rest comfortably
knowing that your beloved equine is safe and secure in his 10 x 12 foot covered stall.
Plan to attend one of their ³Special Event´ weekend rides this year that will include
delicious ³home style cooking´ and evening entertainment. Let them host a weekend ride
for your trail or saddle club; just give them a call at: 888-682-3958.
Campground:
• Each developed site has a water hydrant and an electrical pedestal
• The electrical pedestal will accommodate 20, 30, 50 amp trailers
• Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring/grill
• Primitive sites do not have electric but there is water nearby
• There are 6 private multi-users showers
• There are men and women¶s restrooms with flush toilets
If you prefer to let someone else do the cooking for you«..there are a couple of
restaurants within a short driving distance of their campground. The Backwoods Café is
located 2.5 miles from the Mammoth Cave Horse Camp. They feature a breakfast and
dinner buffet as well as a diverse menu and the food is all cooked ³home style´. You can
also ride to the restaurant through the park, tie up your horse on a hitching rail and have a
delicious meal and then ride back to the campground. It is about a 1.5 hour ride on
horseback.
94
CAMPGROUNDS & RV PARKS
CAVE CITY
PARK CITY
MAMMOTH CAVE
HORSE CAVE
NOLIN LAKE
BARREN RIVER
95
Cave Country RV Campground
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
From I-65 Southbound: Take Exit 53, turn right onto Highway 90 at interchange.
Follow Highway 90 down the hill (about .4 miles) past the red light. Turn left at the next
street (Sanders St.) between Cracker Barrel and McDonald¶s. Make the first right onto
Gaunce Drive. The campground is on your right hand side (about 100 yards).
From I-65 Northbound: Take Exit 53, turn right onto Highway 90 at interchange.
Follow Highway 90 down the hill (about .4 miles) past the red light. Turn left at the next
street (Sanders Street) between Cracker Barrel and McDonald¶s. Make the first right
onto Gaunce Drive. The campground is on your right hand side (about 100 yards).
HOURS OF OPERATION
ADMISSION PRICES
At Cave Country RV Campground you¶ll get great RV campground rates near Mammoth
Cave National Park. If you¶re looking for a convenient stop from your travels, or
planning an enjoyable vacation in Mammoth Cave country, consider Cave Country RV
Campground as your home away from home.
96
Cave Country RV Campground (Continued)
* Contact campground Manager for monthly and group rate details. Other rules and
restrictions may apply.
DESCRIPTION
97
Yogi Bear¶s Jellystone Park ± Camp - Resort
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70 west about 1 miles from I-65 and Jellystone Park and
Campground will be on your right.
HOURS OF OPERATION
FACILITIES
Over 200 campsites including 20/30/50 amp electrical, water, sewer and primitive sites.
Creating memories for family and friends is what they are all about at Yogi Bear¶s
Jellystone Park Camp Resort in Mammoth Cave Kentucky.
98
Yogi Bear¶s Jellystone Park (Continued)
2009 RATE SCHEDULE
Halloween
Off Season Peak Season Holidays Weekends
Primitive area, no hookups $20 $27 $32 $25
Water/Electric $25 $38 $45 $35
W/E/S 30 amp electric $28 $43 $50 $38
Generally 25-35¶ site length
W/E/S/TV 30 amp electric $30 $45 $52 $38
Generally 40-45¶ site length
Full Hookup 30/50 electric $35 $48 $55 $40
Generally 45-70¶ site length
Efficiency Cabin $53 $83 $98 $65
Amish Cabin $69 $115 $129 $85
Log Cabin $69 $115 $129 $85
Savannah Cabin $75 $115 $129 $85
Independence Cabin $90 $130 $140 $135
Cumberland Cabin $90 $135 $150 $105
2 Bedroom Cabin $95 $150 $160 $115
Bungalow $140 $190 $210 $150
Bunkhouse $75 $110 $115 $90
Bear Dens $40 $55 $60 $53
Cabin Cleaning/Security $100 $100 $100 $100
2004 - 2008
Pinnacle and Excellence Awards for Facilities and Operations
2005 ± 2008
Outstanding Recreational Programming
99
Jesse James Campground (Located at KY. Action Park)
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Head west on Highway 70 and Kentucky Action Park will be on the left,
about 2 miles from the interstate.
HOURS OF OPERATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
The cabins at Jesse James Campground have the look of the old west, but offer many
modern amenities. Cabins are fully furnished and offer full baths, kitchenettes complete
with table, refrigerator, cookware, dishes, silverware, microwave, hot plate, and coffee
maker, TV with DVD/VCR combo, individual charcoal grills, picnic tables, and all linens
and towels are supplied. All cabins have a loft which can sleep up to 6 children. No beds
are in the loft so bring your children¶s sleeping bags. Each cabin overlooks the beautiful
rolling hills and valleys of South Central Kentucky, the perfect end to a long fun-filled
day at Kentucky Action Park and Jesse James Riding Stables.
100
Mammoth Cave Adventures & Campground
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
PRICES
DESCRIPTION
101
The Oakes Motel & Campground
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Head west on Highway 70 and travel about 4 miles. Highway 70 will
make a sharp left as it intersects with Highway 255. The Oakes Motel & Campground
will be on the left side of the road at this corner intersection.
HOURS OF OPERATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Full RV Hook Ups with water, electricity, and sewer: $25.00 per night plus tax.
Campsites with utilities: $22.00 per night plus tax.
Campsites without utilities: $20.00 per night plus tax.
DESCRIPTION
The Oakes Motel & Campground is a locally owned and operated motel and campground
in Cave City, Kentucky, for cabins, campsites, tents, RVs, and campers. There
comfortable, home-like cabins and campsites with full hookups are a place where you¶ll
find real Southern Hospitality. The owners, AJ and Maria, invite you to visit and enjoy
all that they have to offer.
102
The Oakes Motel & Campground (Continued)
Historic, Comfortable Accommodations
The Oakes Motel and Campground has 10 cozy cabins, sheltered among large oak trees.
It was built in 1928 and has been restored to offer a comfortable place to stay on your
visit to the Mammoth Cave area. If you are driving an RV, they can also accommodate
you with full hookups for water, electricity, and also sewer in their campground. And
finally, if you like to carry your ³Room´ in a duffle bag, they have tent spaces. All of
their campsites have access to full restroom and bath facilities with separate sections for
men and women.
The Oakes cabins range in size up to three rooms, complete with a kitchen and room for 6
adults. They have a cabin with a nice kitchenette. And, they have several cabins perfect
for 2 people (Great for Honeymooners). They have 1 cabin that will sleep 4 people, but
they don¶t have phones in the cabins (you are on vacation to get away from it all, right?!).
All of the Oakes cabins have air-conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, linens, and DISH
Network TV. They are open year-round, and they welcome your pets. Are you traveling
with a group? They now have a clean comfortable bunkhouse that sleeps up to 9 people.
Great for scout groups or families.
At the Oakes Motel & Campground, you¶ll be comfortable with their accommodations,
and they will do all they can to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. They know that
you and your family will be pleased with their rooms, their rates, and their service.
103
Singing Hills RV Park & Campground
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Head west on Highway 70 and travel about 3 miles. Singing Hills RV
Park and Campground will be on your right (almost directly opposite Ridgetop Pay
Lake).
HOURS OF OPERATION
DESCRIPTION
Singing Hills was purchased in January 2007 by Eldon and Beth Brown. They have been
busy cleaning, repairing, and sprucing up so Singing Hills will be in great shape for your
visit. Singing Hills has something for everyone. It offers a quiet place to rest at the end
of a busy day. There is room to go for a walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. A
fully stocked pond awaits those who prefer to relax with a fishing pole in hand. Fishing
is free and no license is required.
Here are some of the things that have been done since they purchased the campground to
make Singing Hills more comfortable for their RV guests and tent campers:
104
Singing Hills RV Park & Campground (Cont¶d)
Singing Hills is located in the heart of Kentucky¶s beautiful cave country just outside
Mammoth Cave National Park. It is easily accessible from I-65 and is close to many of
the area attractions.
Eldon and Beth enjoy being with people and want to make sure that every guest at
Singing Hills feels welcome. They want each of their guests to have an enjoyable
camping experience. Eldon and Beth live on the campground, in the mobile home behind
the office. They maintain regular office hours and are available 24/7 in case of
emergency.
105
Diamond Caverns Campground
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lana Riddle
1878 Mammoth Cave Parkway
P.O. Box 305
Park City, KY. 42160
Phone: 270-749-2891 Ext. 118
Reservations: 270-749-3114
www.mammothcave.com/dcrcamp.htm
GPS Coordinates: N37 6.8792', W086 3.7286'
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 48. Diamond Caverns Campground is located 1 mile west of the I-65
interchange on Mammoth Cave Parkway.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Open year round.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Diamond Caverns Campground is a Coast to Coast camping facility with full hook-ups
and a large selection of campsites for the tent campers. The recreation center provides
members with tanning facilities, exercise tables, and a workout area. They have a sauna
and a Jacuzzi for relaxing after the workout. There is a game room for teens, and a
family center for the whole family.
Reservations for either campground can be made by calling Diamond Caverns Resort and
Golf Club at 1-270-749-3114, M onday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm CST.
106
Diamond Caverns Campground (Continued)
DESCRIPTION
Enjoy the fellowship of other campers around their pool, or take a stroll around their
stunning lake. Diamond Cavern campsites provide campers with lots of room.
107
Mammoth Cave National Park - Camping
CONTACT INFORMATION
P.O. Box 7
Mammoth Cave, KY. 42259
Phone: 270-758-2180
www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm
DIRECTIONS
HOURS OF OPERATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
There are few better ways to discover the pleasures and curiosities of the sunlit side of
Mammoth Cave National Park than to camp among the trees or by the waters. The park
offers camping in three developed campgrounds and in more than a dozen primitive sites
in the backcountry and along the Green and Nolin Rivers. The table below will help you
choose the one that¶s best for you. Also be sure to check Campground Regulations.
Mammoth Cave Campground is first-come, first serve from September 16 ± May 15.
Mammoth Houchins
Campground Cave Ferry Maple Springs
4 Equestrian / 3
Sites 105 / 4 group 12 group
Fees (per night) $17 / $20 $12 $22 / $30
Reservations Yes No Yes
RV Sites Yes No No
RV Hookups No No Yes
Dump Station Yes No No
Grill & Tables Yes Yes Yes
Camp Store Yes Yes Yes
Toilets: Flush Yes No No
Toilets: Chemical No Yes Yes
Showers Yes No No
Coin Laundry Yes No No
Water Yes Yes Yes
Large Groups Yes No Yes
108
Mammoth Cave National Park ± Camping (Cont¶d)
DESCRIPTION
Located ¼ mile from the park Visitor Center, this campground includes 105 sites. Each
site features a paved parking area, a picnic table, and a fire ring. The campground has
restrooms, fresh water, a dump station, garbage dumpsters, and a recycling station.
There are no hookups for electricity or water. The camping fee is $17 per night per site
and $8.50 for visitors with Golden Age/Golden Access passports and America The
Beautiful Senior/Access Passports. No Refunds. Reservations are recommended during
peak season (May 15 ± September 15). NOTE: Mammoth Cave Campground is open
year-round for first come, first served camping. Check-in time is 12 noon, and check-out
time is 11am. A maximum of 8 persons is permitted at each site, and campers may stay a
maximum of 14 days in a calendar year. Showers, operated by the park concessioner, are
open daily March 1 ± November 30, 6am ± 10pm, $2/10 min. Showers are located
behind the Service Center adjacent to the campground. Emergency phone numbers, and
announcements regarding park activities, are posted at the bulletin board at the
campground entrance.
Group Sites
Mammoth Cave Campground also offers 4 sites to accommodate groups, with limit of 16
campers per site. Each site has paved parking, picnic tables, and a fire ring.
$20/night/site. No discount offered on group camping. Check-in time is 12 noon, and
check-out time is 11am. No refunds. Reservations are recommended during peak season
(May 15 through September 14). During non-peak season, you may call the campground
at 270-758-2424.
Located 15 miles from the park Visitor Center on the south bank of the Green River, this
campground includes 12 sites. Each site has a picnic table and a fire grate. The
campground has chemical toilets, fresh water, and an adjacent picnic shelter.
The camping fee is $12 per night per site and $6 for visitors with Golden Age/Golden
Access and America The Beautiful Senior/Access passports. No refunds. Campsites are
available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ferry operates from 10:15 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. daily from March 4 ± November except when repairs or hazardous river conditions
prevent operation.
109
Mammoth Cave National Park ± Camping (Cont¶d)
MAPLE SPRINGS GROUP CAMPGROUND
Notice: Due to damage from the January 2009 ice storm, campsites 5, 6 and 7 in
Maple Springs Group Campground will be closed until further notice. We
apologize for any inconvenience.
Located 6 miles from the Visitor Center and 3 miles north of the Green River Ferry, this
campground has 7 sites. Each site has multiple picnic tables and fire rings, chemical
toilets, garbage dumpsters, and fresh water available.
Three of these sites are group sites with a 24 / person limit, fee $30 per night per site.
Four of the Maple Springs sites are Equestrian sites with hitching posts and trailer
parking, limit 8 horses / site. Two of these sites have water / electric hook-ups, fee $30
per night per site. Two sites without hook-ups, fee $22 per night per site.
No discount for visitors with Golden Age / Golden Access or America The Beautiful
Senior / Access Passports. No refunds. Reservations are required. Maple Springs
Campground check-in time is 12 noon and check-out time is 11am.
Note: The most direct route from the Visitor Center to the Group Campground requires
crossing the Green River Ferry. The ferry has a load limit of 8 tons. High or low water
conditions may impede crossing, especially of motor homes or trailered units. The ferry
is open 6 a.m. to 9:55 p.m. daily, except when repairs or hazardous river conditions
prevent operation. For information on ferry status, you may call the Green River Ferry
Information Line at (270) 758-2166. An alternate route to the campground via state and
county roads is 35 miles from the Visitor Center.
BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING
Twelve peaceful and scenic backcountry campsites offer opportunities to find solitude
and appreciate the beauty and diversity of Mammoth Cave National Park¶s rugged hills
and majestic woodlands.
Overnight camping is permitted at designated sites and along floodplains more than ½
mile away from ferry crossings or developed campgrounds. Each campsite holds a
maximum of 8 people.
All sites except McCoy Hollow have a nearby water source. Boil and treat water before
drinking, or carry in your own drinking water.
A free backcountry use permit is required for all camping at backcountry campsites and
along the river floodplain. Go in person to the backcountry permit office, located in the
Visitor Center ticket sales area, to obtain your permit and a free trail map showing
110
Mammoth Cave National Park ± Camping (Cont¶d)
backcountry campsites ± be aware that backcountry permits are not issued during the last
hour before the Visitor Center closes each day. Check at (270) 758-2180 for Visitor
Center hours. Detailed maps and guidebooks are available for sale in the book sales area.
CAMPING REGULATIONS
• Pay camping fee at entrance kiosk. Check-in time is 12 noon. Check-out time is
11 am.
• Maximum of 8 persons per site. Maximum 14-day stay in calendar year.
• Park wheeled vehicles on asphalt pads. All vehicles must fit asphalt; overflow
parking located at Service Center adjacent to campground.
• Confine fire to established fire rings. You may pick-up any dead or downed
wood or purchase wood from the Campstore located at the Service Center. Store
hours vary with season, check bulletin board at kiosk for current hours.
• Quiet hours 10 pm to 6 am. Generators are permitted from 6 am to 10 pm as long
as they are properly muffled and do not create unreasonable noise.
• Keep pets on a leash at all times. Do not leave pets unattended at campsite.
Kennels are available at the Mammoth Cave Hotel. Dispose of pet waste in
garbage.
• Mark your campsite when you leave so others know it is occupied. Articles left
unattended on an unpaid campsite for 24 hours may be impounded.
• Showers are operated by the park concessionaire and are located at the Service
Center. Showers and laundry are open daily March 1 through November 30.
• Do not chop, cut, saw, or drive nails into standing trees. Do not use mechanized
saws in the park.
• Fireworks, firearms, bows, air rifles, blowguns, slingshots, and other weapons
capable of destruction are prohibited in the park.
• Mini-bikes, mopeds, and motorcycles are only permitted on improved roads.
• Roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards, coasting vehicles, or similar devices are
allowed only in the campground.
• Water hydrants are for collection of water to be used at campsite. Washing dishes
or clothing at water hydrants is prohibited.
• To eliminate unpleasant odors and muddy campsites, catch your drain water in
buckets and empty into toilets in the restrooms.
• Do not dig, trench, or level ground at your campsite.
• When food is not being prepared or eaten, it must be stored inside a vehicle to
prevent wildlife access to human food. Do not feed or play with wildlife. Wild
animals that become dependant on human handouts may lose their ability to
forage independently when campers disappear in the ³off-season.´
• All plants in Mammoth Cave National Park are protected. Collection of any
portion of a plant is prohibited.
111
Mammoth Cave National Park ± Camping (Cont¶d)
• Obey the 15-mph speed limit and the stop signs in the campgrounds. Watch for
children at play.
• To avoid poisonous snakes, carry a flashlight or lantern when walking after dark.
• Overnight camping is not permitted in parking lots, overlooks, or along roadsides
in the park.
112
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1253
Mt. Washington, KY. 40047
DIRECTIONS
113
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp (Continued)
From the South:
HOURS OF OPERATION
RATES
114
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp (Continued)
DESCRIPTION
Mammoth Cave Horse Camp is nestled on the fringe of Mammoth Cave National Park in
south central Kentucky. You will experience approximately 60 miles of back country
trails offering incredible views of big timber, caves, rivers, waterfalls, creeks, four
seasons of color and an abundance of wildlife.
While in camp you will enjoy first class amenities including water, electric, picnic tables,
fire rings and a modern restroom shower facility. Additionally, you can rest comfortably
knowing that your beloved equine is safe and secure in his 10 x 12 foot covered stall.
Plan to attend one of their ³Special Event´ weekend rides this year that will include
delicious ³home style cooking´ and evening entertainment. Let them host a weekend ride
for your trail or saddle club; just give them a call at: 888-682-3958.
Campground:
• Each developed site has a water hydrant and an electrical pedestal
• The electrical pedestal will accommodate 20, 30, 50 amp trailers
• Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring/grill
• Primitive sites do not have electric but there is water nearby
• There are 6 private multi-users showers
• There are men and women¶s restrooms with flush toilets
If you prefer to let someone else do the cooking for you«..there are a couple of
restaurants within a short driving distance of their campground. The Backwoods Café is
located 2.5 miles from the Mammoth Cave Horse Camp. They feature a breakfast and
dinner buffet as well as a diverse menu and the food is all cooked ³home style´. You can
also ride to the restaurant through the park, tie up your horse on a hitching rail and have a
delicious meal and then ride back to the campground. It is about a 1.5 hour ride on
horseback.
115
KOA Campground
CONTACT INFORMATION
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 58. Horse Cave KOA is located on the southwest corner of I-65, Exit 58 and
Highway 218.
HOURS OF OPERATION
DESCRIPTION
If you¶ve ever been intrigued by the subterranean world, plan a stay at the Horse Cave
KOA. It lies in the heart of one of the most significant cave regions on the planet.
Beneath the area¶s rumpled hills, eons of dripping and flowing waters have worn through
the limestone bedrock, creating a maze of underground rooms, rivers and sinkholes.
Nearby Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the world¶s largest known cave system.
Sign on for a tour for an unforgettable introduction to this geological wonder. If you¶re
up for adventure, try the belly-crawling six-hour Wild Cave Tour. Cleanup is easy at
KOA, where you¶ll find hot showers and laundry facilities. Kamping Kabins, shady pull
thrus, a swimming pool, mini golf and a playground for the kids make this a relaxing
base. In fall, the trees will reward you with glorious color.
116
Resorts
PARK CITY
117
Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lana Riddle
1878 Mammoth Cave Parkway
P.O. Box 305
Park City, KY. 42160
Phone: 270-749-2891 Ext. 118
Reservations: 270-749-3114
www.mammothcave.com/dcrcamp.htm
GPS Coordinates: N37 6.8792', W086 3.7286'
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 48. Diamond Caverns Resort is located 1 mile west of the I-65 interchange on
Mammoth Cave Parkway.
This is your opportunity to enjoy the splendor and beauty of Kentucky¶s Award Winning
Resort. The moment you enter Diamond Caverns Resort & Golf Club you feel the
ambiance and romantic atmosphere designed to rekindle your spirit and create an
atmosphere for memories. From the comfort and privacy of condo-suites, to an Olympic
size swimming pool, a racquetball court and an 18-hole golf course, Diamond Caverns
Resort and Golf Club truly captures the spirit of Kentucky!
Many of their condominiums feature two bedrooms, perfect for the entire family! Their
large kitchens make meal time a simple pleasure. Relax in your very own dining room,
stretch your legs in the living room to watch some TV, or step out onto the deck to watch
the deer as they wander out of the forest at sunset. The condos are conveniently located
just far enough from the highway that you can¶t hear the traffic, yet close enough to be at
Diamond Caverns Cave or Mammoth Cave National Park in just moments.
They are affiliated with Resort Condominiums International (RCI), so you can rest
assured that they meet the highest standards of quality for vacation condominiums and
related facilities.
Whether for a week or a weekend, call them for reservations at: 270-749-3114.
118
Park Mammoth Resort & Rockcastle Shooting Center
CONTACT INFORMATION
Nick Noble, Owner
22850 Louisville Road
Park City, KY. 42160
Phone: 270-749-4101
Fax: 270-749-2524
E-mail: info@parkmammothresort.us
www.parkmammothresort.us
GPS Coordinates: N37 5.4333', W086 4.0926'
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 48. Head east about a ¼ mile to US 31-W. Take US 31-W south about a mile
and the entrance to Park Mammoth Resort will be on your right.
The standard rooms offer two double beds and romantic honeymoon suites are available.
As renovations commence, the standard rooms will be changed to a double queen bed
offering, and premium executive suites will be offered. The guest rooms will be updated
to reflect ties to Kentucky¶s historic and sporting lifestyle.
Other amenities include an indoor heated pool, cable TV, wireless high-speed internet
access, miniature golf, 3.5 mile nature trail, and meeting rooms. You can stay as long as
you¶d like, but they are certain you¶ll never want to leave.
119
Park Mammoth Resort (Continued)
PARK MAMMOTH RESORT - THE LOOKOUT RESTAURANT
Many have expressed that the food alone is worth the trip to Park M ammoth Resort. The
view from the Lookout dining room is hard to beat. A delicious southern cuisine is
offered at The Lookout for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week. The
weekends always include a buffet line for a quick breakfast, a Friday night seafood
buffet, and their famous fried chicken featured buffet on Saturday night.
The menu is being expanded to include healthy alternatives and signature dishes that are
sure to keep you coming back for another dining experience at The Lookout.
Park Mammoth Resort offers a wide range of venues to host your corporate outing,
meeting, reunion, wedding, birthday party, or general celebration. There are three
meeting and conference rooms in the main lodge, including the largest which will
accommodate up to sixty guests.
They will soon begin construction on The Point Pavilion, which will certainly become
one of the grandest and most popular wedding, meeting, and conference destinations in
the state. The spectacular 26 mile view from The Point Pavilion will provide the
atmosphere for an event that you will never forget.
Don¶t limit your plans to the indoors, because Park Mammoth Resort never will. With
over 1600 acres of natural beauty, there are countless settings to create a unique
environment to host your event. Maybe you would prefer a Chuck Wagon Barbecue at
the mouth of the Historic Jesse James Cave, or a buffet line on the golf course, or an
elegant tea party in a park-like setting.
Their event planners can work miracles, and help you plan an event that you will always
remember.
Summer Hours
Open seven days a week ± Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Please look under the Golf Section to get more information about the 27 unique holes of
regulation golf at The Cave Valley Golf Club at Park Mammoth Resort. Call 270-749-
4101 to make tee times and room reservations.
120
Lodging & Accommodations
Hotels & Motels
CAVE CITY
121
GLASGOW
HORSE CAVE
MAMMOTH CAVE
MUNFORDVILLE
PARK CITY
122
Park Mammoth Resort 270-749-4101
SMITHS GROVE
123
Lodging & Accommodations
Bed & Breakfasts
BROWNSVILLE
CAVE CITY
GLASGOW
MUNFORDVILLE
124
SMITHS GROVE
125
Bed & Breakfasts
Country Girl at Heart Farm Bed & Breakfast
CONTACT INFORMATION
Darlene Rose, Innkeeper
6230 Priceville Road
Munfordville, KY. 42765
Phone: 270-531-5276
Toll Free: 877-STA-4AYL (877-782-4295)
E-mail: info@parkmammothresort.us
www.countrygirlatheartfarmbandb.com
GPS Coordinates: N37 22.8318', W086 0.1692'
DIRECTIONS
From I-65, take Bonnieville Exit 71. Turn right and go into Bonnieville. Turn right onto
Highway 31-W. Pass the elementary school. Turn left onto KY 728 just before the Corner
Market. Travel 6 miles on KY 728. The B & B is a large white house on the right. There
is a swan mailbox in front of the house.
DESCRIPTION
Country Girl at Heart Farm Bed and Breakfast is a family-owned, environmentally-
friendly, interactive farm-stay in Hart County, Kentucky, ³where you can get your hands
dirty or just put your feet up!´ After almost 18 months of construction, thousands of
decisions and working hours, overcoming major learning curves in building, livestock
management, organic gardening, marketing and networking added to the ³cherries on
top´ of simply getting to know their way around a brand new state, jumping into
community life and interacting with their wonderful neighbors, their facility is complete
enough to open their doors and invite you to join them for a visit.
The owners hope that you¶ll take a moment to enjoy the attached descriptions of their 5
uniquely-themed bedrooms with private baths, read the list of the farm¶s amenities and
activities, and explore the Hart County area¶s offerings for relaxation, inspiration, and
adventure. They provide a full Country Breakfast with your stay and there are restaurants
in the area for lunch and dinner. Their rates range from $109 to $139 with a 10%
discount on a stay of three or more nights.
There are five uniquely-themed bedrooms that have been designed to honor people
groups. Each room has a private bath. Rates for double occupancy range from $109 -
$139 with two rooms having suite options for $50 additional; extra persons are $20 on a
pullout couch or rollaway. Rates include a full country breakfast. Complimentary water
and snacks are provided in a common guest refrigerator. There is a 10% discount for 3+
nights¶ stay.
126
Country Girl at Heart Farm Bed & Breakfast (Cont¶d)
The Farmer¶s Room $109.00 Decorated with agricultural and industrial artifacts, First
Floor, Queen bed, seated 5-ft. Shower, Handicap Accessible.
The Artisan Room $119.00 Decorated with eclectic collections of wonderful, local
handiwork and art. Second floor with northerly and easterly views of the farm and all-
natural garden, Queen bed, unique soaking tub, and stained glass windows.
The Pioneer Room $129.00 Decorated with geological artifacts and featuring the
Frenchman¶s Knob story, our most romantic room. Second floor with westerly view of
serene pastures and sunsets, Queen bed, Jetted tub. (W ith optional Suite $179.00 for two
additional persons including breakfast; suite can sleep up to 4 with the third and fourth
persons an additional $20 each. Maximum occupancy for both rooms is 6, includes 1 Full
pullout couch and 2 Twin beds.)
The Patriot Room $129.00 Decorated with patriotic and historic American elements.
Second floor with westerly and northerly views of pastures, silo, and barns. Queen bed
and Full pullout couch, Jetted tub. Room rate is based on double occupancy; additional
persons in room are $20.
The Gentry Room $139.00 Decorated in earth-tones with stately Louis XIV furniture
and cozy alcove overlooking the all-natural garden, barns and fields, Second floor with
easterly views and superb sunrises, King bed, Jetted tub. (With optional suite $189.00 for
two additional persons including breakfast; suite can sleep up to 3 with the third person
an additional $20. Maximum occupancy of 5 for both rooms, includes 1 Full pullout
couch and 1 Twin bed.)
In addition to Country Girl¶s bedrooms, their Dining Room and Great Room are large
open spaces with comfy nooks, cozy seating, a floor-to-ceiling library, and room for
puzzles and projects. The Garden Room is surrounded on three sides by windows with a
fresh breeze, seating area, and your gateway to the pastures and outbuildings. The
Recreation Room downstairs is bustling with fun for all ages whether you¶re dazzled in
the movie room or up for a game of ping-pong or pool. Little Ones also have their own
special play area where they can color on the chalkboard walls or zoom with toys and
read good books.
127
Country Girl at Heart Farm Bed & Breakfast (Cont¶d)
Independent Activities = ON the Farm you can ³explore´ inside & out. Here are some
suggestions«««
128
Dining
El Mazatlan 270-773-7448
GLASGOW
El Mazatlan 270-651-7799
129
Dining - Family Restaurants & Fine Foods
Mancino¶s Grinders & Pizza 270-651-6500
Shoney¶s 270-651-8932
HORSE CAVE
LUCAS
MAMMOTH CAVE
MUNFORDVILLE
El Mazatlan 270-524-4874
PARK MAMMOTH
130
Dining - Fast Food Restaurants
CAVE CITY
McDonalds 270-773-2900
Subway 270-773-5566
Wendy¶s 270-773-3411
GLASGOW
McDonald¶s 270-678-9280
Rally¶s 270-834-1098
131
Dining - Fast Food Restaurants
Subway Downtown 270-651-9669
HORSE CAVE
McDonald¶s 270-786-1600
MUNFORDVILLE
McDonald¶s 270-524-9200
Subway 270-524-7307
AUSTIN
GLASGOW
Bluegrass Dairy & Foods (cheeses) 270-651-2146
132
Shopping & Antiques
CAVE CITY
Pier 19 270-773-3390
133
Shopping & Antiques (Cont¶d)
Smith¶s Country Store 270-773-3530
Tom¶s Tee Pee 270-773-2882
Trash-n-Treasures 270-773-3301
CUB RUN
GLASGOW
134
Shopping & Antiques (Cont¶d)
Mary Anne¶s Hallmark 270-651-6004
HORSE CAVE
135
Shopping & Antiques (Cont¶d)
MAMMOTH CAVE
MUNFORDVILLE
PARK CITY
136
EVENTS
April
Jacksonian Days Festival Scottsville 270-237-4782
Southern KY Bookfest Bowling Green 270-745-5016
Heritage Festival Tompkinsville 270-487-5576
Easter Egg Hunt & Parade Adairville 270-726-1678
May
Strawberry Festival Adairville 270-539-4341
Logan County Bluegrass Jam Auburn 270-539-4341
Buick GS Nationals Bowling Green 270-263-8167
Citywide Yard Sale Munfordville 888-686-3673
Heritage Festival Tompkinsville 270-487-8481
BBQ Festival Fountain Run 270-434-2915
June
Barren River
Glasgow Highland Games Lake 270-651-3141
Blueberry Festival Edmonton 270-432-5836
NHRA Hot Rod Reunion Bowling Green 270-781-7634
Green River Canoe Fest Munfordville 888-686-3673
US 68-80 Yard Sale US 68-80 800-326-7465
Classic Car, Truck & Motorcycle Cruise In Munfordville 888-686-3673
Dairy Day Celebration Cave City 270-773-5159
270-651-3161
Antique Engine & Tractor Show Auburn 270-542-4149
Purple Martin Festival Lewisburg 270-755-4828
Saddle Club Horse Show Brownsville 270-597-3429
July
Green River Catfish Festival Morgantown 270-526-6827
July Jam Franklin 270-586-8482
Bonnieville Homecoming Bonnieville 270-524-2892
4th of July Concert on the Square Glasgow 270-651-3161
10th Art Council Summer Musical Franklin 270-586-6799
Barren River
Fireworks Extravaganza Lake 270-646-2151
National Corvette Homecoming Bowling Green 270-791-2117
August
Duncan Hines Festival Bowling Green 800-326-7465
Branstetter Park Homecoming & Bluegrass
Festival Summer Shade 270-428-2853
Garden Spot Fun Franklin 270-586-7609
Sulphur Well Homecoming Edmonton 270-565-4712
137
September
Antique Auto Show Franklin 270-586-7609
Watermelon Festival Tompkinsville 270-487-5504
Cave Country Arts & Crafts Festival Brownsville 270-597-2819
Balloons, Tunes, & BBQ Bowling Green 270-745-7532
Hart County Civil W ar Days Munfordville 888-686-3673
Thoroughbred Racing Franklin 270-586-7778
Autumn Days Auburn 270-542-4149
Music Festival Franklin 270-776-5587
Heritage Festival Horse Cave 270-218-0386
Global Fest of the Barrens Glasgow 270-651-7905
Ole Timers Day Bee Springs 270-286-0222
Glasgow B& PW Arts, Crafts & Gifts Fair Glasgow 270-651-3161
Cub Run Days Cub Run 270-524-5424
International Fest Bowling Green 270-796-2777
October
Aussie Fest Horse Cave 800-762-2869
Primitive Camp Meeting & Rendezvous At Red
River Adairville 270-586-7632
Harvest on the Square Morgantown 270-526-6827
Haunted Hall-Octagon Hall Franklin 270-586-9343
A Taste of Barren County Cave City 270-773-5159
270-651-3161
Shaker Farm Day South Union 270-542-4167
The Medical Center 10 K Classic Bowling Green 877-545-1696
Pumpkin Festival/ Car Show/ 5K Edmonton 270-432-3222
Ole Fashion Days Linwood 270-524-2892
Tobacco & Heritage Festival Russellville 270-726-2206
Roller Coaster Yard Sale Hwy 63 270-651-3161
Cruise Into Fall Car Show Glasgow 270-651-7255
Good Guys Nostalgia Nationals Bowling Green 270-781-7634
November
League of Artist & Craftsmen Show & Sale Scottsville 270-237-4782
Antique Festival Franklin 270-586-3040
Light Up Glasgow Glasgow 270-651-3161
December
Holiday Lights Spectacular Bowling Green 270-781-7634
Christmas Sing in the Cave Mammoth Cave 270-758-2180
Holiday Around the Square Munfordville 888-686-3673
Festivals of Trains Bowling Green 270-745-7317
Christmas at Shakertown South Union 270-542-4167
Historic Hometown Christmas Scottsville 270-237-4782
138
Cave City Welcome Center
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70/90 east to the first traffic
light east of I-65 interchange. Turn left at the light
(Highway 70) onto Mammoth Cave Street and the Cave
City Convention Center will be ¾ of a mile on your left.
(You will pass KFC, Wendy¶s, Pizza Hut, and Super 8
Hotel along the way).
HOURS OF OPERATION
Summer Hours: Mid March thru Labor Day
Monday thru Saturday: 10 am ± 4 pm
Sunday: 1 pm ± 5 pm
139
CAVE CITY CONVENTION CENTER
DIRECTIONS
I-65, Exit 53. Take Highway 70/90 east to the first traffic light east of I-65 interchange.
Turn left at the light (Highway 70) onto Mammoth Cave Street and the Cave City
Convention Center will be ¾ of a mile on your left. (You will pass KFC, Wendy¶s, Pizza
Hut, and Super 8 Hotel along the way).
HOURS OF OPERATION
140
CAVE CITY CONVENTION CENTER (Continued)
DESCRIPTION
The Cave City Convention Center is ideal for your next social function, conference or
business meeting. Our 20,000 square feet of meeting space includes dining for 450
people, theater seating for 700 and smaller breakout rooms to accommodate all your
needs.
For your banquet or hospitality, let one of our approved caterers provide your choice of
items from their banquet menu or hors d¶oeuvres menu.
There are approximately 700 hotel rooms conveniently located near the Center, many
fine restaurants and great family attractions, making Cave City the perfect Spot for the
entire family.
Combined with these advantages, our staff is dedicated to providing your group with all
the necessary components to make your next function a complete success.
141
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Itinerary One ± Family Packed Adventure
1. Breakfast ± in one of the area¶s restaurants or a complimentary breakfast at
hotel
2. Morning tour of one of area¶s caves:
• Diamond Caverns (270-749-2233)
• Mammoth Cave (270-758-2180)
• Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum (270-786-1466)
• Kentucky Caverns (1-800-762-2869)
• Onyx Cave (270-773-3530)
• Outlaw Cave (1-800-798-0560)
• Lost River Cave & Valley (1-866-274-2283)
3. Lunch in one of area¶s restaurants
4. Afternoon family activity
• Dinosaur World ± Visit over 100 life-sized dinosaurs in an outdoor
museum setting. Search for authentic fossils to take home at the Fossil
Dig. Explore the indoor Prehistoric Dinosaur Museum. Watch a short
film on dinosaurs in the Movie Cave. Enjoy the playground, picnic area
gift shop and more. 270-773-4345 or www.dinoworld.net
• Kentucky Action Park/Jesse James Stables ± Ride the Alpine Slide,
miniature golf, bumper boats, go carts, and much more. Guided
horseback rides are also available 800-798-0560 or
www.kentuckyactionpark.com
• Guntown Mountain ± See live entertainment from the Wild West
including live gun shows, saloon shows, and more. 270-773-3530 or
www.mammothcave.com/guntown/index.htm
• Kentucky Down Under ± Visit an interactive Australian animal park
where you can get up close and personal with kangaroos, wallabies,
snakes, watch a sheep herding demonstration and more. 800-762-2869
or www.kdu.com
• GM Corvette Assembly Plant ± Watch workers build America¶s
favorite sports car. Public tours for $5 at 9am and 1pm weekdays.
Closed toe shoes only. 270-745-8419 or
www.bowlinggreenassemblyplant.com
• National Corvette Museum ± This state-of-the-art structure houses
over 60 rare and unique Corvettes dating from 1953. Also featured are
a 3,000 square foot shopping facility, 200-seat big screen theater, and
interactive displays. Located just across the street from the world¶s
only Corvette Assembly Plant. Open daily, year-round. 270-781-7973
or 800-53-VETTE or www.corvettemuseum.com
5. Dinner in one of area¶s restaurants.
6. Evening Entertainment
142
• Outlaw Cave and Mammoth Cave National Park offer evening cave
tours while other area caves are open until 6:00/7:00 pm.
• Kentucky Repertory Theatre at Horse Cave ± See professional live
theatre. 270-786-2100 or www.kentuckyrep.org
• Kentucky Action Park ± The family can enjoy go carts, miniature
golf, and bumper cars. Check out the rock climbing wall or The Alpine
Slide, the only one in Kentucky. 800-798-0560 or
www.kentuckyactionpark.com
143
Itinerary Four ± The Ultimate Cave Experience for the
Adventurers ± The Wild Cave Tour!
1. Breakfast ± in one of the area¶s restaurants or a complimentary breakfast at
hotel.
2. Take the ³down & dirty´ challenge of a wild cave tour at:
• Mammoth Cave National Park ± Wild Cave Tour ± 270-758-2180.
• Hidden River Cave ± Wild Caving Adventure Tour ± 270-786-1466
3. Enjoy a hearty dinner after a grueling day in the subterranean cave system.
*Note
There are so many wonderful caves in the area that we recommend touring at least one
cave a day. Cave tour lengths vary from 30 minutes to 6 hours so you can schedule to
your needs. It is also very easy to see more than one cave in a day.
These itineraries are just suggestions. We wanted to give you an idea of the variety of
things to do in the Mammoth cave Area. Feel free to mix and match any of the activities
to come up with your own customized itinerary. The Cave Region¶s centralized location
makes for a great base camp area where one can make day trips in all directions. For
more information on the area call the Cave City Convention and Tourist Commission at
1-800-346-8908.
144
Kentucky¶s Bourbon Trail
COME EXPLORE THE KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail connects the nation¶s bourbon distilleries, where you can
see the art of bourbon-making being practiced much as it was 200 years ago.
Visit the producers of America¶s only native spirit and experience for yourself the magic
and science of the Master Distiller¶s craft ± all within an easy day¶s drive through the
rolling Kentucky hills.
Bourbon is America¶s native spirit, declared a distinctive product of the United States by
Congressional Resolution. As you explore the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you will see
how each distillery practices the art and science of bourbon making. You¶ll learn why
the natural conditions necessary for the production of bourbon ± the grains, climate and
pure limestone water ± occur only in central Kentucky. Come see and taste the rich
amber color and natural mellow flavor of fine bourbon that awaits you at the historic
distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Maker¶s Mark
Distinctive brown paint and red shutters of the historic wood frame buildings greet
visitors to the distillery on the banks of Hardin¶s Creek near the town of Loretto.
Established in 1805 as a gristmill/distillery, it is the nation¶s oldest working Bourbon
distillery and has been named a National Historic Landmark. Experience a step back in
time on a stroll through the buildings and around the grounds on a guided tour. Maker¶s
Mark is one of the smallest distilleries, crafting Bourbon in batches of less than 19
barrels. The polished copper still adds bright contrast to the aging rustic wood of the still
house. Maker¶s Mark proclaims proudly that its Bourbon is hand-made at every step,
from selecting the grains to hand-dipping the bottles in red wax. Visitors get to hand-dip
their own bottle of Maker¶s Mark in warm red wax when making a purchase in the gift
shop.
Directions:
Maker¶s Mark
3350 Burks Springs Road
Loretto, Kentucky
Phone: 270-865-2881
www.makersmark.com
GPS Coordinates: N37 38.145', W085 24.1618'
From Louisville: I-65 south to exit 112, Highway 245 east to Bardstown, US 150 east
through center of Bardstown to KY 49, outh to KY 52, east to Loretto. Follow the brown
signs.
145
Kentucky¶s Bourbon Trail (Cont¶d)
From Lexington: Take the Bluegrass Parkway west to Springfield, exit 42. Make a left
onto Highway 555 south. In Springfield, cross Highway 150 and continue south on
Highway 55 to Lebanon. At a traffic light in Lebanon, stay on Highway 55 when it turns
right. At the hospital, turn right on Highway 49/52. When Highway 49 splits off, turn
right on Highway 52 and continue west for about 3 miles. At the end of Burks Spring
Road, you will see their sign, ³You have just found the Home of Maker¶s Mark.´
Approximately 1 ½ hours driving time.
Heaven Hill
Heaven Hill Distilleries, America¶s largest independent family-owned producer and
marketer of distilled spirits, invites you to historic Bardstown to visit their Bourbon
Heritage Center. Among rickhouses where the world¶s second-largest supply of Bourbon
ages, visitors can explore through interactive exhibits the birth of Bourbon, the role of
whiskey-making pioneers such as Evan Williams and the Rev. Elijah Craig, and the
process by which some of the world¶s most acclaimed Bourbons are produced.
Their Bourbon Hosts will take you through one of their working rickhouses and impart to
you the romance and lore of Bourbon, ending with a tutored sampling of their fine
Bourbons in a unique barrel-shaped tasting room ± you can even create your own
personalized jug to take home as a keepsake.
Directions:
Heaven Hill
1311 Gilkey Run Road
Bardstown, Kentucky
Phone: 502-337-1000
www.bourbonheritagecenter.com
GPS Coordinates: N37 47.6162', W085 27.8347'
From Louisville: I-65 south to exit 112 (Clermont/Bardstown), turn eft onto 245 south.
Take 245 south until it ends and make a right onto 150 west. Turn left at the first light (by
McDonald¶s) onto 49 south for one mile to Bourbon Heritage Center.
From Lexington: Blue Grass Parkway west to exit 25 (US 150), turn right onto 150
west. Turn left at the first light (by McDonald¶s) onto 49 south for one mile to Bourbon
Heritage Center.
146
Kentucky¶s Bourbon Trail (Cont¶d)
Jim Beam
Come visit the world¶s largest Bourbon distiller. You can begin your visit at the Outpost
Theatre; there you can view the ³First Family of Bourbon´, which details the Beam
family rise and influence as the number one producer in the world. This short film is
highlighted by a feature on the legendary Beam family and Fred Noe, a seventh
generation Beam family member, leading the distilling of Jim Beam and the Small Batch
Bourbon Collection. Stroll around the grounds and visit the T. Jeremiah Beam home and
sample a selection of their hand crafted Small Batch Bourbons. From the front porch be
sure to look for the life size memorial to Booker and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier.
Directions:
Jim Beam
149 Happy Hollow Road
Clermont, Kentucky
Phone: 502-543-9877
www.jimbeam.com
GPS Coordinates: N37 55.8676', W085 39.2512'
From Louisville: Located approximately 25 miles south of Louisville, KY. From I-65
take exit 112 (Bardstown/Bernheim Forest) to Highway 245. Go east 1.5 miles, turn left
on Happy Hollow Road (Jim Beam sign on the right). Follow the signs to Jim Beam
American Outpost.
From Bardstown: Take Highway 245 West for 13 miles. Turn right on Happy Hollow
Road (Jim Beam sign on the left).
Buffalo Trace
Legendary explorers, pioneers and settlers followed ancient paths of buffalo that led
America westward through rugged wilderness to new lands and new adventures.
Today the bold heritage of mighty buffalo and the pioneering spirit of those early
Americans are found at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Just north of Frankfort, the distillery
is located on a site settled by surveyors at the point where the Kentucky River intersected
one of the trails, known as the Great Buffalo Trace.
At the distillery you will experience warehouses aging the most highly-decorated
whiskey of the decade as well as the original procedure of producing Single Barrel
Bourbon, which began in 1984 and continues to this day.
147
Kentucky¶s Bourbon Trail (Cont¶d)
Walk along the rolling green hills, enjoy a taste of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and take a trip
through our gift shop for Buffalo Trace Bourbon and gifts.
Directions:
Buffalo Trace
1001 Wilkinson Boulevard
Frankfort, Kentucky
Phone: 502-696-5926
Toll-Free: 800-654-8471
www.buffalotrace.com
GPS Coordinates: N38 12.7601', W084 52.1018'
From Louisville: I-64 east to exit 53B, take US 127 north approximately 5 miles. Cross
the Kentucky River and turn left (127 north is Wilkinson Blvd.). The distillery is one
mile on the left.
From Lexington: I-64 west to exit 58, go north on US 60 until it becomes 127/421. Go
straight following Civic Center/Downtown signs. The distillery is approximately 5.5
miles on the right.
Four Roses
Upon arrival at Four Roses the visual presence of the Spanish Mission style architecture
of the distillery building is the first indication of a forth-coming pleasant experience.
Visitors are warmly greeted at the Welcome Center, and detailed tours originate from
here. You¶ll learn about the history of Kentucky Bourbon and Four Roses history ± which
dates back to the 1860s.
A single tourist, or a large group, will be able to see, smell and feel the distillation
process in action, and discover how Four Roses uniquely distills 10 Bourbon flavors
annually. After a tour, visitors are welcome to visit the Gift Shop.
Directions:
Four Roses
1224 Bonds Mill Road (Highway 513 W)
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Phone: 502-839-3436
www.fourroses.com
GPS Coordinates: N37 58.4493', W084 53.6345'
148
Kentucky¶s Bourbon Trail (Cont¶d)
From Louisville: I-64 east to exit 53, US 127 south, 14 miles to Highway 513 west, turn
right, one mile to the distillery.
From Lexington: US 60 east to Bluegrass Parkway, west to exit 59B, 1/10 mile to
Highway 513 west, turn left, one mile to the distillery.
Wild Turkey
Premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has been distilled on Wild Turkey Hill for
generations. Sitting on the crest of a hill that overlooks the Kentucky River, the Wild
Turkey Distillery possesses an outward appearance as simple and unadorned as the
traditional distilling methods used inside. The legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell
watches over this time-honored process with a careful eye at every turn. While following
the production process, you¶ll be able to see their unique 40-foot high column still, watch
new Bourbon being poured into hand crafted oak barrels and stroll through our timber
warehouses.
Make sure to stop by their gift shop to bring home a souvenir of your visit.
Directions:
Wild Turkey
1525 Tyrone Road (US Highway 62 East)
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky 40342
Phone: 502-839-4544
www.wildturkeybourbon.com
GPS Coordinates: N38 2.2412', W084 50.8289'
From Louisville: I-64 east to KY 151 south to US 127 south to US 62 east to the
distillery.
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is a super-premium Small Batch Bourbon with roots at the smallest
and oldest operating distillery in America.
Nestled amid the picturesque horse farms of Woodford County, it is the only place you
can see Kentucky¶s two most famous products ± Bourbon and thoroughbred horses ±
maturing side-by-side.
149
Kentucky¶s Bourbon Trail (Cont¶d)
Whiskey was first produced in 1812 on this site, where pioneers like Elijah Pepper, Oscar
Pepper, and James Crow perfected their craft.
Today, this small distillery on the banks of Glenn¶s Creek remains a special place.
Recognized as a National Landmark, it is the only Kentucky distillery that uses copper
pot stills and matures Bourbon in a unique limestone warehouse.
Directions:
Woodford Reserve
7855 McCracken Pike
Versailles, Kentucky 40383
Phone: 859-879-1939
www.woodfordreserve.com
GPS Coordinates: N38 6.7554', W084 48.8609'
From Lexington: US 60 (Versailles Road) west past Versailles toward Frankfort, turn
left on KY 3360 (Grassy Spring Road), go to stop sign, turn right on KY 1659
(McCracken Pike), go about 200 yards to distillery.
From Lexington: I-64 east to exit 58. Take US 60 east 2.6 miles to KY 3360 (Grassy
Spring Road), turn right, go to stop sign, turn right on KY 1659 (McCracken Pike), go
about 200 yards to distillery.
150
CHILDREN¶S ACTIVITY SECTION
In this section, we¶ve included a few puzzles to entertain the children on the trip to
Kentucky and the Mammoth Cave Area. Answers to the Puzzles are provided at the back
of this book.
a Q s W d D g R h S j D k G l H q G w B e S r N t M
S d C e R A T T L E e S N A K E a c b L a m C S A N
a B g D s j A c a s D I g f s a r a w I r e s d e a
m o s a W r S u V Z E x t t s b B L I N D b F I S H
N B O X o T U R T L E b v s z t v b f D a z e u A s
a L m s A w b r t v R d W C z C v R E x c w r t L f
c I o B E A V E R s a W Q V x O y z a C w Z B q A j
D N e w a K a m n s o t r w e P z v a R w v c s M y
H D r m n C A V E o S H R I M P g D m A b K s c A e
g o s X T Z w b t y f s u w r E a b n Y s e L w N r
t C w n m s W O O D P E C K E R t d e F s d E a D n
R R n v b e s I d g v k I u t h g s e I a z R x E m
j A a w s d e f L G R O U N D H O G o S a f R a R A
l Y a W n Y T s s D d f g t e E a x z H x c I z S E
T F a z l k f g G s r E b g d A r g y j I k U r v H
t I s W a s n F z S v T t e a D s S u H h t Q d x a
A S d a Q d A g h n m O U s f t r e h u J t S y z c
g H y t r R h g d s a Y o R A C C O O N b a x z v v
e i s d f e r t N B s O c b K r t S W C V a Y e j t
r s a e r g y h u j I C k m f E v d f c e r E s a A
M S e u t r A H J K L w o u I s Y e Q E T c R r t G
b A V R H s d z a s e d A J K Y e s F S E s G f g h
See if you can find these hidden words in the puzzle above. Answers are at
the end of the book.
Rattle Snake
151
152
153
ANIMAL WORD SCRAM BLES
A) tsab = ____________________
C) dersnamalas = ____________________
D) dnilbhsif = ____________________
F) ered = ____________________
H) ghodnourg = ____________________
J) daehreocpp = ____________________
K) rekcepoodw = ____________________
N) vaebre = ____________________
O) etoyco = ____________________
P) nococar = ____________________
154
MAMMOTH CAVE WORD SCRAMBLE
(Write your answers in the space provided.)
2) s¶lte og vcangi
= ________________________________________________
155
MAMMOTH CAVE AREA CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1d 2d
1a
4d
2a
3d
3a
4a
5a
ACROSS
1. The world¶s largest cave system with over 350 miles of passageways.
2. When you leave this cave you might see a kangaroo.
3. This cave has a beautiful 78 foot onyx waterfall & watch out for gunfighters when you come out.
4. Cave where famous cave explorer, Floyd Collins, in January of 1925 was trapped & later died.
5. An Indian burial site dating back to 680 B.C. makes this cave distinctive.
DOWN
1. This cave has the longest cave gate in the United States.
2. The name of the fourth oldest show and formation cave in the United States.
3. This cave features Kentucky¶s largest show cave entrance & has a town right above the cave.
4. The shortest, deepest river in the world runs through this cave & Jesse James has stayed here.
156
LICENSE PLATE GAME
See how many license plates you can find as you travel! Copy this page so each member
of the family can try individually to find the most, or work together. Decide on the rules
before you start. For example, is the first person to see a state license plate the only
one who can count it (³yell´ out as soon as you know what it is), or does that person get
two points and everyone else gets one point? Be creative! This is a fun way to pass the
time!
Alabama Nevada
Alaska New Hampshire
Arizona New Jersey
Arkans as New Mexico
California New York
Colorado North Carolina
Connecticut North Dakota
Delaware Ohio
Florida Oklahoma
Georgia Oregon
Hawaii Pennsylvania
Idaho Rhode Island
Illinois South Carolina
Indiana South Dakota
Iowa Tenn essee
Kansas Texas
Kentucky Utah
Louisiana Vermont
Maine Virginia
Maryland Washington
Massachusetts West Virginia
Michigan Wisconsin
Minnesota Wyoming
Mississippi District of Columbia
Missouri Other (like Canadian!)
Montana Other
Nebraska Other
157
SEE IT FIRST!
This is another game where you make up rules to suit your family. We¶ve included a
couple of variations below (copy this page for all the players), but you can use just about
anything you see as you travel. Scoring is up to you. For instance, in the ³Find A Color´
game, you could set a time limit and whoever sees the most colors in that time wins
(you might see a color several times). For ³Find A Vehicle,´ you might have each player
looking out for a different type vehicle (but be aware you¶ll probably see a lot more
mini - vans than pick- up trucks!) Be creative!
158
Brain Teaser
Try this quiz, it's really something!
DO NOT SKIP AHEAD. Read this ONE LINE AT A TIME and just do what it says.
You will be glad you did. If not, you'll wish you had listened.
2. Subtract 5
3. Multiply by 3
4. Square the number (multiply by the same number ± not square root)
5. Add the digits until you get only one digit (i.e. 64 = 6 + 4 = 10 = 1 + 0 =1)
7. Multiply by 2
8. Subtract 6
11. Take the last letter in the country name and think of an animal that begins with that
letter
12. Take the last letter in the animal name and think of a color that begins with that letter
AMAZED?
KENTUCKY & MAMMOTH CAVE TRIVIA
Kentucky is known as ³The _________ State.´
The Commonwealth of Kentucky separated from Virginia to become the ____ state on June 1, 1792
______________, KY, is the home of the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant.
There are ____ counties in Kentucky. Only Texas, with 254, and Georgia, with 159, have more.
The ³World¶s Largest One- day Picnic´ is held at ______ Farm in Graves County.
Kentucky has more miles of running water than any other state except ________.
_______________ features the world¶s largest private collection of Coca- Cola memorabilia at
Schmidt¶s Coca- Cola Museum.
The American Civil War presidents, _______ _______ (United States) and _________ _____(Confederate
States), were born in Kentucky, seven months and 100 miles apart.
______ _______ joined WLKY- TV, a Louisville television station, in 1966 as a reporter.
The Kentucky ____________, a country/rock group from Metcalfe and Barren counties earned three
Country Music Association awards in 1990.
____ _________, a Bowling Green native, directed thrillers such as Halloween, The Fog, Escape from
New York, and The Thing.
______ _______, who became chairman of the board at NBC in 1974, was born in Glasgow.
_____ ______ and four of his gang members robbed the Southern Bank in Russellville of nine
thousand dollars on March 20, 1868.
Kentucky is bordered by __________, Indiana, _____, West Virginia, ________, Tennessee, & ________.
160
The Bluegrass State is also a _____________. Kentucky is one of only four states (Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania, and Virginia) to use this designation.
Probably the world's most frequently sung song, "_____ _________ To You" was written by
Kentuckians, two sisters from Louisville, Mildred and Patricia Hill.
Confederate cavalryman ____ _______ and his men hid in Lost River Cave from Federal troops
following the burning of the Shakertown depot.
______________ Cave contains one of the nation¶s largest pre- Columbian Indian burial grounds.
The town of Horse Cave is partially built over ______ _____ Cave.
In 1925, _____ _______ was the spelunker who drew national attention when he became trapped
and eventually died while trying to locate a new entrance to Crystal Cave.
__________ is the Kentucky dish of a rich thick soup made from chicken, beef, and vegetables.
The Kentucky Cave _______ is an endangered species that is only found in Mammoth Cave Park.
________ is Kentucky¶s third largest revenue producer and its second largest private employer.
Crystal Onyx Cave is noted for its rare crystal onyx ____________ formations.
The _____ and ______ Rivers flow though Mammoth Cave National Park.
___________ Caverns is the fourth oldest commercial cave in the United States.
In _____, Mammoth Cave National Park was established by the federal government.
During the War of 1812, ___________ was a mineral mined in Mammoth Cave for the manufacture
of gunpowder.
Varying in width from twenty to sixty feet, the ______River is the largest river in Mammoth Cave.
__________ River Lake is a 10,050 acre lake situated in Barren and Allen counties.
_______ _____ is the second oldest major tourist attraction in America, second only to Niagara
Falls.
161
ANSWERS TO KENTUCKY & MAMMOTH CAVE TRIVIA
Kentucky is known as ³The Bluegrass State.´
The Commonwealth of Kentucky separated from Virginia to become the 15 th state on June 1, 1792
³My Old Kentucky Home,´ by Stephen Collins Foster, is the Kentucky State song- 1853.
Bowling Green, KY, is the home of the General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant.
There are 120 counties in Kentucky. Only Texas, with 254, and Georgia, with 159, have more.
The ³World¶s Largest One- day Picnic´ is held at Fancy Farm in Graves County.
Kentucky has more miles of running water than any other state except Alaska .
Elizabethtown features the world¶s largest private collection of Coca- Cola memorabilia at
Schmidt¶s Coca- Cola Museum.
The American Civil War presidents, Abraham Lincoln (United States) and Jefferson Davis
(Confederate States), were born in Kentucky, seven months and 100 miles apart.
Diane Sawyer joined WLKY- TV, a Louisville television station, in 1966 as a reporter.
The Kentucky Headhunters , a country/rock group from Metcalfe and Barren counties earned three
Country Music Association awards in 1990.
John Carpenter, a Bowling Green native, directed thrillers such as Halloween, The Fog, Escape
from New York, and The Thing.
Julian Goodman, who became chairman of the board at NBC in 1974, was born in Glasgow.
Jesse James and four of his gang members robbed the Southern Bank in Russellville of nine
thousand dollars on March 20, 1868.
Kentucky is bordered by Illi nois , Indiana, Ohio , West Virginia, Virginia , Tennessee, & Missouri .
162
The Bluegrass State is also a Commonwealth . Kentucky is one of only four states (Massachusetts,
Pennsylvania, and Virginia) to use this designation.
Probably the world's most frequently sung song, "Happy Birthday To You" was written by
Kentuckians, two sisters from Louisville, Mildred and Patricia Hill.
Confederate cavalryman John Morgan and his men hid in Lost River Cave from Federal troops
following the burning of the Shakertown depot.
Crystal Onyx Cave contains one of the nation¶s largest pre- Columbian Indian burial grounds.
The town of Horse Cave is partially built over Hidden River Cave.
In 1925, Floyd Collins was the spelunker who drew national attention when he became trapped
and eventually died while trying to locate a new entrance to Crystal Cave.
Burgoo is the Kentucky dish of a rich thick soup made from chicken, beef, and vegetables.
The Kentucky Cave Shrimp is an endangered species that is only found in Mammoth Cave Park.
Tourism is Kentucky¶s third largest revenue producer and its second largest private employer.
Crystal Onyx Cave is noted for its rare crystal onyx rimstone formations.
The Green and Nolin Rivers flow though Mammoth Cave National Park.
Diamond Caverns is the fourth oldest commercial cave in the United States.
In 1941 , Mammoth Cave National Park was established by the federal government.
During the War of 1812, Saltpeter was a mineral mined in Mammoth Cave for the manufacture of
gu npowder.
Varying in width from twenty to sixty feet, the Echo River is the largest river in Mammoth Cave.
Barren River Lake is a 10,050 acre lake situated in Barren and Allen counties.
Mammoth Cave is the second oldest major tourist attraction in America, second only to
Niagara Falls.
163
This is funny stuff!
More funny newspaper ads.
• Sheer stockings. Designed for fancy dress, but so serviceable that lots of women
wear nothing else.
• For Sale: An antique desk suitable for a lady with thick legs and large drawers.
• Toaster: A gift that every member of the family appreciates. Automatically burns
toast.
• Wanted: Man to take care of cow that does not smoke or drink.
• In the offices of a loan company: ³Ask about our plans for owning your home.´
• At a Santa Fe, New Mexico, gas station: ³We will not sell gasoline to anyone in a
glass container.´
164
SOUTHERN KENTUCKY RECIPES
Kentucky Eggnog
Separate eggs and beat yolks until light. Add 2/3 c. of the sugar and beat and beat and
beat. They should be thick and lemon-colored. When the egg yolks and part of the sugar
have been the beating effort, turn your attention to the egg whites, which should be
beaten until stiff but not dry with the remaining 1/3 c. of sugar. Then slowly pour the
whiskey-sugar-egg-yolk mixture into the whites, folding it in gently. If you do this the
eggnog mixture will not separate. Next, whip the cream and fold it into the eggnog
mixture. Fold and fold and then let stand, folding again and again. Standing and gently
moving the mixture helps to ripen it and that is important for a good eggnog. The other
way we make eggnog combines the bourbon with ¼ c. rum. Either way you make
eggnog, it can or even should be made 2 to 3 days ahead of time, keeping it cool and
stirring it occasionally.
Cissy Gregg¶s Cookbook, vol. 2, p. 14
Let tea cool. Then mix all together. Freeze in a plastic container. When ready to serve,
scoop into a glass. Garnish with pineapple chunks or a cherry on a toothpick, or mint.
Makes 3 qts.
The Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook, p. 45
165
THE MINT JULEP
The making of the mint julep has many controversies. Traditionally, the whiskey used is
straight aged Kentucky bourbon. The cup in which the mint julep is served is silver and
is traditionally chilled. Each year a specially designed silver julep cup is presented to the
Kentucky Derby winner. It is very important that the water is cold and, preferably, from
a limestone spring. The sugar is either granulated or powdered, and the ice is crushed or
shaved. Sprigs of mint must be very fresh.
Place sugar and chopped mint in a small bowl and bruise the leaves with a wooden spoon
until the mixture forms a paste. Add water and blend. Fill a julep cup half full of
crushed ice. Add the mint syrup and the whiskey, add more crushed ice until the cup is
full. Decorate with mint sprig and add straws. Put cup on tray and put in freezer to frost
for about ½ hour. Serve at once. Serves 1.
A Taste from Back Home, p. 23
Place sugar and chopped mint in a small crockery bowl. Bruise the leaves well with a
muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until mixture forms a paste. Add water and
continue stirring. There should be a thick green syrup by this time. Now you are ready
for the whiskey. Fill a julep cup half full of crushed or shaved ice. Add the mint syrup
and the whiskey. Fill the cup or glass with crushed ice. Slip the bunch of mint into the
ice and beside it the straws. They should be no taller than the mint. Lift the cups onto a
166
tray, being careful not to touch the sides with the fingers and put them into the icebox to
frost. This will take from ½ to 1 hour. Serve at once. This is a potent drink and should
be sipped slowly. Glass tumblers may be substituted for traditional silver julep cups but
they will not frost. Serves 1.
Out of Kentucky Kitchens, p. 38
Bruise the leaves of 4 to 5 sprigs of mint. Add lemon juice, the hot tea and sugar to taste.
Let steep for about ½ hour then strain and chill it. Serve with crushed ice and sprigs of
mint, also powdered sugar if you want sweeter.
Cabbage Patch Famous Kentucky Recipes, p. 2
Steep tea bag for 5 minutes. Stir in sugar and honey. Mix well. Add ice cubes, lemon
juice, pineapple syrup and orange juice. Just before serving add ginger ale.
Source unknown
Mix sugar and water. Add the whiskey. Pour into an old-fashioned glass and fill with
crushed ice, or add 2 ice cubes. Stir until chilled. Serve.
Out of Kentucky Kitchens, p. 41
167
Kentucky Breakfast Casserole
1 ½ lbs. pork sausage 1 t. salt
9 eggs, slightly beaten 3 slices bread, cut in 1/8´ cubes
3 c. milk 1 ½ c. cheddar cheese, grated
1 ½ t. dry mustard
Brown sausage and drain. Spread in a 9´ x 13´ x 2´ greased pan. Mix all other
ingredients and spread over sausage. Cover pan and refrigerate overnight. Bake
uncovered at 350 degrees F. for 1 hour.
Food for My Household, Julia Ramey, p. 51
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in a covered jar in refrigerator. Serve with
crackers.
Makes 2 ½ c.
Combine all ingredients, except beer, and beat with an electric mixer. Pour in beer
slowly and beat until cheese is very smooth. Store in covered jar. Remove from
refrigerator at least 30 minutes before serving. Beat once more. Serves 12 to 16.
The Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook, p. 23
168
Southern Cheese Grits
2 c. instant grits 1 6 oz. tube garlic cheese spread
3 c. boiling water 1 t. salt
1 stick butter 2 eggs, well beaten
Stir grits into boiling water. Remove from heat and add butter, cheese, salt and beaten
eggs. Pour into well-greased casserole. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F. until set
and light brown on top.
Cookbook of Treasures, Jane Cobb, p. 55
Bring to boil milk and add grits. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 8 to 10
minutes. Add margarine, garlic cheese and salt. Stir until margarine and cheese are
melted. Beat eggs and add milk. Add to grits mixture. Pour into a well-buttered 1 ½ qt.
Casserole. Bake 30 minutes in a 350 degree F. oven. Remove from oven and sprinkle
grated cheese on top. Return to oven and bake 15 minutes longer.
Cookbook of Treasures, Mary Keene, p. 54, 55
Cook grits in boiling salted water until slightly thick. Add the cheese, butter and salt.
Cool a little. Put eggs in measuring cup and add milk to make 1 ½ c., then beat. Fold
egg mixture into grits. Put in 325 degree F. oven for 15 minutes. Stir and sprinkle with
corn flakes and cook until firm.
We Make You Kindly Welcome, p. 16
169
Southern Ham and Bean Soup
1 c. navy beans ½ c. onion, chopped
1 small meaty ham bone 3 ½ c. canned tomatoes
1 ½ qts. water 1 T. parsley, minced
1 c. celery, diced salt and pepper
Soak beans overnight in cold water. Drain in morning. Cover beans and ham bone with
water. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer 4 to 5 hours. Season to taste with
salt and pepper.
A Taste from Back Home, p. 55
Wash and soak beans overnight. Use a large kettle so you can use as much water as
possible without having it boil over while cooking. Add sugar, salt and meat. Stir often
to prevent sticking. Add more water, if necessary, to have some juice in the beans. Test
for taste; you may need more sugar or salt or both.
Source unknown
KENTUCKY BURGOO
This Kentucky stew is traditionally as well known at the Kentucky Derby as the mint
julep, where both are served. It is thought that the name, ³burgoo,´ came from one of
John Hunt Morgan¶s, cavalrymen during the Civil War.
Kentucky Burgoo
1 4 to 5 lb. hen 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 lb. beef stew meat 1 ½ t. black pepper
1 lb. veal stew meat ½ t. cayenne
2 lbs. of knuckle bones 6 onions, finely chopped
1 stalk of celery 8 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 carrot, peeled 1 turnip, peeled and chopped
1 onion, peeled 2 green peppers, chopped
6 sprigs parsley 2 c. butter beans, fresh
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1 10oz. can tomato puree 2 c. celery, sliced
4 qts. water 2 c. okra, sliced
1 red pepper pod 2 c. fresh corn
¼ c. salt ½ unpeeled lemon, seeded
1 T. sugar 2 c. cabbage, chopped
1 T. lemon juice
Combine first 17 ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 4 hours; cool.
Strain meat mixture, reserving meat and stock. Discard vegetables. Remove bone, skin
and gristle from meat. Finely chop meat and return to stock. Refrigerate overnight. The
next day remove layer of fat. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer 1 hour.
Uncover and simmer 2 hours, stirring frequently.
My Old Kentucky Homes Cookbook, p. 33
Put all the meat in the cold water and bring slowly to a boil. Simmer until it is tender
enough to fall from the bones. Lift the meat out of the stock. Cool and chop up the meat,
removing the bones. Pare potatoes, skin onion, and dice both. Return meat to stock and
add potatoes, onions and all other vegetables. Allow to simmer until thick. Burgoo
should be very thick, but still soup. Season along, but not too much until it is almost
done. Add chopped parsley just before the stew is taken up. Stir frequently with a long-
handled wooden paddle or spoon during the first part of the cooking and almost
constantly after it gets thick. Cook about 10 hours. Serves 25.
Cabbage Patch Famous Kentucky Recipes, p. 27
171
Barren River State Resort Park¶s Famous Burgoo
½ lb. pork shank ¼ c. celery, diced
½ lb. beef shank ½ c. whole corn, fresh or canned
½ lb. veal shank ½ c. cabbage, chopped
½ lb. lamb breast ½ c. okra, diced
1 lb. hen ½ c. lima beans
2 qts. water salt to taste
¾ lb. Irish potatoes cayenne pepper to taste
¾ lb. onions Tabasco to taste
½ pt. tomato puree A-1 sauce to taste
2 carrots Worcestershire to taste
½ green pepper parsley, chopped, to taste
½ red pepper pod
Start cooking burgoo early in the day. Overall cooking time is approx. 10 hours. The
time may be broken in half; cooking the meat the first day, then adding vegetables and
continue cooking the next day. Put all meat into cold water and bring slowly to a boil.
Simmer until it is tender enough to fall from the bones. Lift the meat out of the stock.
Cool, chop up the meat, removing the bones. Dice potatoes and onions. Return meat to
stock and add all vegetables, potatoes and onions. Simmer until thick. Burgoo should be
very thick, but still soupy. Season along, but not too much, until it is almost done. As
the burgoo simmers down, the seasoning will become more pronounced. Add chopped
parsley just before the stew is taken up. Stir frequently with a long-handled spoon during
the first part of the cooking and almost constantly after it gets thick. Serves 4 to 6.
Recipes from Kentucky State Resort Parks, p. 9
172
8 slices fried bacon 4 slices of tomatoes
In 4 individual gratin dishes, place a slice of toast and top with turkey and 2 bacon slices.
Cover with Mornay sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with sliced tomato.
Place in 400 degree F. oven and bake 10 minutes or until brown and bubbly.
Mornay sauce: Melt 3 T. butter in a pan, remove from heat and stir in 3 T. flour. Pour in
2 c. milk and bring to a boil, stirring. Simmer 2 minutes, season and cool a little before
beating in ¼ c. grated Gruyere or cheddar cheese. Stir in ¼ t. Dijon-style or prepared
mustard and season to taste. Makes 2 c.
Donna Gill Recommends, p. 17
Heat greased iron skillet. Combine all ingredients. Pour batter into heated skillet and
bake at 400 degrees F. for 20 minutes.
Source unknown
Southern Cornbread
1 ½ c. cornmeal 1 1/3 c. buttermilk
¾ t. baking soda 2 eggs, separated
1 t. salt ¼ c. shortening, melted
Sift cornmeal, soda and salt together. Add buttermilk to well-beaten egg yolks and add
cornmeal mixture. Beat well. Add hot melted shortening and beat well. Fold in stiffly
beaten egg whites and pour into greased skillet. Bake at 450 degrees F. for 20 to 30
minutes.
Speedwell Christian Church Cookbook, Nell Pearson, p. 48
Kentucky Cornsticks
1 c. cornmeal 1 c. buttermilk
1 t. salt 1 egg
½ t. soda 2 T. shortening
1 t. baking powder
173
Sift dry ingredients together. Add buttermilk, well-beaten egg and shortening. Pour into
well-greased frying pan or cornstick pan. Bake in hot oven at 350 degrees F. for 25
minutes or until brown. Can be made with sweet milk but omit soda.
Source unknown
Mix cornmeal and salt. Add boiling water, stirring constantly until a thick mush forms.
Add enough water so it can easily be spooned onto a hot griddle. Fry until golden. Turn
and fry other side. Be sure one side is done before turning. Add extra shortening during
frying if bread appears to be dry.
Sprinkle cornmeal into rapidly salted boiling water (using the top of a double boiler). Stir
constantly. When thickened, cook over hot water at least 1 hour, stirring only
occasionally. White hot, pour into a greased loaf pan. Smooth surface of mush. Chill
174
overnight or until very firm. Cut into ¾´ slices and brown in hot fat on both sides. This
is especially good with maple syrup.
The Household Searchlight Recipe Book, p. 111
Melt margarine. Beat eggs slightly in separate bowl. Add eggs to margarine. Mix and
add sour cream. Mix and add corn. Mix and add corn muffin mix. Mix and bake in a 1
½ qt. Casserole at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes.
Speedwell Christian Church Cookbook, Janie McGraw, p. 46
Combine dry ingredients. Cut lard into mixture until it resembles cornmeal. Stir in milk
and water to make a very stiff dough. Turn out on a lightly floured board and form into a
ball. Beat with a rolling pin about 500 times, turning and beating for at least ½ hour.
Roll out to ½ ³ thickness and cut out with a 1 to ½ ³ biscuit cutter. Prick each biscuit
with a 3-tined fork 3 times. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes
until biscuits are lightly browned. Makes 2 dozen.
Source unknown
175
KENTUCKY COUNTRY HAM
Kentucky country hams are known as one of the world¶s best preserved meats. The ham
has a very rich and smoky flavor. There are many delicious ways to prepare country
ham. Below I have provided a few of our family¶s favorites.
Important: before the ham is cooked, hang it in a cool, dry place. Do not store a country
ham in the refrigerator. A garage or basement is the best storage place. The best means
of storing a ham is to hang it up, as it will continue to drip moisture and mold until it is
cooked.
Mold on a ham is a natural result of curing and aging. It is not harmful and can be
scrubbed off before cooking. The ham will also develop white spots on it, due to the
aging. Country ham can be kept in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks. Country ham loses its
flavor when frozen.
We know of a local business that sent many of their better customers expensive country
hams each year at Christmas. Some of these customers were located in the north and did
not understand how country hams were cured. When they received their country ham gift
and the ham had mold, the customer threw the ham away thinking the ham was bad. The
company now sends out cards explaining the curing process with each ham given as a
gift.
To boil or simmer your country ham, place it in a large roaster, skin side up. Cover 2/3
of the ham with fresh, cold water. Add ½ c. vinegar to the water. Place cover on the
roaster. Put the ham on the stove and bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and
simmer. Allow the ham to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes per lb. or until a meat
thermometer reads 160 degrees F. This will take 4 to 6 hours, depending on the size of
the ham. You can also tell that the ham is done when the large bone in the butt end of the
ham becomes loose and protrudes. Add water if necessary during the cooking process to
keep the ham 2/3 covered. Allow the ham to cool in the cooking water. When it has
cooled, pour off the water and carefully remove the skin and trim away the excess fat. If
desired, the bone can be removed at this time. Place the ham on a rack in a shallow
176
roasting pan. Score the fat in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves. Pat 1 c. dark
brown sugar on ham. Place the ham in a 350 degree F. oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Ham should be served only after it has cooled to room temperature. Always cut slices as
thinly as possible. After ham is cooked, it should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and
refrigerated. It will keep in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks. Country ham can be frozen,
but the flavor is not as good afterward.
177
overcook. It will cause the ham to be tough and dry. If the ham is too salty for your
taste, soak the slices in milk or water for 30 minutes before cooking. After the ham is
fried, pour off most of the grease. Add a small amount of water and let simmer for a few
minutes. Pour gravy over ham or biscuits and serve hot.
Finchville Farms County Hams, Finchville, Kentucky
Save fat from fried chicken, country fried steak or pork chops. Pour 3 T. back into hot
skillet. Stir in flour and blend well. Cook and stir until lightly browned. I use the
seasoned flour from making fried chicken, etc. Over medium heat, gradually add milk,
stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. Stir in salt and pepper. This gravy goes with
everything.
Kentucky Keepsakes, Elizabeth Ross, p. 194
Snip the ends off the beans. Cut them in half. Remove the strings. Slice up the onion.
Add all the ingredients in a big kettle and season the beans to your taste. Cover the beans
with water. Put a top on the kettle and simmer slowly for 3 to 5 hours. For the last ½
178
hour turn up the heat and let the water cook out of the beans. Adjust the seasoning if
need be.
Thelma¶s Treasures, p. 62
Cabbage Casserole
2 c. corn flakes, crushed 1 c. cheese, grated
½ c. butter, melted ½ c. mayonnaise
4 c. cooked cabbage, shredded 1 can cream of celery soup
1 c. milk
Mix corn flakes and butter. Put ½ of mixture in buttered dish. Layer cabbage on top of
crumbs. Combine milk, cheese, mayonnaise and celery soup. Pour over cabbage. Top
with remaining corn flakes mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 30 minutes.
Source unknown
Cut kernels from corn raw or after boiling. Scrape cobs with back of knife to get the milk
out of cob. Add other ingredients. Heat to simmer. Cook no more than 5 minutes if
using cooked corn, 10 minutes if uncooked. This dish is better if you use fresh corn, but
is a good way to use leftover corn. If desired, add a pinch of salt. Also, you might want
to sauté a bit of onion and green pepper in the butter and add to mixture.
Source unknown
Cut corn kernels from cobs. Melt butter in skillet. Add corn and seasonings and cook
until the corn is tender ± about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Do not have the flame too
high as the corn may burn. If mixture begins to brown before corn is done, add ½ c. of
milk or cream. Keep the lid on while cooking and stir occasionally to keep from sticking.
We often add a diced green pepper when the corn is put in the skillet. Makes 6 servings.
Kentucky Derby Museum Cookbook, p. 157
179
Cave Country Corn Pudding
2 c. corn 2 eggs, well-beaten
4 T. flour 1 T. butter or margarine, melted
2 t. sugar, level 2 c. milk
1 t. salt, level
Mix corn, flour, sugar and salt together. Combine well-beaten eggs, melted butter and
milk. Mix with corn mixture. Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F.
for 1 hour. Stir from the bottom 2 or 3 times during the first 30 minutes of baking time.
Recipe may be doubled. Serves 4.
Source unknown
Slice the tomatoes ¼´ thick. Dredge both sides of the tomatoes in cornmeal, pressing the
slices firmly into the meal to make a good coating. Shake off excess meal. Put enough
oil or shortening in a skillet to come to a depth of ¼´ and place the skillet over medium
heat. Add the tomatoes to the hot oil a few at a time without crowding. Fry until golden
brown or about 2 minutes. Turn. When both sides are golden brown, drain on paper
towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot. Serves 4.
Sharing Our Best, Lucille Lowe, p. 35
With paring knife, peel a 1 ½´ strip around the center of the apple. This band will then
remove about 1/3 of the apple peel. Cut the apples into quarters. Next, slice each quarter
into 3 or 4 sections as you would section an orange. Place the apples, sugar and
margarine in a very heavy or cooking pan. Cover and place on medium heat. When
mixture begins to cook, allow 10 minutes of cooking time. Remove cover and cook 5 to
10 minutes longer until apples are tender and rather transparent. You may need to reduce
the heat to low during this final cooking stage. Should your apples be juiceless, you may
wish to add a small amount of water to give moisture. Makes 3 servings.
The Household Searchlight Recipe Book, p. 171
180
KENTUCKY SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
Southerners believe that for perfect fried chicken you should use a seasoned cast iron
skillet.
Heat the iron skillet in the oven or on top of the stove. Using a paper towel or
cloth, wipe the skillet with a light coat of unsalted cooking oil. Reheat the skillet
in an oven or on top of the stove. Repeat several times for best results. Do not
wash in soap and water when cleaning. Wipe clean with a light coat of cooking
oil.
Put the chicken pieces in a large pot of water. Add 2 T. salt for every chicken you use.
Soak chicken in the salt water overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, drain off water
and pat chicken pieces dry. Mix the flour (enough to coat all of the chicken) with the
pepper, paprika, and a little bit of salt to taste. Coat each piece of chicken with this
mixture. In an iron skillet, add the vegetable oil and heat until it sizzles. The oil should
be even up with the chicken. Add a few pieces of chicken and turn down the heat to
medium. Cook the chicken 30 minutes or so on one side and flip it and cook it 30
minutes on the other side until it is evenly browned. Remove the pieces from the pan as
they are done and drain on a paper towel.
Thelma¶s Treasures, p. 45
Mix all ingredients together. Place in a baking pan and bake at 350 degrees F. for 35
minutes. This is the dressing the Northerners wonder how the Southerners make and the
Southerners wonder why the Northerners don¶t know how.
Source unknown
181
Moist Kentucky Cornbread Dressing
1 c. cornmeal 1 ¼ t. poultry seasoning
2 c. cold stock ½ c. onion, chopped
1/3 c. mayonnaise ¼ t. pepper
1 c. celery, chopped 5 c. toasted bread cubes
1 t. salt 2 eggs, beaten
Combine meal and stock. Cook until thick, then combine with the other ingredients.
Bake at 325 degrees F. for 50 to 60 minutes.
A Taste from Back Home, p. 40
John Bibb developed this lettuce in his garden in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is believed to
have been developed around 1865. This lettuce is most often used for wilted salad;
always a Kentucky favorite.
Place lettuce, onions, radishes, sugar and salt in bowl. Pour vinegar over all. Pour hot
bacon grease over all and top with chopped eggs and crumbled bacon. Serve
immediately.
Kentucky Keepsakes, Elizabeth Ross, p. 141
Mix all ingredients and cook in double boiler until thickened. Add a pinch of baking
powder when finished cooking. Beat and heat a few minutes longer.
182
KENTUCKY BOURBON BALLS
The late M rs. Ruth Booe, co-owner of Rebecca-Ruth Candy, Inc, developed this
Kentucky candy in the 1930¶s. This undoubtedly is Kentucky¶s most famous and well
known candy. The candy is made with a fondant center generously laced with bourbon,
encased in pecan halves and dipped in dark chocolate
Two other delicious candies that were created in Kentucky were Modjeskas and Cream
Pull Candy.
Mix the first 4 ingredients, adding enough bourbon to make a base as thick as dough.
Roll into balls and place ½ pecan on the top of each ball. Place on waxed paper to
harden. Melt together over a double boiler the chocolate bits and ½ block paraffin.
Using a toothpick, dip balls in chocolate and place on waxed paper.
Cookbook of Treasures, p. 121
Place 1 c. water in deep kettle. Bring to a boil and add sugar and salt. Cook until
mixture will spin a thread. Add cream with soda dissolved in it, slowly. Add butter.
Bring to a hard boil, cooking until it forms a hard ball in cold water. Pour on marble slab
and cool. Pull until it holds its shape. Cut with scissors and place in tin.
Sharing Our Best, Mary Searly, p. 152
183
Modjeskas
2 c. sugar 1 t. vanilla
1 c. white corn syrup ½ t. salt
2 c. heavy cream 36 to 40 large marshmallows
In heavy saucepan, mix sugar, syrup and 1 c. of the cream. Cook about 10 minutes,
stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add the other c. of cream slowly and stir just enough to
prevent scorching. Cook over high heat until thermometer reaches 230 degrees F.
Reduce heat and cook to 244 degrees F. on thermometer. Remove from heat and add
vanilla and salt. Beat until smooth and cool. Cut marshmallows in half and dip in
caramel until well coated. When completely cooled, wrap each piece in waxed paper.
A Taste from Back Home, p. 203
KENTUCKY SWEETS
Some of the most edible wild plants growing in Kentucky are blueberries, papaws,
pecans, black walnuts, and certain hickories. One of the tastiest and most common to
Kentucky is blackberries.
Other Kentucky favorites are fried apple pies, black cake, spice cake, and cheese pie.
Chess Pie
1 T. flour, level ¼ c. water
1 c. white sugar 1 t. white vinegar
¼ t. salt ½ c. butter, melted
2 egg yolks unbaked pie shell
1 whole egg
184
Mix flour, sugar and salt together. Beat the 2 egg yolks and the one whole egg together
adding water, vinegar and melted butter. After beating the above mixture well, add the
flour, sugar and salt mixture. Pour into pie shell and bake at 350 degrees F. until set,
about 35 minutes. Use the 2 egg whites left from yolks for meringue. Use 1 T. white
sugar to each egg white. Beat with electric mixer until stiff. Spread on top of pie and
brown for 12 minutes in a 250-degree F. oven.
Beaumont Inn Special Recipes, p. 110
Cream sugar and margarine. Add eggs, syrup, salt, bourbon and vanilla. Mix until
blended. Spread pecans and chocolate chips in bottom of pie shell. Pour filling into
shell. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 40 to 50 minutes.
Fountain Favorites, p. 79
Combine shortening, flour, salt and water to make pastry. Roll very thin and cut into
circles the size of a saucer. Combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter to make
filling. Cut apples with a pastry blender until smooth. Add 2 T. filling to center of
circles. Fold until edges are even and press together firmly with fork. Fry quickly in hot
fat, covered until golden brown. Drain.
Source unknown
185
Kentucky Black Cake
2 c. flour ½ t. soda
½ c. seeded raisins ¼ t. cloves
½ c. dates, chopped 1 t. cinnamon
½ c. figs, chopped ¼ t. allspice
2 T. whiskey ½ t. nutmeg
1 c. butter ½ c. raspberry or blackberry jam
1 c. brown sugar, packed firm ½ c. nuts, pecans, almonds or
2 eggs, well-beaten English walnuts, chopped
1/3 c. sour cream
Brown flour in oven until golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Set aside
and cool. Sift. Mix the raisins, dates and figs. Pour whiskey over the fruit and mix well.
Let stand 2 hours or until all liquor has been absorbed. Cream butter with sugar. Add the
beaten eggs and sour cream. Sift the flour once more with the soda and spices. Pour the
liquid ingredients into the dry, stirring constantly to prevent lumping. Add the jam,
chopped nuts and the whiskey-soaked fruit. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan or a
loaf pan and bake in a moderate 375 degree F. oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until cake tests
done. Remove from oven and let cake cool in pan before turning out. Makes a 3 lb.
cake.
186
SOLUTIONS TO CHILDREN¶S PUZZLES
ANSWERS TO PUZZLE
B
R A T T L E S N A K E L
D I
S E B L I N D F I S H
B O X T U R T L E D A
L A R C L
I B E A V E R O C A
N P R M
D C A V E S H R I M P A A
E Y L N
C W O O D P E C K E R F E D
R I I R E
A L G R O U N D H O G S R R
Y D E H I S
F E A U
I T D Q
S O U S
H Y R A C C O O N
O K Y
C E E
Y R
G
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ANIMAL WORD SCRAMBLES
These are critters you might find in the cave area!
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MAMMOTH CAVE WORD SCRAMBLE
2) s¶lte og vcangi
ANSWER = let¶s go caving
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MAMMOTH CAVE AREA CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1d C D 2d
A I
V A
E 1a M A M M O T H C A V E
O 4d L
S 2a K E N T U C K Y C A V E R N S O
P D S
R 3d H T
I C I
3a O N Y X C A V E D R
G V 4a S A N D C A V E I
E E V
C 5a C R Y S T A L O N Y X C A V E
A N R
V S R
E I C
R V A
N E V
S R E
C
A
V
E
ACROSS
6. The world¶s largest cave system with over 350 miles of passageways.
7. When you leave this cave you might see a kangaroo.
8. This cave has a beautiful 78 foot onyx waterfall & watch out for gunfighters when you come out.
9. Cave where famous cave explorer, Floyd Collins, in January of 1925 was trapped & later died.
10. An Indian burial site dating back to 680 B.C. makes this cave distinctive.
DOWN
5. This cave has the longest cave gate in the United States.
6. The name of the fourth oldest show and formation cave in the United States.
7. This cave features Kentucky¶s largest show cave entrance & has a town right above the cave.
8. The shortest, deepest river in the world runs through this cave & Jesse James has stayed here.
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Travel Notes:
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(Copy as many of these sheets as you need to keep a diary of your vacation.)
Use the following sheets to keep specific information on major stops on your trip.
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Vacation Stop: ________________________________________
Trip Date: ________________ Method of Travel: _____________________________
Places I Visited:__________________________________________________________
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Places to remember for the next time (shops, restaurants, attractions, hotels,
entertainment):___________________________________________________________
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What I would like to have done that I didn't get a chance to do:__________________
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Vacation Stop: ________________________________________
Trip Date: ________________ Method of Travel: _____________________________
Places I Visited:__________________________________________________________
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Places to remember for the next time (shops, restaurants, attractions, hotels,
entertainment):___________________________________________________________
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What I would like to have done that I didn't get a chance to do:__________________
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Vacation Stop: ________________________________________
Trip Date: ________________ Method of Travel: _____________________________
Places I Visited:__________________________________________________________
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Places to remember for the next time (shops, restaurants, attractions, hotels,
entertainment):___________________________________________________________
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What I would like to have done that I didn't get a chance to do:__________________
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Vacation Stop: ________________________________________
Trip Date: ________________ Method of Travel: _____________________________
Places I Visited:__________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Places to remember for the next time (shops, restaurants, attractions, hotels,
entertainment):___________________________________________________________
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What I would like to have done that I didn't get a chance to do:__________________
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Churches / ATMs / Emergency #
Area Churches & Places of Worship
Caveland Baptist Church 15 Wall Street 270-773-6050
Cave City Baptist Church 501 Broadway Street 270-773-3471
Cave City Christian Church 300 Broadway Street 270-773-3643
Cave City United Methodist Church 211 Duke Street 270-773-2669
Church Of Christ 708 Broadway Street 270-773-3870
First Baptist Wigwam Church 207 Broadway Street 270-773-5792
Our Lady Of The Caves Catholic Church 31 W Horse Cave 270-786-1188
Owens Chapel Baptist Church 303 S. Dixie Hwy 270-773-4558
St. Helen's Catholic Church 103 W. Brown Street 270-651-5263
ATM Machines
902 Mammoth Cave
Jr. Foods Cave City Street 270-773-2281
Minit Mart Cave City 99 S. Dixie Hwy 270-773-3600
BB& T Bank 102 Broadway Street 270-773-2156
South Central Bank 518 N. Dixie Hwy 270-773-4466
US Bank 104 Broadway Street 270-773-3112
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Calls - Enhanced 911 911
Barren County Sheriff 270-651-2771
Cave City Police Department 103 Duke Street 270-773-2441
Glasgow Police Department 201 S Broadway 270-651-5151
Horse Cave Police Department 121 Woodlawn Street 270-786-4357
Munfordville Police Department 111 Main Street 270-524-5359
Caverna Memorial Hospital 1501 S. Dixie Street 270-786-2191
T.J. Samson Community Hospital 1301 North Race Street 270-651-4444
Kentucky State Police Bowling Green Post 800-222-5555
Kentucky Road Conditions 511
Kentucky Road Report 800-459-7623
Kentucky Regional Poison Center Louisville 800-222-1222
Cave City Prescription Center 101 S. Dixie Hwy 270-773-2252
Parkland Drugs 209 N. Dixie Hwy 270-773-3152
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Kentucky¶s cocktail confusion
Production? YES
Consumption? NO
BY GARY WOLLENHAUPT City Magazine Spring 2007
Proposals to legalize the consumption of liquor are almost guaranteed to prompt debate
as religious and temperance groups and pro-alcohol forces bolster their arguments with
statistics, moral issues and assertions of economic growth.
Those debates have continued through the decades as Kentucky has exported millions of
gallons of bourbon.
Legacy of dryness
As with the rest of the nation, the repeal of Prohibition with the passage of the 21st
amendment to the U.S. Constitution meant liquor could be legal in Kentucky. But a
local-option election was and is the only way to allow liquor sales. The vote can be taken
by a city separately from the surrounding county or on a precinct-by-precinct basis in a
city or county.
Community support is required before questions about liquor can come to a vote. Under
state law, petitions including signatures equivalent to 25 percent of the voters who cast
ballots in the last general election must be filed with the county clerk¶s office.
Local opposition, often from churches and ministerial groups, frequently arises against
pro-alcohol forces that support liquor sales with arguments in support of economic
development and against government interference in business. Kentucky lore also
suggested that bootleggers have often opposed legalizing liquor, considering such a
change as being bad for business.
Strong opposition to the free flow of alcohol ± whatever its motivation ± has historically
blocked efforts to legalize its consumption. But that¶s starting to change.
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Spreading wetness
The 2000 Kentucky General Assembly gave cities and counties more otions to allow
limited liquor sales by the drink, providing a middle ground between total prohibition and
allowing bars and package stores to proliferate.
³That eliminated a lot of the opposition against being wet because you don¶t get liquor
stores or liquor in convenience stores to proliferate.
³That eliminated a lot of the opposition against being wet because you don¶t get liquor
stores or liquor in convenience stores, you only have somebody who would like to have
somebody who would like to have somebody who would like to have somebody who
would like to have wine or beer with their dinner,´ said Stephen Humphress, general
counsel for the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Kentucky¶s liquor laws have created a patchwork of wet, dry and moist locations that can
be confusing ± even to residents of the areas affected. In some cities and counties, it¶s
legal to buy a glass of wine at a particular restaurant. But the same glass could be illegal
if you bought it in another restaurant across the street.
Moist: Alcohol sales are allowed in a city but not the surrounding county, or vice versa.
Limited: Liquor by the drink is available only in restaurants that seat 100 people or more
and derive 70 percent of their income from food sales.
Winery: Small and farm wineries in dry territory can sell wine.
Cities of the fourth class designation or counties in which the largest city has a fourth-
class designation that elect to go wet must have a separate election to approve liquor by
the drink. However, city councils in those communities can enact a hardship provision to
allow restaurants, hotels and motels that garner 50 percent of their sales from food to
serve liquor by the drink.
Since the legislative change, 89 local option elections have been conducted to allow some
form of liquor sales, according to the State Board of Elections, with limited-restaurant
sales the most common.
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Of the 89 elections, 42 were for the limited-restaurant option (half passed, half failed),
and the rest were split among the other options. Of the 89 total elections, 58 liquor
proposals passed and 31 failed.
On one hand, making moonshine is a symbol of the rugged individuality that novelists
and poets have often assigned to rural Kentuckians ± particularly those who grew up in
the Appalachian Mountains. On the other hand, it represents the kind of sinful attitudes
that prompt people to flout the law and consume a drink that , if not made carefully,
could cause illness, blindness and even death.
Making moonshine has been romanticized since before the days of Prohibition, with
images of cautious people stirring a pot of corn mash while keeping an eye out for the
³revenooers´ who would take an axe to their still.
In fact, the Lexington Herald-Leader chronicled the December 2005 passing of 101-year-
old Maggie Bailey, known as the Queen of the Mountain Bootleggers, who was still
selling moonshine from her Harlan County home when she was 95. It was said that Mrs.
Bailey was arrested many times on charges of selling illegal alcohol but never served a
day in jail. Local juries would not convict her.
Moonshining fell out of favor as more counties voted to allow liquor sales and the
interstate highway system opened up formerly isolated communities. Now, economics
have all but wiped out the legendary Kentucky moonshiner.
³When sugar prices went up in the 1970s, it knocked out the last of the moonshiners,´
said Brett Final, a supervisor in the Louisville office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives. ³If they were criminals, they went on to some other form of
crime like running crack cocaine.´
A few diehards in the backwoods may keep the moonshine legacy alive, but it¶s more out
of tradition than anything else. ³To some people it¶s a novelty and they will pay good
money for it, but nowadays you can go buy liquor and you know there¶s been quality
control versus something with dead skunks and possums floating in it,´ Final said.
Murray has ³experienced some good things and some bad things´ since residents voted to
permit sales of liquor by the drink, said Mayor Tom Rushing. ³We¶ve seen an increase in
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restaurants moving in. Along with that we¶ve seen some people that can¶t handle it
[liquor], but nothing really drastic.´
The early fears expressed by opponents have not come to pass, he added. ³They were
afraid there would be drunks on the corner, and that¶s not the case.´
Enforcing the legal drinking age has been a key to the success of liquor by the drink in
this college town, home of Murray State University. ³Our police card the kids regularly
in these establishments, and we¶ve been pretty successful with that,´ the mayor said.
Although Murray¶s DUI arrests have increased slightly, Rushing noted that fewer college
students have been sopped because they no longer have to drive south to Tennessee to
procure liquor. ³It was 12 miles down there, and the kids from the university would
frequent those places and get caught on the drive back or have wrecks,´ Rushing said.
³That has decreased and that¶s been a good aspect of the change.´
The restaurants that serve alcohol are family oriented, and the city closely monitors the
requirements that the establishments generate 70 percent of their revenue from food.
³That¶s one thing that¶s made our transition smooth is we have enforced that and
continue to do so,´ Rushing said. ³The limited-alcohol option has been the best thing for
us. It provides an atmosphere some people really like, so it¶s been good for us from that
aspect.´
In Cave City, only six votes made the difference in allowing liquor by the drink sales, a
clear reminder of the conflicted feelings about alcohol. Mayor Bobby Hunt chuckled
when asked if the limited option election there in 2005 had caused any difficulties for the
city. ³No, we don¶t see any problems,´ he said.
Two restaurants and the city¶s convention center are licensed to sell liquor by the drink.
The change has prompted interest in tourism and entertainment development in the
closest city to famed Mammoth Cave. ³We¶ve had more inquiries in the last six months
than we¶ve ever had,´ Hunt said. ³It¶s well known that liquor sales bring economic
development.´
Cave City enacted a 5 percent tax on liquor sales, with proceeds funding the police
department. Hunt thinks that may be biggest boon to the city. ³It¶s a nice income for the
city that nobody pays unless they take a drink,´ he said. ³Anything you can do to
generate revenue that the taxpayers don¶t have to pay, you¶re doing good I think.´
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The city also tracks police calls to restaurants so they know where the trouble spots are.
In 2006, the Elizabethtown Police Department responded to 74 calls to restaurants that
serve alcohol, but 60 of those were to three locations. ³Those establishments that act like
a bar or sports bar the ones that have problems, not the restaurants,´ Willmoth said.
While the experience of cities that have gone wet may never silence all opposition, the
limited restaurant option has created a compromise that seems to work. If community
mores swing the other way, the citizens still hold the ultimate voice.
³If we had a lot of problems, it would come back on the table. But so far, with our
enforcement of the rules, this has all been good for Murray,´ Rushing said.
Wet««««««««««««««..30
Dry««««««««««.««««..53
Moist««««««««««.«««..16
Limited«««««««««««««20
Golf courses«««««««««««15
Wineries««««««««««« «..15
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Attraction Phone Numbers & Websites
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