Mammoth Cave National Park

Published: September 27, 2024

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Home of the World's Longest Known Cave System

Kentucky is home to Mammoth Cave National Park. It was authorized as a national park in 1926 and fully established in 1941. This unprecedented 15-year process involved converting the settled areas into parklands and meeting congressional requirements. The park is known for its cave system, rich history, and diverse plant and animal life. This cave system has over 400 miles of exploration and mapping, and it preserves the habitat of several threatened and endangered species, including many bat species. Water dissolving carbonate rocks slowly created sinkholes, tunnels, and underground rivers to form this cave system. Read more about how the cave formed on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) website and the types of passages on the National Park Service (NPS) website.

Historic entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park, Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Mammoth Cave National Park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1981, and in 1990 earned the title of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Biosphere Reserve. The World Heritage Convention, adopted in 1972 and enacted in 1975, establishes World Heritage Sites and links the preservation of cultural properties with nature conservation. UNESCO encourages the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritages worldwide and considers them outstanding values for humanity. World Heritage sites belong to all people regardless of their land location. (NPS)

On October 28, 2021, the park was deemed an International Dark Sky Park. This certification, as described by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), showcases the park as "land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected specifically for either its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage or public enjoyment."

Near the Frozen Niagara section of Mammoth Cave, these broken cave formations may take centuries to regrow. (NPS)

Many cave formations that took thousands of years to grow are fragile, and a simple touch can cause damage. Over the years, some formations have been stolen by visitors for profit. The National Park Service encourages visitors to respect these caves and not touch the cave walls or formations. Some formations may take centuries to regrow.

Additional Sources and Resources

  • View the Code of Federal Regulations - 36 CFR § 7.36 - Mammoth Cave National Park for codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
  • Search the Serial Set Collection to explore early Senate and House Documents and Reports related to Mammoth Cave National Park.
  • Check out NASA's "Spot the Station" webpage to see when you can spot the International Space Station (ISS) from Mammoth Cave Park.
  • Explore the National Park Service's website to plan your visit and learn what you need to know before you go.


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