🏆 Official Guide: Dunbar Cave State Park — A 144-acre park in Clarksville, Tennessee, centered around a historic cave containing 14th-century Mississippian Native American cave art — featuring seasonal guided cave tours (May–September), a VR cave experience at the visitor center, 3 miles of hiking trails around Swan Lake, and a fascinating history from sacred Native American site to 1930s Big Band resort.
Dunbar Cave State Park is where geology, archaeology, and history converge — a cave used by Native Americans for thousands of years that later became a glamorous 1930s resort known as “The Showplace of the South,” complete with a dance floor at the cave entrance hosting Big Band music. Today, visitors can explore the cave’s rare Mississippian-era charcoal art through guided tours and enjoy hiking around peaceful Swan Lake.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Clarksville, TN |
| Size | 144 acres — cave + Swan Lake + trails |
| Cave Tours | Guided only — May through September |
| Age Requirement | Children must be 5+ for cave tour |
| Visitor Center | Renovated 1933 bathhouse — museum + VR tour |
| Cave Art | 14th-century Mississippian charcoal art + limestone carvings |
Historical Timeline
| Era | Details |
|---|---|
| Paleo-Indian | Earliest human use — shelter + resources |
| Mississippian (14th c.) | Sacred portal — cave art, religious ceremonies |
| 1930s Resort | “Showplace of the South” — dance floor, Big Band, pools |
| 2010 | Temporarily closed — White-Nose Syndrome in bats |
| Today | Reopened — guided tours + museum |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Cave Tours | Guided — May–Sep — 14th-century Native American art |
| VR Cave Tour | 360° virtual reality — year-round at visitor center |
| Hiking | 3 mi — 6 trails through prairie, forest, lakeside |
| Trail Running | Multiple trail options |
| Bird Watching | Swan Lake — migratory birds, winter waterfowl |
| Museum | Renovated 1933 bathhouse — park + cave history |
| Wildlife Viewing | Lake + cave environs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore the cave on my own?
No — the cave is accessible only through guided tours (May–September). Self-guided access is not permitted to protect the fragile cave environment and the irreplaceable 14th-century Native American art. Children must be at least 5 years old to participate.
What happened during the 1930s resort era?
Dunbar Cave was developed into a glamorous wellness resort called “The Showplace of the South.” A dance floor was built at the cave entrance for Big Band performances, and the site featured swimming pools and a bathhouse (now the visitor center). This resort era ended, and the site eventually became a state park.
More parks nearby: Port Royal State Historic Site is a short drive away, while Beaman Park State Natural Area lies within about an hour’s drive.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Dunbar Cave State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
