Civil War Encampment

Period Demonstrations

Artillery Drills






Civil War Living History at Lost River Cave and Valley
Lost River Cave has invited reenactors from across the country to participate in our 2nd annual event.
Cannons, Rifles, Food and Fun!

Court marshals, executions, battle wound surgeries, artillery drills and a Civil War skirmish will delight everyone from Civil War enthusiasts to those just looking to have fun during the free Civil War Living History Event at Lost River Cave & Valley every July. Keep checking back for next year's dates!

Over 100 civil war re-enactors will retrace the steps of General John Hunt Morgan during one of his “lighting raids” in South Central Kentucky. Visitors will stroll through Suttlers Row to see woodworkers, tinsmiths and broom makers and talk with re-enactors to experience the everyday camp life of soldiers. A schedule of artillery drills and other re-enactments will be available at the gift shop upon arrival. Demonstrations times will be set by the Captains and Commanders of the troops.

The Saturday evening “night fire” should not be missed. This is a cannon and musket firing display that will take place at 9:00 pm. Guests should arrive by 8:00 pm to experience camp life prior to the “night fire”. Lantern cave tours will be offered on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 6:30 pm with prior reservations. Special period- dated children’s events will be available on Saturday afternoon prior to the “night fire.” On Saturday morning at 10:00 am Dr. Judy Pierce, of Western Kentucky University, will present a living history talk entitled, “Female Soldiers of the Civil War”.

There will be no charge for admission for visitors who come to see the events, grab a bite to eat, shop on Suttler’s row or just enjoy the park grounds as over 40,000 troops did during that important era. Visitors during the Living History event will learn how General Morgan hid in the cave when escaping from pursuing troops and how the cave served as a camp for both Union and Confederate troops offering a water supply as well as a scenic diversion from the trials of war. Historians have found diary entries describing the blue holes at Lost River, Civil War bullets, candle writing left behind by the soldiers and a Jefferson Davis hat badge.

For visitors who want to tour the cave on Kentucky’s Only Underground Boat Tour admission prices are $13.95 for adults, $9.95 for ages 5-12 and $2.95 for 4 and under.

For more information on the Living History event or the cave boat tour call 866-274-2283 or email operations@lostrivercave.com.

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