Exciting Reasons Why You Need to Explore the World’s Largest Cave in Kentucky
Because there’s more to visit in Kentucky than just eating fried chicken. I mean if I must say, I regret not trying some fried chicken to see if it really is better in Kentucky, but hey that sounds like a future trip in the works. In Kentucky, you are going to want to visit Mammoth Cave National Park and Diamond Caverns and I am here to tell you why! Exploring the Midwest was so fun and I hope you travel here when you get the chance to!
For Starters, Why Bother Traveling to Kentucky?
Before we get into the big deal about visiting old, dark, and grimy caves, let’s talk about why you should visit Kentucky. Usually, most people think to buy plane tickets to the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, California, and as much as those are great destinations, why not explore more of your own backyard! Never underestimate the power of visiting new and exciting places, no matter how “underestimated” they are. Don’t be a follower, explore places that excite you!
1. Bucket List: Visit all 50 States
If you are like me and plan on visiting all 50 states, this is an obvious no-brainer. For myself, I have only visited 11 states and that’s an outrageous number for an American citizen; in my opinion at least. My uncle has visited all 50 states and I think that is awesome! Imagine being able to experience all of the cultural opportunities and experiences that America has to offer? The United States is more than visiting New York, California, Florida, and Hawaii. That is only a taste of America, well technically 4/50ths of the country. On the other hand, if you do not strive to visit all 50 states, before saying no immediately, ask yourself why not? It can be a fun bucket list that you and your friends and family can all plan together.
2. The Iconic Kentucky Derby
First off, there is so much to do here. I only went to one spot, the caves themselves, but have you ever heard of the Kentucky Derby? If not, it is a must to visit. You basically bet on horse races the entire day and it’s SO MUCH FUN. I went to bet on horses twice in New York and I can only imagine how much fun it would be where it was founded! From watching the iconic Kentucky derby’s to seeing mesmerizing caves like this one, you are sure to be blown away. When I get the chance to come back to Kentucky, hands down, I am betting on horses at the iconic Kentucky Derby!
Aside from that, it is such a cool feeling to be in a new part of the United States. I have personally never been to the Midwest before and words cannot describe the feeling of becoming more “worldly”. I am truly understanding the entire country, one state at a time! For the time that we had, we visited the world’s large cave, Mammoth Cave National Park and it is surely a place you cannot miss.
Mammoth Cave National Park
There’s more to it than just the world’s largest cave. For some historic context, during the War of 1812, the Kentucky caves were essential in providing the country with gunpowder. In the past, we used to get all of our gunpowder from them so once we were fighting them, something had to change. They extracted the nitrates from the sediments and then sent them to add more chemicals such as charcoal and sulfur to them to create the gunpowder. During this time, slaves would give tours of these caves to visitors. In exchange, the visitors would give them tips. Once received a tip, salves would write their names and date it as well on the rocks.
From a scientific point of view, this is a geologist’s playground. If you ever took Earth Science, this is a perfect example of how prehistoric ocean life had taken a new form. These caves were formed by dead sea creatures over 330 million years ago and this cave, in particular, was formed about 10 million years ago. The sea creatures from the Missisipean Sea would harden and since they are made of mostly calcium carbonate, they would ooze into the bottom of the seafloor. Overall, it was the pressure and heat that have transformed these sediments into the limestone that covers the caves.
Check Out Some Awesome Photos to Inspire Your Next Visit
Diamond Caverns
So due to some covid regulations, we were not able to see all of the parts of the Mammoth Cave National Park. What should be noted is that soon enough, these restrictions will be lifted and tourists will be able to see every part of the caves. Since we could not, we came across an underrated cave not too far from Mammoth Caves National Park, Diamond Caverns.
Welcome to Diamond Caverns, “discovered in 1859 and rediscovered daily”! These caves are absolutely stunning and were surprisingly found from the result of a sinkhole. Back in the 1850s, right after the sinkhole, they sent someone on a rope with a candle to check out the place. They soon realized its potential and opened it up to the public officially only a few months later. Considering there are many caves in Kentucky, Diamond Caverns was one of the top places to visit. Consequently, it meant that other businesses wanted revenge. This was the start of the cave wars which were between eight other caves fighting for business. They would sneak into the caves and start vandalizing them. What makes that horrible to hear is that once you touch the caves with your hands, the oil from your hands actually stops the growth of the rocks. That is why their slogan is “rediscovered daily” because it is in fact still growing!
Anyways, the vandalism quickly backfired and resulted in an increase in business! Why? Because to those individuals that vandalized the caves, it exposed the pure calcite and looked like an imitation of diamonds, hence the name Diamond Caverns. From these devastating events, the Federal Cave Protection Act made it illegal under federal law to break and steal the rocks and stones in the caves.
Check Out Some Awesome Photos to Inspire Your Next Visit
So There You Have It!
You are ready for your trip to Kentucky! Personally, I would make this tops a two-day trip. One day for the Kentucky Derby races and another to visit the beautiful caves. If you have ever been to Kentucky or plan on going, comment below and share your recommendations! I hope this not only inspired you to explore more of your backyard but to choose vacations that are not cliche because after all, it’s more fun to say that you visited Kentucky spontaneously than to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico!
what do you think?