Ultimate Guide to Mega Cavern (Tours, Pricing, History)

Cave Guides

Ultimate Guide to Mega Cavern (Tours, Pricing, History)

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Mega Cavern might not seem like the normal cave or cavern that you are able to visit – it comes off a bit more like a theme park that has a little bit of nature thrown in as it is pretty much a man-made space.

Forty-two years of mining led to what we now know as Mega Cavern today – and this huge gem lies underneath a lot of what is now Louisville, Kentucky.

Ultimate Guide to Mega Cavern

Who knew that under most of what is known as the Louisville Zoo is really a giant cavern? I sure didn’t until I learned more about this fun place.

What’s the difference between a cavern and a cave?

Many people have questioned if a cavern and a cave are the same things, but we will say straightforward, a cavern is a type of cave. A cave is described as an open area in the ground that consists of areas with no direct sunlight access.

A cavern is formed from soluble rocks naturally and has speleothems just as other caves (stalactites and stalagmites). Interestingly, caverns are large and found underground, and even though every cavern is a cave, not every cave is a cavern.

History Of Mega Cavern

Mega Cavern was initially known as Louisville Crushed Stone and was one of the top-secret areas in Louisville, Kentucky until it came into the public’s eyes. It all started as a mining area founded by Ralph Rogers back in the 1930s, and as miners went to work, 42 years led to what we now know as Mega Cavern.

In 1989, private investors took control of the development and further converted a part of the cavern into a storage facility – an environmentally friendly commercial storage. Rogers had a vision for greatness and saw the importance of developing a highway in the country’s southern region.

Rogers was passionate about mining, it is said he could look at a region and tell the amounts of rocks he could mine from the area. While many businesses failed during the 1930s depression, Rogers’ company was the complete opposite.

Louisville Mega Cavern is measured around 100 acres and can easily keep a 260-mph tornado off a region, and its temperature goes around 58 degrees. The cavern that sits under the Louisville Zoo has remained dormant for more than 20 years (from the time the bridges and roads were built across the Midwest).

Mega Cavern Geological Formations

Not Your Usual Cave Setting – as it is a cavern. Interestingly, Louisville Mega Cavern is not your usual cave system. It does not have the regular stalactites and stalagmites, but this does not mean it isn’t one of the world’s finest underground hiking spots.

Cavern Terrain

The cavern is designed with a zip-line course to increase the fun and excitement of underground life. Stepping inside, you will be greeted with the likes of tram tours, aerial ropes, electric fat biking, and of course…the famous zip-line trail. Added to Mega Cavern’s formations are canyons, wobbly suspension bridges, and numerous lighting to help you keep abreast of your environment.

Mega Cavern Wildlife

Seeing it is not the usual “natural cave system,” these critters and crawlers may be there or may not be. It is technically a “building” now by many standards as the former quarry is filled in, walls built, and structure reinforced. There are actual cave formations that you will see, as well as running water – which is needed to make everything from stactites to cave bacon.

Mega Cavern Tours

As this isn’t a traditional cave or cavern the tours are a little different than you normally find.

Mega Zips

When it comes to Louisville Mega Cavern, there is no end to the fun you can experience. If you enjoy flying high, then the zip-line Mega Zips is the perfect match for you. With over 2.5 hours of zip-lining time, you get a chance to soar over 900 feet of canyons and wobbly suspension bridge terrain.

Interestingly, you can even go up to 45 miles per hour. Get a taste of your own actions as the large spotlights show your dazzling shadow across the walls.

This is a great video that will show you what to expect – I love how they help you stop vs handbrakes!

hmm – he plugs White Castle, LOL. Yup – that WOULD clear you out…

Mega Tram

As the cavern spans about a 17-mile stretch under Louisville, the Historic Tram Tour will take you on an underground adventure rich in history, geology, mining, recycling, green building technology, and just simply HUGE in scale! This is totally handicap accessible and you can expect to see:

Mega Walking

This 90-minute hike is roughly 1.8 miles long and geared for people 7+ to see approximately 60% of the cavern. You will want to get your tickets in advance.

Mega Quest

It is the ONLY fully underground aerial ropes challenge course in the world! You have to be over 5-years-old and weigh under 310 pounds as participants will be wearing over $800 worth of climbing gear including a full-body harness, a special double hooked belay, and helmet. See the gallery section for a video of our safety system. No flip-flops!

Mega Bike Tours

If you are at least 12-years-old you can do this 1.5 hour guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Mega Cavern. It includes fantastic sights of everything the cavern has to offer and is about 2 miles long on a mix of pavement, dirt, loose gravel, and some mud.

Mega Cavern Prices and Discounts

When it comes to the different activities, here is an estimated cost you might pay…

Zip Line

Weekdays: $69 (Adults/Children)
Weekends: $59 (Adults/Children)
College Students: $49 (With ID)

Chaveur Rides

Car/Truck/SUV/Minivan: $25
Limo: $50
Van: $35

Bike Park (Tax may be added)

The bike park rides are based on hour passes:

4-hour Pass: $24
8-hour Pass: $40

4-hour Pass (2-day): $40
8-hour Pass (2-day): $64
4-hour Pass (Group Rate): $20

How to Get to Mega Cavern

It is quite easy to find this cool spot as it is located at 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, Kentucky, 40213.

Where to Stay Near Mega Cavern

There are numerous places one can stay when planning a trip to Louisville Mega Cavern. Whether you are traveling alone or going with friends and family, you might want to consider one of the following places…

The Brown Hotel

Located in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, at the corners of Fourth and Broadway, Brown Hotel is considered one of Louisville’s treasured landmarks. It is fully equipped with valet parking, a fitness/workout room, bar/lounge, non-smoking rooms, bridal suite, suites, family room, and much more. They also offer free wifi and free airport transportation.

Springhill Suites

Springhill Suites is one of the prime spots in Louisville, Kentucky, where you will always feel like staying when away from home. Seated just a few seconds from the Kentucky International Convention Center and the Louisville Slugger Museum, you will find the location practically perfect.

You will love staying here from air-conditioned rooms to free WiFi or the conference center and the 24-hour gym. They also allow your kids to stay free of cost – that’s more than a package if you ask us.

Aloft Louisville

Aloft Louisville is one of the hottest new hotels in the city, and they have been designed with some cool features and amenities that you will love. With a rich history and amazing staff, you will love both their amazing restaurants and the tasty dishes that are offered.

Rooms are designed with a city-view setting, air-conditioned temperatures, and family rooms featuring everything to keep you and your entire friends and family relaxed.

Fun Facts About Mega Cavern

Louisville Mega Caverns is an interesting nature-based area you would love to know so much about as it has some intriguing features you will love. There are many fun facts about this cavern that you will love, such as:

Before it was as we know it today, the cavern was initially mined between the 1930s and the 1970s.
The mine is located under all of the Watterson Expressway (I-264) 10 lanes.
The Mega Cavern sits on 100 acres.
The underground region is owned by private investors.
It is not possible to receive radio or TV signals while in the cavern.
At the front of the cavern, there are approximately four entrance/exit walkways.
The cavern experiences temperatures about 58 degrees most of the time.
The walls of the underground buildings are made from fiber-rock.
It took an estimated 12 years to get a permit for an underground building.
There are two types of weather conditions experienced in the cavern… summers are relatively wet while the winters are dry.
Mega Cavern can hold lots of boats – up to 16,000 units.
Roughly 70% of the Louisville Zoo is located above the cavern.
Some Early Cavern Formations
A Historic Replica of the Cuban Missile Fallout Bunker
A Worm Recycling/Tasting Room
Sights and Facts of the Early Mining Operation
Hear About our Storm Dog and Pigeon Eating Hawk, and more…

Mega Cavern Details

Length: The Cavern is seated on over 100 acres, so it varies where you tour.
Time recommended: It depends on the trail you visit; the time may vary in how long you take to cover an area. Figure between 2-4 hours.
Trail Type: There are multiple types, including bike, tram, walking, zip-lining, and more.
Difficulty: Moderate
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes, you can take your dog along, but they must always be kept on a 6-foot leash and they are only allowed on the Mega Tram tour.
Accessibility: They do have parking available within close range to the cavern.
Fee/Permit:
Hours: The cavern opens at 10am and closes at 6pm.

World of Caves

Ultimate Guide to Mega Cavern (Tours, Pricing, History)

Ultimate Guide to Mega Cavern

What’s the difference between a cavern and a cave?

History Of Mega Cavern