81 Caves to Explore in United States

Diamond Caverns, located in Park City, Kentucky, is a captivating underground wonder that invites visitors to embark on a journey through an ancient realm of stunning geological formations and natural beauty. Discovered in 1859, Diamond Caverns has been enchanting visitors with its breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and other intricate formations for over a century.

The Eben Ice Caves located on the aptly-named Cave Point Road near Lake Superior, the interior of the caves is always filled with several feet of ice, providing both surreal beauty and intriguing exploration potential. Temperatures always remain below freezing inside, allowing visitors to experience a rare sight of frozen walls and flooring. Adventurous types will also find plenty to explore in the caves since their icy depths reach nearly 500 feet into the ground.

Ellison's Cave is an incredible natural wonder. The cave comprises of two mile-long passages that hold several unique formations, deep pits and spectacular underground waterfalls. This fantastical cavern is often hailed as a top destination for both professional cavers and amateur spelunkers alike. It boasts being the twelfth longest cave system in the United States with a depth of 586 feet.

Emerald Cove is a beautiful, secluded cove on the Colorado River, a few kilometers downstream from the Hoover Dam. This area is known for its clear greenish-blue waters. Emerald Cove gets its name from the beautiful green water that is created by the sun reflecting off the white silt that lines the bottom of the cove.

The Historic Fairy Cave Tour is a 40-minute guided walking tour that is appropriate for most fitness levels. This tour leads you on a quarter-mile-long underground stroll through narrow, winding passages, to natural water features and includes a stop at Exclamation Point—a viewing balcony with magnificent panoramas.

Florida Caverns State Park offers an extraordinary experience for outdoor adventurers. It is renowned for its inspiring underground passages with majestic formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as its natural springs and streams visible throughout the park. Visitors can also enjoy camping, kayaking, swimming, guided cave tours, and nature walks among wooded trails filled with wildlife. Boaters will appreciate the boat ramp located on the Chipola River or fishing along the riverbanks.

The Frozen Niagara Entrance, situated in Barren County, Kentucky, within the renowned Mammoth Cave National Park, stands as a captivating geological wonder and a popular attraction for visitors seeking to explore the fascinating underground world of Mammoth Cave.

Graham Cave State Park is nestled in the heart of Montgomery County, and is an outdoor enthusiast's dream come true. Filled with winding trails and picturesque views, the park is the perfect spot for a day hike with friends or a solo adventure. But don't let the natural beauty fool you – this park holds a fascinating history dating back to 10,000 B.C. when it was home to the Osage people. The Graham Cave, a 100-foot deep cavern, is a must-see for anyone visiting the park.

The Grand Canyon Caverns is located along Route 66 in Northern Arizona. These are the largest dry caverns in the United States, located 200 to 300 feet below the surface. The Grand Canyon Caverns’ formed during the Mississippian Period of geologic time (345 million years ago ).

The cave is the largest lava tube on Maui and the 18th largest lava tube in the world. The tube was created over 960 years ago as lava spewed up from underground towards the ocean surface.

Howe Caverns, is a captivating underground attraction that offers visitors a unique and immersive subterranean adventure. This popular tourist destination is one of the most extensive cave systems in the Northeastern United States, making it a fascinating geological wonder.The caverns were discovered in 1842 by Lester Howe, and since then, they have welcomed countless visitors eager to explore their intriguing passageways and stunning formations.

Decorah Ice Cave State Preserve, located in Winneshiek County, Iowa, is a unique natural area that offers visitors the opportunity to explore an underground ice cave and marvel at its fascinating geological features. Encompassing approximately 52 acres, the preserve is named after the Decorah Ice Cave, a subterranean cavern that maintains a cool temperature year-round, allowing ice formations to persist even in the heat of summer.

Illinois Caverns, is one of the few caves in the state. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a subterranean world like no other in the Midwest. The caverns are around 525-million and 800-million years old with rooms as large as 30 feet wide and 20 feet high that have never been fully explored! Featuring spectacular formations such as stalagmites, straws, and popcorn - as well as fossils dating back 140 million years - Illinois Caverns is an educational and immersive experience.

The Israel Putnam Wolf Den, located in the town of Windham, Connecticut, is a historical site associated with the legendary American soldier Israel Putnam. The site is renowned for its connection to the folklore surrounding Putnam's encounter with a wolf during colonial times.

Kartchner Caverns introduces visitors to the mysterious world of caves, which boasts the world’s longest stalactite formation. It is a massive limestone cave that’s home to many outstanding features, including remarkable minerals and formations as well as some winged friends.

Lake Superior Ice Cave is a popular spot for outdoor adventurers. It is tucked away in the North Country, close to Grand Marais and is known for its thick ice walls and icy environment. Entering this spectacular cave requires patience and careful examination of your surroundings, as the entrance can be difficult to find. Once you’re inside, you are met with an incredible view of a frozen underworld filled with legendary images and stalagmites formed thousands of years ago.

Lehman Caves is a must-see attraction located in White Pine County, Nevada. It is a spectacular underground wonder that boasts an intricate maze of stunning formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites that were formed over millions of years. The caves are located in Great Basin National Park and are known for their exceptional beauty and unique geologic features.The caves were discovered by Absalom Lehman, a local rancher, in the late 1800s.

Lost River Cave, located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is a unique geological and historical attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore an underground cave system and scenic natural surroundings.

Lovelock Cave is an archaeological site located in Churchill County, that has provided an incredible window into the history of early Native American communities in the region. The cave was first discovered in 1911 and has since become a significant destination for archaeologists and history buffs alike.The cave is renowned for its vast collection of prehistoric artifacts, including baskets, tools, and jewelry, as well as human remains that date back thousands of years.

Mammoth Cave National Park, located in south-central Kentucky, is home to the world's longest known cave system, with over 400 miles of explored passageways.