As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is an exciting destination that offers a wonderful blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty. To help you plan your visit and make the most of your time, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, these FAQs will guide you through everything you need to know.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is open for seasonal tours starting in May, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, including all major holidays. Last tours for the day go out at 5 p.m. After Labor Day, we will switch to weekends only (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) before we officially close for the winter in October.
No reservations are necessary. Our tours are self-guided, so you can visit at your convenience. During peak times, there may be a short wait of 10–15 minutes for lanterns, but you’ll be able to start your adventure shortly.
The self-guided tour of Idaho’s Mammoth Cave takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on your own personal pace. You’ll walk along the established trail, which covers about 1/4 mile into the cave and 1/4 mile back out. After that, you can spend as much time as you like exploring our museums.
No, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave and the Shoshone Ice Caves are separate attractions. Each offers its own unique experience, and we recommend visiting both attractions to gain a broader appreciation of Idaho’s fascinating volcanic history.
Unfortunately, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is not handicap accessible due to the natural formation of the cave. The uneven ground and inclines can make navigation difficult for those with mobility challenges.
No, there are no steps in the cave. However, there is a slight incline near the entrance, and the path can be damp and slippery in places. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear with good traction and caution anyone with mobility issues.
We do not allow dogs inside the cave or museums. Additionally, our property is home to peacocks, so any dogs brought onto the property must remain leashed at all times.
Yes, our parking lot is spacious and can accommodate RVs. There is plenty of room for turning and parking.
Lanterns are provided as part of your admission, but you are welcome to bring your own flashlights for extra visibility if desired. However, our lanterns are required for safety reasons.
Your admission includes access to Idaho’s Mammoth Cave as well as both of our on-site museums:
These museums feature fascinating fossils, artifacts, and natural history displays from around the world.
Yes, we accept cash and all major credit or debit cards with chips.
Absolutely! We welcome schools and home-school groups for educational field trips. Please call us at (208) 329-5382 to discuss pricing and scheduling.
Yes, there are two roads that lead to Idaho’s Mammoth Cave location. The main road, marked by the “CAVE” letter signs, is best for standard vehicles. For low-clearance vehicles, we recommend using the second road located 1/4 mile north of the main turnoff, where you’ll turn left onto “Mammoth Cave Rd.”
Map & Location
*We are located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho on Highway 75.