CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Programs are free unless noted otherwise. All Programs require reservations by the deadline listed.
Programs with no reservations by the deadline will be canceled. All programs begin at the Visitor Center unless another site is listed.
Children must be accompanied by an adult (one adult per every three children). Age limits are definite – please do not sign up a child whom is younger or older than the age limits given.
For reservations: Visit Dunbar Cave’s website and navigate to the upcoming events screen to register online or call our office at (931) 648-5526.
Saturday, November 5th
3:30 – 4:30 pm Afternoon Hike (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
Hike the Short Loop Trail (1.1 miles) as signs of evening start to appear and animals start to stir. Please wear good walking shoes and bring water.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 4th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Sunday, November 6th
1:30 – 2:00 pm Ssssnakes! (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) Children
Learn about our native snakes of Tennessee and why they are so great to keep around.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 5th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Friday, November 11th
5:00 – 8:00 pm Port Royal By Lantern (Port Royal State Historic Park) All Ages
Take a lantern guided tour through Port Royal and meet some of the area’s most famous and infamous characters as they tell tales of the frontier, the Bell Witch, Night Riders, and more! Cost is $5 per person. Children 4 and under are free. First tour leaves at 5:00pm. Tours leave every 20 minutes. Last tour leaves at 8:00pm. A limited number of tickets may available at the gate (cash only) but there may be a 1-3 hour wait. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance as we might sell out! Tickets may be purchased by going to Port Royal’s website (http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/port-royal) and navigating to the “Upcoming Events” page. Meet at the River Bottom trail head parking area on the North side of the highway bridge (opposite side of river from the canoe access and picnic area)
Saturday, November 12th
5:00 – 8:00 pm Port Royal By Lantern (Port Royal State Historic Park) All Ages
Take a lantern guided tour through Port Royal and meet some of the area’s most famous and infamous characters as they tell tales of the frontier, the Bell Witch, Night Riders, and more! Cost is $5 per person. Children 4 and under are free. First tour leaves at 5:00pm. Tours leave every 20 minutes. Last tour leaves at 8:00pm. A limited number of tickets may available at the gate (cash only) but there may be a 1-3-hour wait. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance as we might sell out! Tickets may be purchased by going to Port Royal’s website (http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/port-royal) and navigating to the “Upcoming Events” page. Meet at the River Bottom trail head parking area on the North side of the highway bridge (opposite side of river from the canoe access and picnic area)
Sunday, November 13th
2:00 – 2:30 pm Let’s Talk Turkey (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) Children
Yelps, purrs, cuts and cackles. Learn about characteristics, habitat, populations, life history and vocalizations of wild turkeys. Children will also get to participate in a turkey craft to keep.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 12th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Saturday, November 19th
3:00 – 4:30 pm Trail Hike (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
Join us on a 2-mile hike on our Recovery Trail. We will learn about how the trail got its name and keep an eye out for any wildlife we might encounter on our way. Please wear good walking shoes and bring water.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 18th. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger
Friday, November 25th
10:00 – 11:00 am After Thanksgiving Turkey Trot (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
Take a break from Black Friday shopping and walk off some of your Thanksgiving turkey. Join us for a one mile hike on the Short Loop Trail where we can search for wildlife around us. Don’t forget to wear good walking shoes and bring water.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 24th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
2:30 – 3:30 pm Be Thankful Hike (Port Royal State Historic Park) All Ages
This time of year we are thankful for what we have, but not everyone was so lucky. Come out to Port Royal as we learn about the forced removal of the Cherokee Nation along our preserved section of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. This is an easy hike that is suitable for the whole family. Meet at the River Bottom Trailhead parking area on the North side of the highway bridge (opposite side of river from canoe access and picnic area).
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 24th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Saturday, November 26th
8:00 – 10:00 am Volunteer Day (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages
There are always volunteer things to do around Dunbar Cave State Park. Meet at the visitor center and help pick up trash on the trails, pull weeds out of the Butterfly Garden and around park signs, and more.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 25th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Sunday, November 27th
10:30 – 11:00 am Natural Ornaments (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) Children
Dunbar Cave needs your help as the Christmas time is quickly approaching! This year we will be putting up a Christmas tree with natural ornaments. Come out and learn about natural items and how they can be reused for decorations. Make an ornament for your tree and one for ours.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 26th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Sunday, November 27th
1:00 – 1:30 pm Natural Ornaments (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) Children
Dunbar Cave needs your help as the Christmas time is quickly approaching! This year we will be putting up a Christmas tree with natural ornaments. Come out and learn about natural items and how they can be reused for decorations. Make an ornament for your tree and one for ours.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 26th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Sunday, November 27th
2:30-3:00 pm Natural Ornaments (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) Children
Dunbar Cave needs your help as the Christmas time is quickly approaching! This year we will be putting up a Christmas tree with natural ornaments. Come out and learn about natural items and how they can be reused for decorations. Make an ornament for your tree and one for ours.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 26th. Program Leader: Emily Stevenson, Park Ranger
Monday, November 28th
4:30 – 5:30 pm Night Hike (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area) All Ages Come hike our one mile Short Loop Trail as daylight ends and darkness descends. We will see if we can spot any wildlife moving about on this late Fall night. Wear good walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
RESERVATIONS BY 4:30 pm November 27th. Program Leader: Adam Neblett, Park Ranger