Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum — Attraction in Horse Cave

While we were on our way to Bowling Green, weather cancelled our whole reason for going. Too late to cancel our stay, we were looking for something to do. We saw a sign for the Sunset Dome at Hidden River Cave and decided to check it out. Even having been to other caves, this was still an experience unlike any we had before. The guided tour sis not require a reservation and was about an hour long. When we were there, it seemed that guided tours went every hour, on the hour. Dylan was our tour guide and he was the best. I felt like he could have given two hour tours because it seemed like he was a Hidden River Cave encyclopedia. A question from the group would spin off into a 5 minute answer with details that were in addition to the already abundant information shared. It was almost like he knew so much about the place that he couldn't possibly remember all of it to tell you. He was open to questions throughout. It was great. While safety was clearly important, it was not a rigid experience. It was laid back and easy-going. The cave temp was 47 degrees at the bottom of the entrance before you make it to the first dome room. Temperature was in the 70's above ground in town. The biggest surprise of the whole thing is this cave isn't in some remote location in the woods... It's in the middle of town! Literally. And unless you walk right by it on the sidewalk, you wouldn't know. You can drive right by it and outside of the signs for it, wouldn't be able to tell either. Check out the cave fish in the museum. Never knew something like that existed before seeing them. A fun side trip was to explore town to find the old hole, that they currently use to get electric down to the cave, that was used for other reasons in the past. Maybe you can piece together it's location based on info you hear during the tour. They are not allowed to tell you where it is for safety reasons, however we were able to find it. We were also probably so impressed because we walked into it not even knowing the place existed, with no expectations, and because there did not seem to be room for a cave with such a massive entrance in such a small space. We plan to bring the whole family for the off-trail 4 hour experience that requires reservations. Overall experience was well worth the...

This was the best cave tour I have ever had. Aaron is an excellent tour guide. Very knowledgeable and good with people. Our tour group had a hearing impaired member. Aaron gave them a flashlight to see the interpreter, then he spoke in rhythm with the sign language. Most of the stairs were near the entrance as you decend into the cavern. He took frequent rest stops and taught the caves history to break it up, but the climb out will get your heart pumping. The walk is about 1 mile round trip and takes about an hour. I brought my 8 year old girl and 15 year old son who both had a great time. The suspension bridge across the cave over the rushing river was the most amazing experience I have had in a cavern. The bridge looks fabricated by the corps of engineers. It was very safe. The tour is extensive but not too much for youngsters. It isn't the most spectacular cave formation. It doesn't have limestone growth features, it's a different experience than many caves. It has massive domes. It can flood, so I would recommend calling ahead to confirm. You can make reservations on line or call. We went off peak, and hadn't about 8 in the group, 2 other tours had about the same. There is a cave museum to learn about while you await your tour. The tour brings you back to the museum to get some selfies with faux formations. There is a cute gift shop and Aaron, our guide, taught us about geodes and minerals. I thought the tour and shop were reasonably priced. We spent about 2 1/2 hours here. The bridge has only been open since February, so it's a new attraction in Horse Cave...

I came to Hidden River Cave expecting a casual stroll through some cool underground passages. What I didn’t expect was a life-changing journey involving swift subterranean currents, a heroic tour guide, and a borrowed clothes dryer.

Our guide, Nox—an unassuming, petite young woman—led us with knowledge and charm, clearly passionate about the cave’s history. I was fully engaged… right up until I lost my footing on a slick rock and plunged into the cold, flowing water of the Hidden River itself. Before I could shout “stalactite,” I was swept away into a shadowy side passage, the current dragging me deeper into the earth like I was in a National Geographic special gone horribly wrong.

Just when I thought I’d become part of the cave’s next fossil exhibit, Nox sprang into action. She leapt into the water without hesitation—yes, like a real-life Lara Croft meets Aquaman—and pulled me to safety with strength that completely defied her frame. I don’t know if she’s trained in cave rescue or just powered by sheer adrenaline and coffee, but she SAVED MY LIFE.

Soaking wet, humiliated, and freezing, I returned to the front desk a broken man. But even that was met with kindness: the cashier (bless their soul) offered up the clothes dryer. I spent the next half hour warming up in the warm Kentucky sun.

Would I recommend Hidden River Cave? Absolutely. Come for the history, stay for the thrill—and if you're lucky, you'll meet Nox, the cave's guardian...