{"id":"nps-maca","slug":"mammoth-cave-national-park","name":"Mammoth Cave National Park","designation":"National Park","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"MACA","designation":"National Park","sourceId":"nps-maca"}],"states":["KY"],"stateNames":["Kentucky"],"location":{"lat":37.19760458,"lon":-86.13090198},"bbox":[-86.2802,37.0977,-86.0013,37.2795],"acres":{"value":71747,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":{"date":"1926-05-25","designation":null,"name":null,"text":"Authorized May 25, 1926","authority":{"type":"act-of-congress","signedBy":"Calvin Coolidge","administration":"Calvin Coolidge","citation":null},"reviewed":true},"established":{"date":"1941-07-01","designation":"National Park","name":null,"text":"Established July 1, 1941","authority":{"type":"unspecified","signedBy":null,"administration":"Franklin D. Roosevelt","citation":null},"reviewed":true},"administrations":["Calvin Coolidge","Franklin D. Roosevelt"],"designationHistory":[{"date":"1926-05-25","action":"established","designation":null,"name":null,"indexText":"Authorized May 25, 1926","authority":{"type":"act-of-congress","signedBy":"Calvin Coolidge","administration":"Calvin Coolidge","citation":null},"note":null,"sources":[{"name":"The National Parks: Index 2012–2016 (National Park Service), PDF page 56","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/npindex2012-2016.pdf"},{"name":"44 Stat. 635 (Statutes at Large, govinfo): Mammoth Cave act, approved May 25, 1926","url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-44/pdf/STATUTE-44-Pg635.pdf"}],"research":"nps-index-2012-2016","reviewed":true,"review":{"verdict":"confirmed","note":"Act of Congress, Coolidge.","by":"HistorianPanel accuracy review, batch 1","date":"2026-11-09"}},{"date":"1941-07-01","action":"established","designation":null,"name":null,"indexText":"Established July 1, 1941","authority":{"type":"unspecified","signedBy":null,"administration":"Franklin D. Roosevelt","citation":null},"note":null,"sources":[{"name":"The National Parks: Index 2012–2016 (National Park Service), PDF page 56","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/npindex2012-2016.pdf"},{"name":"NPS Mammoth Cave Master Plan, Appendix A (npshistory.com)","url":"https://www.npshistory.com/publications/maca/master_plan/appa.htm"}],"research":"nps-index-2012-2016","reviewed":true,"review":{"verdict":"confirmed","note":"Administrative establishment once the minimum acreage was assembled; FDR in office.","by":"HistorianPanel accuracy review, batch 1","date":"2026-11-09"}}],"summary":"Rolling hills, deep river valleys, and the world's longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Region.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=37.2795&b_tl_lng=-86.2802&b_br_lat=37.0977&b_br_lng=-86.0013","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Mammoth%20Cave%20National%20Park","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"cover":{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/0DB94E27-0FF0-E98D-2F0AA9F8B4800869.jpg","title":"Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave","alt":"Looking out from a large cave entrance with falling water and green trees shown over the entrance.","credit":"NPS Photo / J. Cooper","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm","tier":1,"source":"National Park Service"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/0DB94E27-0FF0-E98D-2F0AA9F8B4800869.jpg","title":"Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave","alt":"Looking out from a large cave entrance with falling water and green trees shown over the entrance.","credit":"NPS Photo / J. Cooper","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm","source":"National Park Service","cover":true},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/145F1ECE-0B89-0D9E-48F101A0B0F88BEC.jpg","title":"Autumn at Sloans Pond","alt":"Trees with colorful autumn leaves surround a large pond and reflect off of its surface.","caption":"Autumn arrives at Sloans Crossing Pond Trail, an accessible boardwalk path.","credit":"NPS Photo / J. Wheet","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/947D4300-ECE7-A506-8A6FF2BA4AECCFBB.jpg","title":"Historic Entrance","alt":"A long staircase travels down a slope into the dark cave opening.","caption":"The Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave has welcomed explorers for centuries.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/958C8BC3-9657-7E73-D0697F507A869B69.jpg","title":"Gothic Avenue","alt":"A large stacked stone pillar reaches the flat ceiling containing signatures in a cave passage.","caption":"Over two hundred years of guided tours leads to the history of Mammoth Cave.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Jackie Wheet","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/94A76787-FA1B-8DC8-71277FDFA5E7CC79.jpg","title":"Cleaveland Avenue","alt":"A long cave passage with an oval shape.","caption":"The network of cave passages in the Mammoth Cave system stretches over 400 miles.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/9472C6B0-DF25-7F27-BA8D162F34D2CB2F.jpg","title":"Heritage Trail","alt":"A wooden boardwalk leads into the forest.","caption":"The half-mile Heritage Trail leads to panoramic views of the Green River.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/94F61E66-ACE7-ED8C-FC411F6BFDD80490.jpg","title":"Good Spring Baptist Church","alt":"A small white church building with yellow flowers in the foreground.","caption":"Three historic church structures still stand, shedding light on the pre-park communities that once existed here.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/95357AD9-E6A5-DDCF-432D3E3832808431.jpg","title":"Green River Valley","alt":"A view of a river valley with hills covered in trees. A blue sky with white clouds stands above.","caption":"Rolling hills and valleys can be seen from many of the overlooks in the park.","credit":"NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Boating","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Caving","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Food","Dining","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Hands-On","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Paddling","Canoeing","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Kayaking","Junior Ranger Program","Wildlife Watching","Park Film","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Architecture and Building","African American Heritage","Archeology","Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite","Enslavement","Industry","Mining","Medicine","Hospital","Monuments and Memorials","Native American Heritage","Religion and Spirituality","Churches","Transportation","Trains and Railroads","Wars and Conflicts","War of 1812","World War I","Women's History","Ancient Seas","Animals","Birds","Fish","Caves, Caverns and Karst","Climate Change","Fire","Forests and Woodlands","Fossils and Paleontology","Geology","Mineral Deposits","Groundwater","Freshwater Springs","Natural Sounds","Night Sky","Astronomy","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Scenic Views","Trails","Water Trails","Unique Species","Endangered","Watersheds","Wetlands"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"Park Hours","description":"Mammoth Cave National Park is open 24-hours a day, although services such as cave tours and the visitor center are limited after-hours. There is no gate at the park entrance. Please note that camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS! From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit). Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit). Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.","weatherInfo":"Kentucky has a moderate climate with warm, yet moist conditions. Summers average in the high 80s; winters average in the low 40s. Southern Kentucky, where Mammoth Cave is located, receives the highest average precipitation for the state, about 50 inches per year, mostly in spring. Winter can bring mild to moderate snow and ice. Storms happen year-round, and can include tornadoes and flooding in low-lying areas, but severe weather is infrequent. The temperature deep in the cave is a constant 54°F (12°C).","contacts":{"phone":"2707582180","email":"maca_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Mammoth Cave Visitor Center","description":"The park visitor center is the central point for visitors to orient themselves to what lies both above and below the surface at Mammoth Cave. Situated just up the hill from the cave's Historic Entrance, the visitor center is the departure point for all cave tours, and offers exhibits to prepare you for discovery. You can also meet a ranger for a talk or a hike. Gifts, restrooms, permits and information are available and visitor amenities are offered by the nearby Lodge at Mammoth Cave across the footbridge.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/mammoth-cave-visitor-center.htm","lat":37.18702160097143,"lon":-86.10107059957153}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Mammoth Cave Campground","description":"The Mammoth Cave Campground is ideal for visitors seeking an authentic national park experience while still having easy access to amenities, cave tours, and other park activities. This developed campground is located within ¼ mile from the visitor center and contains 111 primitive campsites with a mixture of tent only sites, group sites, tent or RV sites, and accessible sites. Rangers on duty in the campground kiosk are happy to provide information to make your stay a special adventure.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232467","sites":111},{"name":"Maple Springs Group Campground","description":"Maple Springs Group Campground lies on the park's north side, six miles from the visitor center and three miles north of Green River Ferry. This campground offers more secluded sites ideal for larger groups of campers and their horse companions. All sites have electric and water hookups for RVs. This campground is a natural launching-point for forays along the more than 70 miles of backcountry trails in Mammoth Cave National Park.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232468","sites":7},{"name":"Houchin Ferry Campground","description":"The Houchin Ferry Campground lies next to the Green River at the former location of the Houchin Ferry. This campground is operated year-round and is located 15 miles from the Visitor Center and two miles east of Brownsville, KY. For campers who like it simple, these 12 tent-only campsites afford a quiet visit with drive-up access.","url":"","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/258992","sites":12}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"abraham-lincoln-birthplace-national-historical-park","km":59},{"slug":"mill-springs-battlefield-national-monument","km":124},{"slug":"lincoln-boyhood-national-memorial","km":128},{"slug":"green-river-national-wildlife-refuge","km":134},{"slug":"hoosier-national-forest","km":137},{"slug":"stones-river-national-battlefield","km":149}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=maca"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"reviewed","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.618Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Green River Ferry Closed to RV/Trailer Traffic","text":"Green River Ferry is operational but remains closed to recreational vehicle and trailer traffic due to low water conditions. A river forecast is available at: water.noaa.gov/gauges/03309000","url":null,"updated":"2026-11-05 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-77B591E4-1DBC-440A-AB6A-2F5733E81C93"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Park Closure","title":"Elevator for Accessible Tour Out of Service","text":"Due to mechanical issues with the cave elevator, the Accessible Tour is currently unavailable. Please check back for updates or call the visitor center at (270) 758-2180.","url":null,"updated":"2026-05-06 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-F322E0B6-54E5-4887-A604-7F59C4F08765"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Tickets are required to enter Mammoth Cave","text":"Reservations are strongly recommended. Reservations are the only way to ensure a spot is available for your party. Please plan accordingly by visiting Recreation.gov to secure your tickets in advance. Availability of walk-up tickets is not guaranteed.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm","updated":"2021-08-02 18:14:26.0","id":"nps-3FDA6968-C4B7-4A28-8169-B0E4B1272765"},{"source":"NWS","kind":"Frost Advisory","severity":"Minor","title":"Frost Advisory issued November 8 at 9:37PM EST until November 9 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Louisville KY","text":"* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 34 will result in frost formation.\n\n* WHERE...Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north\ncentral, northwest, and south central Kentucky.\n\n* WHEN...Until 10 AM EST /9 AM CST/ Monday.\n\n* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive\noutdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.","instruction":"Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.","url":"https://alerts.weather.gov/search?id=urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.e609f4cebca64deb8e03d1b904cce68d91feb0af.001.1","starts":"2026-11-09T00:00:00-05:00","ends":"2026-11-09T10:00:00-05:00","id":"nws-urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.e609f4cebca64deb8e03d1b904cce68d91feb0af.001.1"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/mammoth-cave-national-park/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/mammoth-cave-national-park.geojson"}