Dunbar Cave Is Tennessee’s Most Historic Underground Wonder

Been looking for caves in Tennessee? Well, you're looking in the right place. Tennessee has the most caves of any state, and these fascinating underground wonderlands are well worth exploring. If you were to ask any Tennessean what caves you should visit, they'll likely recommend favorites like Cumberland Caverns, The Lost Sea Adventures, and maybe even the Bell Witch Cave.

Few will recommend Dunbar Cave in Clarksville because not many know about it. While it may not be Tennessee's most popular cave, it's historically and geologically fascinating, and everyone should visit it at least once. You'll be amazed at just how much Dunbar Cave in Middle Tennessee has to offer.

Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville used to be a natural area in the country that was a day-trip destination for locals. As the city has grown, a residential neighborhood has been built around the park. Of course, the cave has been there for much longer. Archaeologists have found artifacts here that date back thousands of years.

As you approach the cave, you see Swan Lake, an artificial lake created by damming the water that comes from the mouth of the cave. The mouth of the cave is just a small slit in the rocks, but this spot has been a significant gathering place since the '30s and '40s. The natural formations at the entrance create a cool, open-air amphitheater, making it a popular venue for concerts.

Many visitors to Dunbar Cave assume that the park's iconic archways are the cave's entrance, but they were actually designed to bolster the concrete dance floor above, at the real mouth of the cave. The cave is surprisingly large, stretching over eight miles into the limestone.

Whether you like history, caves, lakes, hiking, or all of the above, Dunbar Cave State Park is one of the coolest caves in Tennessee and a must-visit. You'll want to keep an eye out for Dunbar Cave tours, guided meditations at the mouth of the cave, and other events to explore this cave. You can find Dunbar Cave State Park at 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043.

Before your visit, it's also worthwhile to learn about the musical history of Dunbar Cave when it was used as a dance hall and concert venue. For another unique experience in Clarksville, learn how to smelt down aluminum to create coins!