Visit the Mega Cavern in Louisville Kentucky

See Louisville Underground

The Louisville Mega Cavern is a great stop for anyone who is looking for something different than your typical tourist stop. It has something to offer for everyone, no matter your activity or adventure level. Take a tour of the man-made cavern on foot or tram. During the tour, you’ll learn about the history of the area, why it was built under the city, and its many uses.

For the more adventurous, you can take advantage of the completely underground aerial ropes course or take a slightly different type of tour via the zipline. The Mega Cavern also hosts special events like Lights under Louisville for an extra special holiday experience.

Is the Louisville Mega Cavern Dog Friendly?

This attraction is NOT dog-friendly, though there is one exception. You can have your dog inside your car when you drive through the cavern during, Lights under Louisville. Animals are not allowed to participate in any other activity inside the cavern.

What to Expect at the Louisville Mega Cavern

Louisville Mega Cavern is a man-made underground structure close to the Louisville Zoo. You can choose one of their tours or have some fun on their zip line or ropes course. This stop is the perfect underground experience for people who may be slightly claustrophobic because the cavern is wide and open. It’s also a great stop for anyone who loves zipline or ropes courses.

I do not suggest visiting if you are hoping for a cave tour type of experience because you will be disappointed. Since this is a cavern, it is man-made and will not have the unique formations that you’ll find in caves.

Where to Stay When Visiting Mega Cavern

Louisville is full of options if you are looking for somewhere to stay. Whether you are looking for a private vacation rental, hotel, or campground, this city has it all.

Campsites Near Louisville

Even though Louisville is a city, there still are several campgrounds in the area. The following campsites are all dog friendly. The KOA also has some dog-friendly cabins for an extra fee.

• Jefferson Memorial Forest Campground– $15 per night
• Louisville North Campground– $40 per night; cabins $50 per night
• Louisville South KOA Holiday– $55/night Cabins available at variable prices.

Hotels Near the Mega Cavern

Use our booking.com link to find the best hotel for your vacation! We loved staying at the dog-friendly Hancock House downtown if you are looking for a nice place with a kitchen attached.

Where to Eat When Visiting the Louisville Mega Cavern

There is no restaurant at the Mega Cavern in Louisville, so make sure to plan ahead for your meals. Whether you are looking to eat before or after your visit, there is no shortage of places to eat nearby.

If you are looking for a taste of Kentucky, Louisville is the perfect city to eat a “Hot Brown” sandwich which was created at one of the hotels located downtown in the 1920s.

Louisville Mega Cavern

The Louisville Mega Cavern is man-made and located underneath the city itself. It consists of about 17 miles of corridors that you can tour to learn more about its history or have fun using its zipline or ropes course. The Cavern is open year-round and stays at about 58 degrees no matter the outside weather.

You can buy tickets online or onsite. Because some activities may not be available due to special events, make sure to check online before you plan your trip to see what is currently available and for the most updated prices. Keep in mind that it is always best to buy them ahead of time because they can sell out.

Once you arrive, you can find free parking available onsite. After you park, you will have a several-minute walk before you get inside the cavern to the main counter. If you haven’t signed a waiver yet, there are stations where you can sign them electronically before you check in at the main desk.

Tip: There are tip jars for your guides that host each activity. Remember to keep some cash on you to show your appreciation.

Gem Mining

If you are trying to pass the time while waiting for your activity to start, there is a gem mining station in a back room past the main counter and bathrooms.

Mega Cavern Historic Tours

Whether you choose to tour on foot, bike, tram, or zip line, you will get to learn the basic history of the cavern. Your guides will share information about the cavern’s mining past and its usage as a Cuban Missile Fallout Bunker along with several other interesting facts and stories.

Mega Walking Tour

The walking tours last about 90 minutes and cover approximately 1.8 miles. Guests do need to be at least 7 years old and wear closed-toed shoes to participate.

Mega Tram Tour

The 60–90-minute tram tour is perfect for anyone who wants to see the cavern in a more relaxing manner. Simply board the tram, sit down, and enjoy listening to your guide as you travel through the cavern and by the exhibits.

Mega Zip Line Tour

This tour takes you through the cavern on a 2-2.5-hour long zip line course into areas not accessible to the other tours. Participants need to be at least 7 years old and weigh between 55-285 lbs. for safety reasons. The course consists of multiple ziplines, 2 challenge bridges, and a dual racing zip to add to the fun.

Mega Quest Ropes Course

The Mega Cavern offers the unique chance to complete the world’s only fully underground aerial ropes course with 76 challenging elements. Participants must be at least 5 years old and be able to reach at least 52 inches with the palm of their hand.

This is to make sure they can successfully complete the challenges.  For safety reasons, participants will need to weigh less than 310 pounds and wear closed-toed shoes. Long pants and comfortable clothes are recommended.

Mega Cavern Special Events

Louisville’s Mega Cavern is available to rent for special events. They also host a magnificent holiday light show called Lights Under Louisville each year. Occasionally they may also have other themed activities throughout the year.

Other Louisville Activities:

Louisville Kentucky is a city full of fun and amazing things to do. If you are looking to make more memories on your vacation, check out these stops:

• Kentucky Mt Rushmore
• Thomas Edison House
• Louisville Slugger Museum
• Kentucky Derby Museum
• Louisville Zoo
• Louisville’s Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular

Nearby Attractions:

For ideas of places to visit in the surrounding area, check out these places. These stops are all under 2 hours away.

Dog-friendly Attractions near Louisville’s Mega Cavern:

• Mammoth Cave National Park
• Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum
• Dinosaur World

Check out our post on Dog-friendly Vacation Stops in Kentucky for more ideas!

Unique Attractions Near Louisville’s Mega Cavern:

• My Old Kentucky Home
• Abraham Lincoln Sites in Kentucky
• Ark Encounter and Creations Museum
• Vent Haven Ventriloquist Museum
• Lost River Cave

Why You Should Visit:

If you are traveling to Louisville Kentucky, I encourage you to visit Louisville’s Mega Cavern. If it is within your budget and you are physically able, I highly encourage you to do the zipline or ropes course. We took the tram tour and whereas it was interesting, I definitely wish we had splurged on one of these other activities. Because there are so many things to do in the city, be sure to stay for at least several days to enjoy what Louisville has to offer!

Pin For Later: