UTHRT: A Journey to the Mammoth Cave National Park
The state of Kentucky is located in the south-central United States, bordered by the Ohio River to the north, the Mississippi River to the west, and seven states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri. It is part of the Appalachian region, known as the Bluegrass State, and is popular for the Kentucky Derby.
The distance from Chicago to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is about 390 miles and can take around six hours, depending on traffic, road construction, or whether you stop at one of the many rest areas along the highways.
On Monday, August 28, I left Chicago heading south on Interstate 65. Along the way, I passed through Indianapolis. In the midst of traffic, I noticed a motorcyclist in a black helmet carrying his firearm, exercising his Second Amendment right to bear arms. I continued on through Louisville, crossed the bridge over the Ohio River, and eventually arrived in a small town called Cave City. From there, I turned right and headed toward Mammoth Cave National Park.
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in south-central Kentucky, is the longest known cave system in the world. The park covers 52,007 acres (21,046 ha), primarily in Edmonson County. The Green River runs through the park, with its tributary, the Nolin River, feeding into it just inside the park.
Since 1972, the cave system has been formally known as the Mammoth–Flint Ridge Cave System. As of 2025, more than 426 miles (686 km) of passageways have been surveyed. The park was established on July 1, 1941, after years of contentious eminent domain proceedings whose effects still linger in the region. It became a World Heritage Site in 1981, an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990, and an International Dark Sky Park in 2021.
The park’s mission is to:
“Preserve, protect, interpret, and study the internationally recognized biological and geologic features and processes associated with the longest known cave system in the world, the park’s diverse forested karst landscape, the Green and Nolin rivers, and extensive evidence of human history; and to provide and promote public enjoyment, recreation, and understanding.”
I arrived late in the evening, set up my tent, ate a simple meal, and went to bed after a long day on the road. Nature began playing its symphony of unfamiliar sounds. The sky was clear, the stars shone brightly, and tall green trees surrounded me. Under that peaceful atmosphere, I slept without fear.
The next morning, I woke up around 9:30 a.m. I walked to the showers, where I paid $1.50 for a four-minute shower, with extra time costing additional coins. After breakfast, I headed to the Visitor Center.
At the Visitor Center, I explored a small museum that previewed what visitors could expect: the history of Mammoth Cave, maps of the cave system, hiking trails, and the park’s rich ecology. Documentaries, articles, and videos added depth to the experience. I bought two tour tickets—the Grand Avenue Tour and the Historic Tour. Later, I went on a short hike to the Green River before heading into Cave City to buy groceries for the rest of my stay.
My first tour, the Grand Avenue Tour, required a short bus ride from the Visitor Center to the cave entrance. It covered four miles underground with 1,521 stairs (plus an optional 96). The path was strenuous and lasted about four hours. The tour showcased the park’s geologic diversity: slot canyons, tubular passageways, towering canyons, and tunnels sparkling with gypsum. With its many steep climbs and descents, the tour offered both physical challenge and fascinating lessons in geology and history.
The next day, I took the Historic Tour, a two-hour, two-mile walk with 540 stairs, including 155 in Mammoth Dome. This tour explored tunnels humans have used for thousands of years. It included both vast chambers that gave Mammoth Cave its name and narrow passages deep inside the cave. It was ideal for those interested in both adventure and history.
My journey to Mammoth Cave was guided by my interest in the environment, preservation, and my desire to support U.S. national parks. Yet, I left with more than just knowledge of geology and ecology—I also gained insight into another face of what is often called “Red State” America.
On my first tour, our female guide honored the legacy of Stephen Bishop, a famous enslaved guide at Mammoth Cave. His detailed, hand-drawn maps of the cave system became vital references for generations. On my second day, our group’s guides reflected America’s diversity—one was going through gender transition, and another was of Asian descent—showing inclusion across gender, sexual orientation, and race.
After five days of camping, I packed up my tent, made sure the site was clean, and began my journey back to Chicago.
The journey of life continues. As one guide reminded us, there are 63 designated national parks in the United States, protected by Congress and the National Park Service. This does not include the 400-plus other NPS-managed sites—national monuments, seashores, and historic landmarks.
National parks across the country are waiting to be explored. I may not have the time or resources to see them all, but I will try. If you have the chance, I encourage you to visit them too. There is so much to learn about this country that cannot be discovered by simply sitting in front of a TV. I hope to meet some of you in one of these parks.
As you travel, if you encounter an area you believe deserves protection, speak up. While creating a national park requires an act of Congress, presidents can also designate federal land as national monuments, which may later become national parks. The National Park Service plays a vital role by studying these lands and making recommendations—ensuring future generations can enjoy the same treasures we do today.
Best regards,
Alpha
