If you’re looking for a relaxing, inexpensive weekend trip, head to the hills of Kentucky and the Mammoth Cave National Park. The park lies just a few minutes off of I-65, near Cave City, KY, Exit 53. In addition to being home to the longest known cave system in the world, the park boasts a wide variety of wildlife, winding waterways, quiet hiking paths, and stunning scenery.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers camping, horseback riding, kayaking, boating, hiking, biking and several guided cave tours. The tours are a wonderful educational opportunity for all ages. Tour tickets are available at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/234640.
There are a couple of restaurants inside the park and a few lodges, but both fill up quickly. You’ll find only the standard highway fare and lodging around Exit 53, so you’ll have to drive just a few minutes further from the park, if you want better than roadside accommodations. I highly recommend driving on to the town of Glasgow, where there are several nice places to dine and charming places to sleep.
On my last trip there, I enjoyed a stay at Hall Place B&B, in downtown Glasgow.
is comfortable, quiet and conveniently located. It is within walking distance of the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center and its "Museum of the Barrens”, which is a fun little diversion. Also within walking distance is the Fort Williams Civil War site, which looks down from atop the highest point in town.
While you’re in the area, be sure to take some time to drive out on the winding, rural roads that branch out from town. Barren County and the surrounding counties of Hart and Cumberland offer some of the loveliest, rolling routes you will ever see. Grand homes dot the countryside, as do historic barns. As you drive, you might want to pop into some of the many antique shops and “Mom & Pop” grocery stores that mark some of the tiny towns along the way.
For more information about Mammoth Cave National Park, visit https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm.
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