Mammoth Cave is an extraordinary natural wonder. Not only is it a national treasure, acknowledged by its designation as a National Park, but it’s also recognized as the longest, most biologically diverse cave system on the planet. Experiencing this extensive underworld is a bucket-list must for so many reasons. And while numerous adventures exist both below and above ground at Mammoth Cave, the sky’s the limit when it comes to this incredible park… literally. Because recently, Mammoth Cave added yet another feather to its superlative cap: designated Dark Sky Park. Mammoth Cave National Park is the first National Park Service operated site *and* Dark Sky Place in Kentucky to receive this designation, and it’s true: the stargazing here is out-of-this-world!

Here in Kentucky, we know that some of the most beautiful places on the planet can be found just beneath out feet.
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The longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave encompasses 400 miles of underground caverns. It's an entire underworld of wonder.
NPS.gov
This sandstone labyrinth encompasses more than 400 miles of known passageways, and new tunnels are continually being discovered.
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And while underground adventures aplenty await at Mammoth Cave, there are numerous above-ground options for exploration, too.
NPS.gov
NPS.gov

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Because while it's fun to venture down into the earth, we shouldn't forget to look up...
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...way, way up. In 2021, the National Park Service and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) named Mammoth Cave National Park an official International Dark Sky Park.
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Mammoth Cave National Park received the certification after a rigorous application process that took several years and required strong community support. To qualify, the site must not only boast skies with little-to-no light pollution, but the park's grounds must also be thoughtfully designed with low lighting solutions, too.
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In short, this certification recognizes the exceptional quality of night skies and the opportunities to enhance visitor experiences through astronomy-based interpretive programming. Mammoth Cave National Park is the first site in Kentucky to receive this designation, and it's huge honor.
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So the next time you visit Mammoth Cave, be sure to explore it all: the massive underworld, sublime above-ground scenery, and stellar stargazing.
Mammoth Cave National Park/Facebook
Now that's what we call a triple threat!

Did you know about this newly designated Dark Sky Park in Kentucky? Definitely add it to your list of things to do at this wondrous place!

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Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA