$20 • Seating 45 minutes before showtime
Watch a film 10 minutes inside Grand Caverns’ Cathedral Hall, where cool 55°F air and limestone formations create a one-of-a-kind movie night. Bring a blanket, arrive early, and enjoy a short guided tour before the lights dim.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; you should be able to navigate multiple stairs and uneven surfaces and walk roughly 10 minutes inside the cave.
Wildlife
History
Grand Caverns is one of the oldest show caves in the United States and has hosted public programs for generations, making it a historic local attraction.
Conservation
Concessions are banned and visitors are asked to stay on designated paths and avoid touching formations to protect fragile cave minerals and resident wildlife.
Grand Caverns
$20 • Seating 45 minutes before showtime
Grand Caverns is America’s oldest show cave and a nationally recognized natural attraction that offers a diverse mix of guided tours, seasonal events, adventure excursions, and shelter rentals. Visitors can join leisurely mile-long walking tours that explore dramatic formations at a cool 54°F, or choose themed experiences such as Subterranean Cinema screenings staged in Cathedral Hall. History-focused candlelight tours recount 1800s stories along original pathways, while Grottoes Crawl and Historic Trails tours invite explorers to climb, crawl, and discover routes first used in 1804. Thrill-seekers can book high-adrenaline experiences like The Gauntlet and Rock Bottom Adventure tours in nearby Fountain Cave, which require athleticism and no artificial lights. The site also hosts seasonal musical events—Caroling in the Caverns—with local ensembles and handbell groups, bringing performances to a breathtaking underground setting. On-site shelter rentals accommodate gatherings from intimate picnics to parties of up to 200 guests, and John E. Painter Park offers additional shelters for groups up to 64. Grand Caverns supports private group bookings and offers multiple accessibility notes: tours include stairs and a mile of walking, so guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to check details before visiting. Staff-led programs emphasize safety, historical accuracy, and conservation. With documented use since the early 1800s, Grand Caverns combines proven stewardship, trained guides, and unique underground venues to deliver memorable educational and recreational experiences for families, adventurers, and event organizers. Reservations are recommended for special events, private tours, and shelter rentals to guarantee availability and personalized group planning. Contact staff for details.
Tours Offered
12
Diverse cave experiences available
Cave Temp
54–58°F
Consistently cool year-round
Shelter Capacity
Up to 200
Large group gatherings accommodated
Historic Status
Oldest show cave
Documented use since early 1800s
Secure tickets for Subterranean Cinema, reserve shelters, or schedule private and adventure tours—advance reservations recommended.
Dress in layers
The cave holds a steady 55°F; a light jacket or sweater makes sitting through a film comfortable.
Wear sturdy shoes
Terrain to Cathedral Hall includes stairs and uneven rock—closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended.
Arrive early for check-in
Seating opens 45 minutes before showtime to allow for the short guided tour and limited seating space—plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early.
No food or open concessions
Concessions are prohibited to protect cave ecology—avoid bringing snacks and be prepared to wait until after the show.
Insulating jacket
Keeps you comfortable in the cave’s constant cool temperature.
Small camp chair or blanket
Extra padding makes the provided seating more comfortable and allows for extended sitting during the film.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Good traction is important for stairs and uneven cave pathways.
Headlamp or small flashlight
Useful for walking to and from the parking area before showtime—turn off inside to avoid disturbing others.