The River in Kentucky’s Lost River Cave Is Both the Deepest and Shortest River in the Commonwealth

At the tail end of 1992, I visited Bowling Green to hang with friends and ring in the New Year. Well, we did more than that. We began 1993 by touring Lost River Cave. This was long before it became a commercial enterprise.

Lost River Cave

While it is possible to do that along the Barren River, which runs through the city, we were more interested in the Lost River and its cave. We didn't get that far into it before realizing we couldn't go much farther. So we hiked out and up a steep hill to street level, ending our adventure.

Today, Lost River Cave is one of Kentucky's most popular commercial ventures, offering walking tours and boat tours on the underground river.

Lost River - Ripley's Believe It or Not

What you may not know is that Ripley's Believe It or Not has tagged Lost River as the deepest (437 feet, reportedly) and shortest (400 feet long) river in Kentucky. Additionally, the river's valley protects what are known as "blue holes", as well as a collection of unique foliage that includes trees that are at least 75 years old. Have you ever seen an eastern red cedar, osage orange, swamp chestnut oak, or hackberry tree? You will at Lost River along with many other species.

Lost River History

On your tour, you'll learn that Jesse James and his gang used it as a hideout. Also, in the 1930s, the cave was the site of an underground nightclub.

The long and short of it--well, maybe the "deep and short" of it--is that Lost River Cave is a worthwhile Kentucky destination for anyone looking for a quick and fun getaway. Also, regardless of the season, the cave maintains a temperature of 52 degrees, so keep a jacket handy, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.