Louisville Mega Cavern

If the Louisville Mega Cavern were above ground, it'd be the biggest building in all Kentucky. All tours of this voluminous underground space are guided. The Mega Zips course lasts 2.5 hours and includes a dual racing zipline. Mega Quest is an aerial ropes challenge suitable for kids over 5. The Mega Tram tour includes a narrated ride around the man-made cavern; you'll hear stories about its history, geology, and green building technology. The Mega Cavern also offers a small-group walking tour.

• Year-round, Louisville Mega Cavern maintains a temperature of a brisk 58°F (14°C). Even if it’s hot and sticky outside, bring a sweater or a jacket—you’ll need it down in the cavern.

• Avoid taking cell phones and other valuables on the ziplines or rope challenge. No need to take any selfies: Louisville Mega Cavern supplies free photos. You can store items in rental lockers for a nominal fee.

• Walk-ins are welcome, although Louisville Mega Cavern can’t guarantee entry to visitors without a reservation. To secure a place, buy time-slotted activities in advance.

• Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes; sneakers are fine. Long sleeves and trousers are mandatory for Mega Quest tours.

• Trained guides are on hand to oversee the activities. Safety equipment is also included, but be prepared to sign a liability waiver.

• If you’re claustrophobic, you may still consider visiting Louisville Mega Cavern, as there are no small spaces. Flashlights are provided as needed.

Louisville Mega Cavern is reachable by car, taxi, or rideshare; free parking is available. You can access the cavern from I-64 if coming from Lexington or St. Louis and I-65 if arriving from Nashville or Indianapolis. From Cincinnati, take I-71 and then, get off at Poplar Level Road Exit 14 North Drive and turn right on Taylor Avenue.

Activities are open year-round, so there’s no bad time to visit Louisville Mega Cavern. And you don’t have to worry about weather conditions. In fact, even if it’s unbearably hot or pouring rain above ground, the former mine stays dry and cool. Consider coming from mid-November through New Year’s Day, when Louisville Mega Cavern hosts a special underground holiday light and laser show.

The Louisville Zoo is only a 5-minute drive from the Louisville Mega Cavern, so many travelers combine the two attractions. The zoological gardens are home to more than 1,000 animal species from all around the world; highlights include several endangered snow leopards, orangutans and gorillas, Australian wallabies, and much more. They’re open year-round, every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.