Horse Cave has a strong manufacturing and tourism industry
A small town in western Kentucky, Horse Cave is a quiet community with several industrial employment centers. In addition to manufacturing, there’s a substantial tourism industry based on underground cave formations throughout the region, including the nearby Mammoth Cave National Park. Horse Cave’s historic downtown district has its own entrance for the Hidden River Cave, surrounded by antique shops and other stores. “There’s tons of job opportunities,” says Jamie Ash, a Hart County native and real estate agent at Legacy Property Group. “Horse Cave has many manufacturing facilities, some of which are the biggest facilities in their respective companies.”
Several nearby cave formations and other attractions
Mammoth Cave National Park is about 10 miles outside of Horse Cave, home to the largest cave system in the country. Aside from tours of Mammoth Cave, the park has over a dozen campsites and over 80 miles of multiuse trails. Green and Nolin Rivers wind through the area, popular for fishing, kayaking and boating. “You’ve got Mammoth Cave right there, which is a huge attraction for tourists,” Ash says. “There’s also lots of local attractions that are family friendly like Kentucky Down Under.” The Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo keeps kangaroos, lorries and other animal exhibits. Maple Avenue Park has playgrounds and picnic tables in the center of downtown Horse Cave. Also downtown is the Hidden River Cave, an underground natural formation that includes two subterranean rivers.
Mostly ranch-style homes with some recent residential development
Much of the local inventory consists of 20th-century ranch-style homes and cottages, though there has been some growth in recent years with the addition of several new subdivisions on the community’s east side. Homebuyers also get more home for their money compared to larger cities, with lot sizes typically starting at a quarter-acre. Home prices range from $60,000 to $345,000, depending on home and lot size. Some low-lying areas are at risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, and some lenders may require flood insurance.
Antique stores downtown and popular local restaurants
Downtown Horse Cave has antique stores and casual restaurants like Terrazul Mexican Grill. Other popular eateries in the area include Farmwald’s Restaurant, an Amish-owned deli and bakery that offers fried pies and a fish fry special on Fridays. The restaurant also has a gift shop that sells all sorts of Amish products and home goods. Locals can shop for groceries at IGA.
The Annual Horse Cave Heritage Festival is held in September
Roads in the downtown area close every September for the Annual Horse Cave Heritage Festival, a street fair celebrating the local community with craft artisans and classic car shows. The two-day celebration includes many smaller events, like the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest and a quilt show.
Nearby schools score in the B and C range
Caverna Elementary and Caverna Middle each earn a C-minus from Niche. Caverna High earns a B-minus and offers many sports programs, including basketball, cheerleading and golf. Students can also take industrial maintenance classes, where they learn about robotic welding systems and other methods.
Close to Glasgow and access to Interstate 65
Glasgow is about 15 miles south of Horse Cave. Interstate 65 borders the community on the west side, leading about 45 miles to Bowling Green and 40 miles to Elizabethtown. The Medical Center at Caverna is the area’s main hospital. Louisville International Airport is about 75 miles north.
