$20 • Seating 45 minutes before showtime
Watch a movie 10 minutes inside Grand Caverns’ Cathedral Hall—an underground screening that pairs a short guided cave tour with a seated cinematic experience. Dress warm, arrive early, and leave flash and food behind to protect fragile formations.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
You should be comfortable walking stair-stepped paths and standing for short periods; not suitable for limited mobility.
Wildlife
History
Grand Caverns is known locally as one of the oldest publicly toured caves in the United States, with a long history as a visitor destination.
Conservation
Strict rules—no food, no flash, stay on paths—help protect fragile formations and cave microbiology; follow guide directions to minimize impact.
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 stays around 55°F year-round; bring a warm layer and a blanket for the screening.
Wear stable shoes
Paths include stairs and uneven rock—closed-toe shoes with traction make the 10-minute descent safer and more comfortable.
Bring a small camp chair
Small, low-profile chairs are allowed and can make the provided seating more comfortable; no large lounge chairs.
No food or flash photography
Concessions and flash are restricted to protect cave microbiology and fragile formations—plan snacks for after the show.
Warm layers
Keeps you comfortable in the cave’s constant 55°F temperature.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Required for uneven, stair-stepped terrain on the path into Cathedral Hall.
Small camp chair or foldable seat
Allowed small chairs improve comfort during the screening; avoid large or lounger-style chairs.
Light daypack
Carry layers, water, and any small personal items you need before and after the tour.