Mammoth Cave National Park
Visitor Services
At Mammoth Cave, you'll find gift shops, camping supplies and all the other necessities that will make planning your trip more enjoyable. Does a member of your party use a wheelchair? Try one of Mammoth Cave's many wheelchair-friendly activities listed below. Have a question about park rules and regulations? See the Park Regulations and Safety chapter for tips that will keep the park pristine and your visit safe.
GENERAL SERVICES
Banking Services
Banks in the nearby towns of Cave City, Horse City and Park City have 24-hour automated teller machines (ATM), foreign currency exchange and other services. The hotel also has an ATM.
Camping Supplies
Camping and picnic supplies are available in the Caver's Camp Store, located near the campground.
Gift Shops
Rock specimens from outside the park, souvenir books, film and historical cave information are available in the Cave Company Gift Shop located near the main lobby of the hotel. For more upscale shopping, visit the Kentucky Home Store off the main lobby, featuring varied and unique creations, many made by Kentucky craftsmen.
Emergencies
Dial 911. For non-emergency assistance, dial the following, in order, until you receive a reply: (270) 758-2180; (270) 758-2115.
First Aid
First Aid is available at the visitor center. Dial 911 for emergencies.
Kennel
Outdoor kennels are available for a fee at the Mammoth Cave Hotel. Inquire at the hotel front desk for more information. Please note that pets are not permitted on cave tours.
Laundromat
There is a laundromat at the Caver's Camp Store near Headquarters Campground. Hours vary by season.
Lost and Found
See the ticket sales area in the visitor center for lost and found. For more information, call (270) 758-2180.
Postal Services
There is a U.S. post office behind the Caver's Camp Store near Headquarters Campground. For more information, call (270) 758-2311.
Religious Services
There are a variety of religious options in nearby towns. For more information, call (270) 773-3131 or (800) 346-8908.
Service Station
Gas is available at the Service Center Camp Store near Headquarters Campground. For more information, call (270) 758-2232.
Showers
Shower facilities are available at the Service Center Camp Store near Headquarters Campground. For more information, call (270) 758-2212.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
Visitor Center
The visitor center and its restrooms are accessible. Inquiries may also be made at the information desk. Please inquire about the ranger-led activities around the visitor center that may also be accessible.
Mammoth Cave Campground
Mammoth Cave Campground has two designated wheelchair-accessible campsites. Restroom facilities are also accessible. The nearby camp store, post office and laundry facilities are also accessible. Camping facilities are available March through November.
Picnic Area
Open seasonally, the picnic area is minimally accessible. There are two parking spaces and picnic tables for persons with disabilities. Restrooms are accessible for mobility-impaired visitors.
The Heritage Trail
This level walking trail offers all visitors a leisurely stroll and has been specially designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities. The trail features wheelchair turnouts, rest areas with benches and is lighted for evening use. Along this trail, you'll find a beautiful overlook, large trees and the Old Guides Cemetery. The trail begins at the end of the footbridge near the Mammoth Cave Hotel.
Sand Cave Trail
Follow this accessible woodland boardwalk to overlook the site of Floyd Collins' tragic 1925 entrapment in Sand Cave.
Sloan's Crossing Pond Trail
An accessible boardwalk encircles this fascinating pond, with turnouts that take you to the water's edge. Viewing platforms, wayside exhibits and interpretive signs help you learn about this special area.
Hotel & Restaurant
The Mammoth Cave Hotel provides access for visitors in wheelchairs. Four fully accessible overnight accommodations and two fully accessible restrooms are available.
Mammoth Cave In Depth
News from the Parks
Anglers Wary of North Cascades Plan to Limit Fishing
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
August 21, 2008 - 10:51am
Not much comes easy in the precipitous ice-and-rock geography of North Cascades National Park -- not the hiking, not the high-lakes fishing, and across the park's 40 years of existence, not even fish management. This is what I'm thinking during the sweaty hike out of the stunning cirque that embraces Monogram Lake, where I've spent a couple hours catching and releasing dozens of pretty cutthroat trout with two mountain anglers who fear that soon there will be no fish in the park's high lakes. Whether trout should be in these lakes at all has been an issue since the park was created in 1968, and it is coming to a head with the release in July of the park's voluminous "Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan."
Bison Advocates Go for Space
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
August 21, 2008 - 10:48am
As rancher Rick Knobe slowly guides his pickup around the iconic American bison on the prairie here, he reflects on a time when they roamed freely. "I figure the buffalo were there first, the elk were there first, the wolves were there first," he says, looking over his herd of 28 American bison, on his Lazy RRse Buffalo Ranch. "I figure these animals should be given more the right of way to roam."
Rapid Climate Change Threatens to Thaw Icy Wonderland of Alaska
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
August 21, 2008 - 10:43am
I was in Alaska for 10 days in August, on a fellowship with Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Union of Concerned Scientists, to see firsthand the effects of global warming. I didn't have to look far. I watched massive chunks of glacial ice breaking off into the sea.
Park Seeks Construction Comment
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
August 21, 2008 - 10:38am
The National Park Service proposes to construct new housing, operations and recreation facilities in Big Bend National Park. The public, organizations and other agencies may review and comment upon a draft environmental assessment (EA) describing the proposal. The new construction would occur at Panther Junction, Rio Grande Village and Castolon. The proposal is to construct 27 structures, of which 15 would serve new purposes and 12 would replace temporary or inadequate facilities.
Looking for Labor Day Park Lodging? It's Not Too Late
August 21, 2008 - 10:11am
With Labor Day a week away, you may think you have a better chance of making a hole in one blindfolded than getting space at a campground or a park lodge for the holiday. But it's not quite that grim.
August 21, 2008 - 10:11am
With Labor Day a week away, you may think you have a better chance of making a hole in one blindfolded than getting space at a campground or a park lodge for the holiday. But it's not quite that grim.
