In a state that’s world famous for caves, it should come as no surprise that there’s a Kentucky town named after a cave. Horse Cave, Kentucky, is a town that’s not only built atop a cave, but this underground crevasse actually bisects the downtown district! There’s no place in the state like Horse Cave, so allow us to wax poetic about this charming little locale in the Bluegrass:
Horse Cave, Kentucky, is one of those small towns that, at first glance, doesn’t look all that unique or extraordinary. But here in Kentucky, we know better than to be fooled by appearances, because some of our state’s greatest treasures are literally hidden underground!
City of Horse Cave/Facebook
Horse Cave is no different. Located just 15 minutes from the Mammoth Cave, this charming little town of 2,400 has its own epic underworld, and it’s not only Horse Cave’s namesake, but also its defining feature.
Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum/Facebook
Because, you see, the cave for which the city is named is located on the south side of Main Street – literally smack in the center of town!
Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum/Facebook
The town was first settled in the 1840s, and there are numerous explanations for its unusual name. One is that Native Americans or outlaws hid horses in the cave; another is that an early carriage may have lost a horse when it fell into the crevasse by accident; a third reason involves the 19th-century use of “horse” as slang for anything big or huge.
Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum/Facebook Because this opening? It is one of the largest and most scenic in the country.
The cave has also been known as “Hidden River Cave,” for an underground stream located inside.
Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum/Facebook
Whatever the exact reason, Horse Cave is a fitting name that combines two of the attributes for which the Bluegrass State is most famous.
Dave Bunnell/Wikipedia
By the way, this underground cave? It’s open for exploration. Operated by the American Cave Conservation Association, public tours are offered year-round, and make for a pretty spectacular Kentucky day trip adventure!
Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum/Facebook Come to Horse Cave, and prepare to be dazzled and delighted by this charming and unique Kentucky town. You will be in awe as you descend beneath the ground into this magical underground world, a place wholly unique to the Bluegrass.
Have you visited Horse Cave, Kentucky, before? It’s a literal treasure trove of adventure!
City of Horse Cave/Facebook
Hidden River Cave/American Cave Museum/Facebook
Because this opening? It is one of the largest and most scenic in the country.
Dave Bunnell/Wikipedia
Come to Horse Cave, and prepare to be dazzled and delighted by this charming and unique Kentucky town. You will be in awe as you descend beneath the ground into this magical underground world, a place wholly unique to the Bluegrass.
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Address: Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA
