The Snowball Cafe, nestled 267 feet underground within Mammoth Cave National Park, offers a unique dining experience for adventurous visitors. As one of the few eateries located deep within a cave system, the Snowball Cafe provides a truly remarkable opportunity to refuel and recharge while immersed in the natural wonder of Mammoth Cave.
The Snowball Cafe: A Subterranean Dining Destination
The Snowball Cafe is situated in the Snowball Dining Room, a captivating chamber named for its stunning calcium carbonate formations that resemble a snow-covered ceiling. This underground cafe is accessible via the Snowball Tour, which involves a mile-long walk along mostly level ground after descending 200 steps from the Carmichael Entrance.
Menu and Accessibility
Menu Offerings
The Snowball Cafe offers a limited menu, catering primarily to the needs of visitors exploring the depths of Mammoth Cave. The menu includes:
- Box lunches
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
- Candy bars
While the selection may be modest, the unique setting and the opportunity to refuel during your cave adventure make the Snowball Cafe a must-visit destination for many visitors.
Accessibility
Accessing the Snowball Cafe is a part of the Snowball Tour, which is designed to be accessible for most visitors. The tour involves a mile-long walk along mostly level ground, with the only significant challenge being the 200 steps that must be descended from the Carmichael Entrance to reach the cafe.
Tour Prices and Special Events
Tour Prices
The Snowball Tour, which includes access to the Snowball Cafe, is priced at $14 for adults and $8 for youth. This fee provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the Snowball Dining Room and enjoy the refreshments offered at the cafe.
Special Events
In the past, the Snowball Cafe was open for special events and catering services, allowing visitors to experience the unique setting for private functions or group gatherings. However, the current status of the cafe’s availability for special events is unclear, and visitors should check with the National Park Service for the most up-to-date information.
The History and Unique Features of the Snowball Cafe
Historical Significance
The Snowball Dining Room, where the Snowball Cafe is located, was once a popular spot for meals within Mammoth Cave. However, the cafe was closed in the mid-2010s, leaving a void for those seeking a subterranean dining experience during their cave explorations.
Unique Features
The Snowball Dining Room, and by extension the Snowball Cafe, is named for its stunning calcium carbonate formations on the ceiling. These formations resemble snowballs, creating a truly unique and captivating atmosphere for visitors to enjoy their refreshments.
Exploring the Snowball Cafe: A Unique Opportunity
The Snowball Cafe at Mammoth Cave National Park offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience, allowing visitors to refuel and recharge while immersed in the natural wonder of the cave system. Whether you’re a seasoned cave explorer or a first-time visitor, the Snowball Cafe is a must-visit destination that will leave you with lasting memories of your Mammoth Cave adventure.
References
National Park Service. (2024). Where To Eat – Mammoth Cave National Park. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/wheretoeat.htm
National Parks Traveler. (2007). Mammoth Cave Testing New Route to “Snowball Room”. Retrieved from https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2007/07/mammoth-cave-testing-new-route-snowball-room
Flickr. (2017). 1857 graffiti (Snowball Dining Room, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, USA). Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/38010572685