Mammoth Cave National Park celebrates 85th birthday

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky. – It was a big day for a big landmark here in south-central Kentucky.

Mammoth Cave National Park celebrated its 85th anniversary as a national park Wednesday with a birthday cake and a look back at its rich history.

Visitors not only escaped the summer heat inside the cave but also experienced living history demonstrations showcasing what life was like when Mammoth Cave became a popular tourist destination in the 1800s.

Quilting, whittling, banjo music and even toys were just some of the activities on display.

Park officials say while much has changed above ground over the past 85 years, the wonder of Mammoth Cave has remained the same continuing to inspire millions of visitors from around the world.

“The history of Mammoth Cave dates back long before thousands of years of human history. So people have been drawn to this place for what it sparks in your imagination and your sense of adventure. I mean, whatever draws people to go into this big dark hole in the ground and see what’s in there just continues. So it is a place of discovery, inspiration, and that’s what we hope that it can be for the future, too, as people can come here and continue to be inspired by the geology, the history, the ecology, whatever it is that they’re interested in,” said park rangers spokesperson for Mammoth Cave National Park Molly Schroer.

Each year, Mammoth Cave National Park receives millions of visitors and has expanded on the surface with biking trails, camping sites and even horse back riding that the public can take part in.

But park officials say the best thing you can do to continue to support them for the next 85 years, is simply visit and enjoy your experience.