Join the Volunteer Invasive Plant Initiative at Lost River Cave to help remove harmful plants and restore Kentucky's native ecosystem. Get hands-on and make a difference while enjoying the outdoors!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves light to moderate physical activity like bending and walking.
Wildlife
History
Lost River Cave has been a key natural site since the 19th century, with a rich history connected to local legends and geological features.
Conservation
Removing invasive species here directly aids in protecting native plants and improving habitat quality for native Kentucky wildlife.
Lost River Cave
Join the Volunteer Invasive Plant Initiative at Lost River Cave to help remove harmful plants and restore Kentucky's native ecosystem. Get hands-on and make a difference while enjoying the outdoors!
Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a natural destination offering guided tours, hands-on workshops, seasonal events, and educational programs focused on the region’s karst landscape and native ecology. The site operates Kentucky’s only underground boat tour, a 45-minute Cave Boat Tour that combines scenic walking and a guided ride through the cave’s passageways and historical sites. Beyond the boat tour, Lost River Cave hosts a rotating lineup of experiences that include woodworking demonstrations with Wildland Woodworks, tree walks led by certified arborists, hiking focused on karst hydrogeology, and craft workshops such as hiking stick building and pollinator seed bomb making. Educational events extend to meadow BioBlitz plant inventories, composting workshops with Compost Bowling Green, and periodic community fitness and wellness activities like Yoga at the Cave and timed races such as the Snow Flurry Scurry 5K.
Programs are presented in partnership with local experts and community organizations, including Wildland Woodworks, Wild Ones Southern Kentucky Chapter, Compost Bowling Green, and certified arborist Chad Singer, ensuring subject-matter knowledge during guided experiences. Lost River Cave balances recreational access with interpretation of natural and cultural history, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about karst features, groundwater dynamics, native plants, and wildlife while participating in conservation-minded activities.
Visitors can expect scheduled programs that emphasize hands-on participation, natural interpretation, and stewardship. Lost River Cave serves as a regional hub for outdoor education, local partnerships, and experiential learning rooted in the unique geology and ecology of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Programs accommodate families and individual explorers.
Location
Bowling Green, KY
Central Kentucky natural attraction
Signature Tour
Underground Boat
Kentucky's only underground boat tour
Programs Offered
10
Guided tours and workshops
Tour Length
45 minutes
Cave Boat Tour duration
Check event schedules and register for cave boat tours, hikes, workshops, and seasonal programs in Bowling Green, KY.
Wear long sleeves and pants
Protect yourself from scratches and possible irritants when handling invasive plants.
Bring plenty of water
Stay hydrated during the physical activity, especially in warmer months.
Use gloves provided or bring your own
Gloves prevent irritation and protect your hands while removing invasive species.
Watch your footing on uneven terrain
Parts of the park have natural trails with roots and rocks that can cause tripping.
Durable gloves
Protects hands when handling invasive plants and shrubs.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during outdoor volunteer work.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Offers traction and foot protection on uneven park trails.
Sun hat or cap
Provides shade and reduces sun exposure during warmer months.
summer