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Dunbar Cave State Park

A 144-acre state park with a limestone cave that hosted 1940s big-band dances — and prehistoric Mississippian cave art.

Where
Clarksville
Tickets
Free park · $20 ranger-led cave tour
Wide limestone entrance to Dunbar Cave at Dunbar Cave State Park Wide limestone entrance to Dunbar Cave at Dunbar Cave State Park

What to expect at Dunbar Cave State Park

Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville is 30 minutes from Springfield and combines an easy 144-acre trail system, a swimming lake, and one of the most historically layered caves in Tennessee. The cave contains rare Mississippian-period cave art dating to around 1300 CE, and in the 1930s and 40s the wide entrance hosted big-band dances with acts like Roy Acuff. Ranger-led tours let you see the entrance chamber, hear both stories, and learn how the cave is now managed to protect bats from white-nose syndrome.

Book cave tours online — they’re limited to about 20 people, run May through September only, and often sell out for weekends 3-4 weeks ahead. Outside cave season the park itself is a lovely, free half-day: walk the Lake Trail loop around Swan Lake, watch turtles, and picnic under sycamores. Bring binoculars in spring migration; the wooded ridges are excellent for warblers.

Plan your visit TicketsFree park · $20 ranger-led cave tour WhereClarksville Opening hours Park grounds Mon-Sun 8:00-sunset Visitor center Wed-Sun 8:00-16:30 Cave tours May-Sept, times vary — reserve online Hotels near Dunbar Cave State Park

Questions about Dunbar Cave State Park

How much does it cost?

The park is free. Ranger-led cave tours are $20 for adults and $10 for children 6-12; under 6 not permitted in the cave.

Are there free days?

The park, trails, and visitor center are always free. Only the cave tour has a fee.

How long should I plan?

Half a day: 1 hour for the cave tour plus 1-2 hours for the trails and visitor center.

When is it closed?

Park grounds open daily 8:00 to sunset. Visitor center closed Monday and Tuesday. Cave tours run May-September only.

Do I need to book the cave tour?

Yes — cave tours require online reservation at tnstateparks.com and frequently sell out on weekends.

Where do I park?

Free lot at 401 Old Dunbar Cave Road, Clarksville. Holds about 80 cars and rarely fills except on cave-tour Saturdays.

Where to stay

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