Cave City is a small community outside of Mammoth Cave National Park
Cave City is aptly named for the many different cavern systems that draw tourists and long-term residents to the area. The main draw is Mammoth Cave National Park, a sprawling hub for tours and other outdoor recreation, though several other tourist attractions line the highways outside of town. “There’s tons of things to do,” says Jamie Ash, a local real estate agent at Legacy Property Group and native of the area. The town itself is small and quiet, with mostly one-story homes on large lots and a downtown district with antique shops and other small businesses. “It’s very laid back and family oriented," Ash says. "Much of the surrounding areas are still croplands and farmland, so there are beautiful views. You don’t see that everywhere.”
Cave tours, hiking and lots of tourist attractions
Mammoth Cave National Park, encompassing more than 50,000 acres west of Cave City, is home to the world’s largest cave system. It's a major draw for tourists, and tickets can sell out weeks in advance. In addition to the caves, the park has over 80 miles of hiking trails, opportunities to boat along the Green and Nolin rivers and many campgrounds in the area. Roy Dickey Reynolds Park is the main green space in town, with a playground and picnic pavilion. Dinosaur Park, an open-air park with life-sized replicas of prehistoric animals, is one of many family-oriented attractions along state Route 90 and Interstate 65. The nearby Jesse James Riding Stables and Outlaw Cave has equestrian trails, mini golf, and more cave formations.
Mid- to late-20th-century homes on spacious lots
Ranch-style homes and cottages throughout Cave City were primarily built between 1940 and 2000, typically featuring minimalist brick and vinyl facades. Lot sizes usually start at a quarter-acre, sometimes exceeding a full acre, dotted with oak and pine trees. Prices typically range from $110,000 to $275,000 for a three- or four-bedroom floor plan. Residential development has started to pick up in recent years, thanks to growth across the surrounding area. “Glasgow, a neighboring city, is expanding a lot, and it’s somewhat connected to Cave City,” Ash says. “More people are coming in for work. That’s why the market’s been so steady. Houses don’t stay on the market for too long because the demand is there.” Some low-lying areas are at risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, and flood insurance may be required by some lenders.
Local businesses on Broadway Street and restaurants near the highway
There’s a Main Street-style downtown district on Broadway Street, lined with antique shops and bars. Cave City Pizza is a well-known eatery on Broadway, serving New York-style pizza and other Italian dishes. More restaurants are clustered along Interstate 65, including Bucky Bee’s BBQ, a family-owned local chain. Locals can shop for groceries at DG Market.
Local students attend Caverna Independent School District
Caverna Elementary and Caverna Middle both earn a C-minus from Niche. The B-minus-rated Caverna High has over a dozen athletic programs, including basketball, golf and tennis. Caverna Independent School District offers a district-wide program for English learners.
Located on Interstate 65, about 10 miles from Glasgow
Cave City is located along Interstate 65, about 40 miles from Bowling Green and about 45 miles from Elizabethtown. For big-box stores and national retailers, locals head to Glasgow, about 10 miles away on state Route 90. The Medical Center at Caverna is the closest hospital, about 3 miles away in Horse Cave. Louisville International Airport is about 80 miles away.
Community events at the Cave Area Conference Center
The Cave Area Conference Center hosts different events throughout the year, like the annual Community Night Out in June. A tradition since 2022, the free event includes live music, vendors and a petting zoo for kids.
