When you’re possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, spring’s warmer weather can be a siren’s call to a restless spirit’s heart. However, as guest contributor Sarah C. Preston points out in this post, the weather isn’t always cooperative. That’s why she suggests exploring underground and offers these five great must-visit options.
5 Underground Systems to Explore this Spring
By Sarah C. Preston
As spring is in full swing, the weather can still be unpredictable. If you and your family are feeling the itch to go outside and explore, but are unsure of something to do, try exploring underground!
There are many cave and mining systems all across the country and many have become tourist destinations in their own right. You are never too far away from an underground adventure. In fact, you may be standing above one right now.
Here is a list of five systems to explore this season.
1. The Mammoth Cave System
If you are a fan of the show Hellier you no doubt have heard of the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky. This massive cave system is one of the largest in the world. With different levels of accessibility and difficulty, there are exploration options for everyone —from the adventurous spelunker to family-oriented guided tours.
2. Rock City
If you are looking for a storybook adventure, check out Rock City atop Lookout Mountain in North Georgia, just 6 miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Explore rope bridges, breathtaking observation points, and try to keep your eyes peeled for real gnomes among the dayglow figures in the Fairyland Caverns. This adventure will pull you into the world of the Fae.
3. Bridal Cave
Spring is a time for romance and beauty. There is no shortage of that here. Bridal Cave has been selected as one of the most unique wedding venues in America. Even if you aren’t looking to tie the knot, the soaring stalactites and stalagmites, along with local folklore on how the cave got its name, will surely make you fall in love with these geological wonders.
Since Bridal Cave is located in the Ozarks, there is a ton of weirdness to be found above ground, including the Eureka Springs Crescent Hotel ghost tour which has been featured on a number of ghost adventure television shows.
4. Strataca Salt Mine
Unlike the other underground systems on this list, this adventure is almost entirely man-made. Originally a salt mine, this attraction will take you 650 feet straight down.
Did you know Hollywood stores some of their archives in this tiny town in Kansas? You will see actual movie props and archive material in the mine.
If you opt for the Salt Safari tour you will be able to collect the literal salt of the Earth. Talk about a souvenir!
While you’re in Hutchinson, Kansas, you can also check out the Cosmosphere, a space museum and planetarium that will expand your knowledge of the universe. The best part is both attractions share the “Deep Discount” in which if you present your tickets from one attraction, you get a discount on the other. As above, so below in this 2-day adventure.
5. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Near the Twin Cities is an exciting adventure waiting to be explored. Think of this system as a “choose your own adventure” style trip with various options, from kid-friendly tours to more advanced educational tours. There is something for everyone.
While it may still be cold and snowy up North, the cave’s constant, steady temperature is a great way to get out and about without worrying about the weather conditions.
For More Info
*For all underground systems be sure to check the websites for reservations, season start times, ticket prices, and COVID restrictions.
Most caves and underground systems have also instituted measures to help protect bats from White Nose Syndrome. You can learn more about this and ways to protect native bats here.
Check-In
Have you explored underground at any of these caves or mines?
Contributor Info
Sarah C. Preston currently holds a BA in Sociology with an Emphasis in Anthropology from the University of Missouri -Kansas City. She is an artist and photographer who’s style and works focus on Americana, folklore, and rural lifestyles. Her writing has been featured online and in The Feminine Macabre. You can contact her at liminallykc@gmail.com.
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I’ve been in the Natural Bridge caves (perfect for a first-timer), but never anything as adventurous as what Ms. Preston describes.
Okay there are a few Natural Bridge caves. Have you been to the ones at the Natural Bridge State Natural Area in TN, the Caverns at Natural Bridge in VA, or the Natural Bridge Caverns in TX? Your comment inspired me to look up Natural Bridge caves because it rang a bell and I wondered if it was in an area I’d written about for TripSided. Then I found all of these and was like, “WOW! So many cool-looking ones with similar names!” lol
Natural Bridge caves in Natural Bridge, Virginia.:-)
Oooo! You’re SO fast! I thought it might be VA because you had lived there but didn’t want to assume… lol And now I want to go check that out when I finally get to VA!
I haven’t been to any of those, either at those other locations, or here in Kansas. I considered doing a layover move in Eureka Springs, though!
PS in the family lore, one of my ancestors was kidnapped and taken into Luray Caverns…
What? Willow, that’s terrible! I hope your family lore is wrong. How sad otherwise!
I was going to ask if you’d been to the one in Kansas! I didn’t even know it was there. SO cool! Is it close to you, Willow?
BUT THEN…the kidnap story! WTH?! You know I’ve got to ask about this… lol
I’ve been to Mammoth Cave several times and a couple others near it, but the one I want to check out is the Mega Caverns in Louisville. If they’re back open that is. I know they had to close for a while because of…something natural and non-covid related. But there are so many caves in the U.S. I’d like to see and I added a few more thanks to this great list. Thanks, Sarah!