Kentucky Bucket List: Caves, Cars and Sinkholes

In an effort to continue exploring new and old places, we were able to take a short weekend trip to South Central Kentucky. Both Mammoth Cave National Park and the Corvette Museum are listed on every version of a Kentucky Bucket List of places to go and see. It is certainly worth taking the time to go both places.
Mammoth Cave National Park  is the world’s longest cave system with over 400 known miles which have been explored. James and I had both been on tours years ago but neither of us had been on the Domes and Dripstones Tour. This tour takes you 150 – 200 feet below the surface where you will be taking a variety of stairs and squeezing through small spaces. (This little 5 foot tall girl only had to duck a few times. (I do feel sorry for those who are taller)
The cave system exists due to the sandstone roof which at one time was the bottom of the ocean which covered this part of the country. It is truly amazing to see the variations of the limestone rock and to realize that explorers have been brave enough to map these routes. There are over 15 different surface and cave tours offered at various times throughout the week. There were so many different elements to look at that I am certain you could go every day and continuously see something new.  As it was a Saturday, tours sold out quickly and we had to wait over an hour and a half. While you wait there are ground trails and restaurants to occupy your time. 
A few of these photographs are from our iphone (No flash photography is allowed to protect the nature of the caves. I’m also not sure I would trust my luck with taking a DSLR into such tight spaces). The others are downloaded from the park’s website. 
 
This is the top of the cave which at one time was the bottom of the ocean.
Frozen Niagra – Keep in mind this is all rock formation.
Rotunda Room
Different view of Frozen Niagra
We stayed the night in Bowling Green, Kentucky, home to Western Kentucky University. James and I are both Eastern Kentucky University graduates and although Western was always our rival we had to pay a visit to the beautiful campus. WKU’s mascot Big Red is a favorite on ESPN commercials and has been voted one of the favorite mascots in the NCAA.  Of course, Western has a statue in his honor and we needed to have a  mandatory photo op. 
Honestly, doesn’t he make you smile?  (His complete outfit is red – thus the name Big Red)
Before leaving on Sunday morning we stopped by the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. Located off I-65, we always passed it on our trips to Nashville but never had time to stop for a visit.
Bowling Green is the home to the only Corvette Manufacturing Plant in the world and the National Corvette Museum was established in 1994. This is the only museum dedicated to one specific car. I have to say I knew very little about Corvettes but after visiting this museum it is easy to see why owners are so dedicated. There are Corvette clubs located across the country and world.
The Museum takes you through a history of the multiple generations and changes in the car and has numerous Corvettes on display.  Did you know that the first Corvette actually had very little horsepower?
 
Roy Orbison’s Corvette
Sadly, in February of this year, a sinkhole collapsed at the museum. Eight cars were involved in the collapse and damaged in a variety of degrees. Currently, visitors are able to see the sinkhole and the damaged cars.  Engineers continue to explore the best way to repair the facility.
Even if you are not a car enthusiast you will find the museum a fascinating place to visit. The price of $10 per adult is very reasonable and the museum in open every day of the week 8 -5:00 Central Time. It is a self guided tour. Staff shared that it can become very busy during the week at times and I would recommend getting there early in order to avoid major crowds. 
I’m not sure I will ever own a Corvette (this place makes you want to own one) but I feel like I know a little more about them. Of course, I think everyone would look good in one! 
 
It was a great weekend and I highly recommend a visit to each place. 
Sheryl Signature (1)
 
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9 Comments

  1. Caroline on August 11, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    Those caves look so awesome! I haven’t been in a cave in so long, but it brings back good memories from when I was younger!



  2. Caitlin | belong with wildflowers on August 12, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    This looks like such a nice trip! Exploring caves is always so much fun… I always feel like I’ve been inside of them for years when you finally come out to the light again. And car museums are so interesting. I agree – even if you aren’t a car enthusiast, it’s so interesting to see all the varieties over the years. {Stopping by from Jack of All Trades}



    • Sheryl at How to Make a Life on August 13, 2014 at 12:21 pm

      I had forgotten how fascinating caves were. You are right, its such an odd feeling when you come out of the cave into the light. So glad you stopped by and commented.



  3. Holly on August 13, 2014 at 1:05 am

    I was wondering if the sink hole was still there. I have worked on a few projects near BG and in Cave City but never got the chance to go to either place. We keep talking about taking the kids to Mammoth Cave sometime though!



    • Sheryl at How to Make a Life on August 13, 2014 at 12:14 pm

      I think the kids will enjoy the cave (and you too). Although if you are driving down on a Saturday be prepared to get there early in order to get the tour time you want. I’m also not sure how long the sink hole will be there. The information they had displayed simply stated they were still looking into keeping it structurally sound. It was interesting going to the cave and learning about the ground and then seeing this incredible sink hole.



  4. Whitney @ Journey Mercies on August 13, 2014 at 3:13 am

    ok, that mascot totally made me smile – would love to see him in person! and that sink hole is crazy! i don’t understand how it can open up in the middle of a museum like that. and i love cave tours! such a fun travel post! (coming over from jack of all trades)



    • Sheryl at How to Make a Life on August 13, 2014 at 12:19 pm

      So glad you stopped by! Big Red is such fun to watch (he does this belly dance – you can’t help but love him). Kentucky has limestone rock and as a result there is the possibility of sink holes occurring due to break down. Likely they changed the surface when the museum was built and it slowly gave away. Watching the video of it is surreal. It’s like the earth was eating the cars.



  5. Jennifer Durham on August 13, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    Oh wow!! I’ve always wanted to go to the Corvette museum! Loved all these pictures!



  6. Chantel Klassen on August 16, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Those cave photos! It looks pretty amazing, I wish we had some cool stuff like that to explore around here!