American Cave Museum

The nonprofit American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA) operates Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum as part of our educational initiative to support the protection of caves, karstlands, and groundwater resources.

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A state-of-the-art showcase of underground natural history – a little bit of Smithsonian in rural Kentucky.”

— William Stolzenburg
Nature Conservancy Magazine May/June 1995

American Cave Museum-Stalactites and Column Exhibit

“A state-of-the-art showcase of underground natural history – a little bit of Smithsonian in rural Kentucky.”

— William Stolzenburg
Nature Conservancy Magazine May/June 1995

Explore Kentucky’s Only Museum Devoted Entirely to Caves

The American Cave Museum is the only museum in the United States devoted entirely to caves. Located in Horse Cave, Kentucky, the museum features FREE admission and exhibits on karst geology, groundwater, cave wildlife, archaeology, cave conservation, and the history of America’s natural caves. Visitors can also ride the elevator to an observation deck overlooking Hidden River Cave, one of Kentucky’s largest cave entrances. The museum is one of the top educational attractions in Kentucky Cave Country, just minutes from Mammoth Cave National Park.

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Karst Geology

Learn how caves form, why sinkholes develop, and how Kentucky’s karst landscape shapes the underground world beneath our feet.

Archaeology

If you thought caves were only used by “cavemen,” think again. Discover the vast human history preserved in caves, from early exploration to archaeological discoveries.

The Many Uses of Caves

Throughout history, caves have been used for shelter, water, food preservation, tourism, and even electricity — as Hidden River Cave once helped power the City of Horse Cave.

American Cave Museum-Archaeology Exhibits

American Cave Museum-Cave Formation Exhibits

American Cave Museum-Many Uses of Caves Exhibits (photo by Jim Nieland)

Groundwater Quality

Learn how groundwater moves through Kentucky’s karst landscape, why it is especially vulnerable to pollution, and what you can do to help protect this vital natural resource.

Cave Wildlife

Discover the fascinating wildlife that lives in caves, including bats, salamanders, fish, and other unique species specially adapted to life in the underground world.

The Early History of Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Show Cave Wars & Floyd Collins

Kentucky’s Cave Country is rich in history. Learn how saltpeter was mined from Mammoth Cave during the War of 1812 and explore the fascinating era of the Kentucky Show Cave Wars, when cave owners competed to attract visitors from around the world. View historic photographs from this remarkable period and discover the story of Floyd Collins, the famous Kentucky cave explorer whose dramatic rescue attempt captivated the nation in 1925. Today, Floyd is remembered as the “Greatest Cave Explorer Ever Known.”

American Cave Museum-Groundwater Exhibits

American Cave Museum-Cave Visitors Interactive Exhibit

American Cave Museum-Cave Food Web Interactive Exhibit

American Cave Museum-Mammoth Cave Early History, Floyd Collins Exhibits (photo by Jim Nieland)

American Cave Museum-Floyd Collins Exhibit

American Cave Museum-Common Kentucky Cave Bats Interactive Exhibit

Join the American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA)!

Hidden River Cave and the American Cave Museum are operated by the nonprofit American Cave Conservation Association (ACCA). Donations and membership dues help support our educational programs and operations at the American Cave Museum and also allow us to sponsor conservation efforts that directly protect and preserve caves and groundwater resources nationally.

Annual and monthly memberships are available for your convenience.

Clicking the join or donate buttons below will take you to our secure membership portal.

Membership Benefits

ACCA members are part of a special group working to preserve one of the most unusual environments on Earth. Your support truly makes a difference.

*Regular Membership ($25) Benefits Include:

FREE admission to the American Cave Museum
20% discount on Hidden River Cave tours and Gift Shop items for Member & Guests
Discounted rates for special exhibitions or events through our affiliation with the Southeastern Museums Conference - for more information, please visit: https://www.semcdirect.net/SERM-Participants
Reciprocal admission to over 60 museums in the Southeast USA
Subscription to our quarterly newsletter ACCA News
voting privileges for election of ACCA Board of Directors
Opportunities to participate in volunteer projects and educational workshops hosted by the ACCA
More importantly, you will receive the opportunity to help conserve the fragile and irreplaceable natural caverns and karst areas located throughout America.

*Supporter Membership ($50)
All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member

*Sustainer Membership ($100)
All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member and 1 Guest

*Guarantor Membership ($250), Benefactor Membership ($500), Patron Membership ($1,000), Life Membership
All Regular Membership benefits plus FREE Hidden River Cave tour admission for 1 Member and up to 4 Guests

*Our reservation system does not currently provide a way to include member discounts for tour reservations. If you are a member, please call us at (270) 786-1466 to book your tour. Alternately, you can present your membership card when you arrive.

Join as an Individual

Join as a Company

Donate

Please visit the American Cave Conservation Association website for additional donation options and gift membership information.

You can also mail a check or money order (U.S. Funds only) payable to:
American Cave Conservation Association • P.O. Box 409 • Horse Cave, KY 42749

Hidden River Cave & The American Cave Museum are operated by the American Cave Conservation Association,

A National 501 (c) 3 Nonprofit Organization.