Dinosaurs & Caves

Today will be another milestone for Susan. We are going spelunking. Deciding on what cave to see will be the only challenge for me as I love caves. After much thought and debate we decided on the American Cave Museum and Hidden River Cave in the town of Horse Cave, Kentucky. Horse Cave is best known for the large natural cave opening in the middle of town. Historically, Horse Cave is a major agricultural center since the 1870s. Tobacco provide the majority of income with evidence scattered around the country side. Tourism now supplies a major income as people flock to see the museum and cave.

 

Hidden River Cave opened for tours in 1916. Over the next thirty years town's growth and poor sanitation practices caused a festering corrupt mess through the dumping trash and allowing raw sewage to run into the cave river system. According to our guide history indicated that by midday the smell would be so bad the stores across the street would close. Consequently, the cave closed for more than fifty years reopening in 1993 after the American Cave Conservation Association provided extensive cleanup.

Large sinkhole that drops 3 storeys from street level and provides the entrance to the cave



Entrance to Hidden River Cave

Descending 150' underground

Remnants of the turn-of-the-century hydro-electric generating system

Old electrical system in ceiling of cave

Old pumping system provided water for Horse Cave

Leaving the cave

For people that truly know me, know that one of my passions is dinosaurs. So another reason to stop in Cave City was to venture through Dinosaur World. Dinosaur World was the brainchild of Christer Svenson of Sweden more than 15 years ago. Opening in June 2003 Cave City Dinosaur World is the second of three, Florida and Texas being the other locations.





Over 150 life size dinosaur models
 

 















 



Sue look up

The dinosaur models are made of fiberglass, steel, and concrete



Nestled among the lush assortment of natural vegetation and water features creates a life likeness for each dinosaur

Not only was I thrilled with the dinosaur displays but to my surprise the number of wild birds present in the park.

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Carolina Wren