CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) A whole lot of things are happening at Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville and there is no better time than right now to get out and enjoy a cave tour, a hike, or even a picnic.
Clarksvillenow.com sat down recently with Park Manager, Ranger David Britton, to find out more about one of the regions most treasured and historic sites which can be found at 401 Dunbar Cave Rd.
The Dunbar Cave Visitor Center is a good place to start to learn more about the area. The center features a museum which Britton said captures the high points of its history as a resort, to its ownership by country music star Roy Acuff, a state natural area, up to becoming a state park.
Britton added there’s also a lot to learn in the museum about the cave itself.
“The animals, the actual cave formation process is all highlighted with interactive videos. We also have a section that talks about the prehistoric people who utilized Dunbar Cave for the past 10-12,000 years,” he said.
A trip to Dunbar Cave wouldn’t be complete without a souvenir from the gift shop. You’ll find t-shirts, mugs, walking sticks, toys and more that would make a great gift for yourself, a family member or friend as a way to remember your visit.
Work has been underway for some time now on restoring Swan Lake and visitors will notice a berm extending into the lake which divides the wetland from the lake. In the future a walkway bridge will extend over the stream channel of the lake.
The bridge also fits in with long term plans to allow an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), accessible loop trail around the area of the wetland. That will allow someone with a disability the ability to get around inside the park.
One of the main things Britton said he wants everyone to know is that cave tours are available to the public.
“Dunbar Cave is the only place in the nation that you can publicly view Mississippian Religious Art Work inside the cave. This is really an important and amazing thing,” Britton said.
Dunbar Cave State Park is open from 6:30 a.m. until sunset. The visitor center is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Britton said there are occasional circumstance when those hours may change because of staffing but the public will be notified on social media.
For more details on Dunbar Cave State Park visit the website, Facebook page, or call 931-648-5526.