Best Caves in the United States
The United States is home to some of the most fascinating caves in the world, offering everything from dramatic underground chambers to delicate rock formations shaped over millions of years. Having explored caves across the country, I’ve found that these natural wonders are as awe-inspiring as they are adventurous.
I’ve walked through vast caverns with towering stalactites, discovered hidden passageways filled with history, and experienced the quiet beauty of underground rivers and pools. From family-friendly tours to thrilling explorations for adventure seekers, the U.S. has no shortage of incredible caves to visit. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
We drove about 2.5 hours east from El Paso to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Discovered by settlers in the late 1800s (though known long before by Indigenous peoples), the cave system now includes over 119 known caves formed from sulfuric acid dissolving limestone.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico has to be one of the absolute best cave destinations I’ve ever explored. The magic of stepping into this underground world felt like a dream, and I still think about how unusual and cool it was to wander so far below the desert surface.
Near the small town of Carlsbad, I found myself completely amazed by the spectacular Big Room, which is the largest cave chamber in North America. I loved how the pathways wound through towering stalagmites and delicate stalactites—it was like walking through an underrated natural cathedral.
One of my favorite parts was taking the natural entrance route, where I descended gradually into the cave’s depths. The experience gave me a joyful sense of adventure, almost like I was discovering a hidden gem that only the lucky get to see.
We also joined a ranger-led tour that took us into more unusual and unique chambers not open to the general public. The stories about bats filling the twilight sky were so exciting, and I could picture the sky alive with vibrant movement. It’s honestly one of the coolest things you can witness here.
What I love most is that visiting Carlsbad Caverns is affordable compared to many other national park experiences, yet it offers some of the most exceptional underground views in the entire world. For me, this cave is not just one of the best in the United States—it’s one of my all-time favorite travel memories.
2. Wind Cave National Park
We drove about 1 hour south from Rapid City to Wind Cave National Park, established in 1903 as the first U.S. national park created to protect a cave.
With more than 150 miles of mapped passageways, it’s one of the world’s longest caves and renowned for its rare boxwork formations, found in few other places on Earth.
We spent the night at the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park, a historic 1920s lodge where presidents once stayed.
Wind Cave National Park has to be one of the most unusual and underrated gems I’ve visited in the United States. Near the Black Hills, this cave truly surprised me with its unique character and exciting underground passages.
What makes it so special is the world’s most extensive collection of boxwork formations—thin, honeycomb-like calcite patterns that I had never seen before. I thought they looked so cool and unusual, almost like a natural piece of art hidden beneath the surface.
We joined a ranger-led tour, and I loved how the guides shared stories about the cave’s discovery, its Native American significance, and the incredible geology that makes this place so unique. It felt like we were stepping into a magical classroom beneath the earth.
I also enjoyed exploring the prairie above ground, which made the whole experience even more joyful and balanced. Bison, elk, and prairie dogs roamed freely, making it one of the coolest national parks that combines both vibrant wildlife and underground adventure.
One of my favorite parts was how affordable and accessible the tours were. It felt like such a brilliant idea for a weekend getaway, whether romantic or family-friendly, because you get the best of both worlds—spectacular caves and scenic landscapes.
For me, Wind Cave National Park is one of the best hidden gems in South Dakota. The blend of unusual geology, exciting history, and breathtaking nature makes it an absolute best stop on any trip through the Black Hills.
3. Antelope Canyon
We drove about 2 hours north from Flagstaff to Page, gateway to Antelope Canyon, a slot canyon carved by flash floods through Navajo sandstone. We spent the night at the Lake Powell Resort, overlooking the marina and desert mesas.
Antelope Canyon in northern Arizona has to be one of the most spectacular and dreamy places I’ve ever visited. Near the town of Page, this slot canyon felt like stepping into a hidden world of vibrant colors and unusual rock formations that seemed almost too magical to be real.
I loved walking through the narrow passageways, where the sandstone walls twisted and curved above me like waves frozen in time. Every turn revealed a new angle of glowing orange, red, and purple hues, and I couldn’t resist taking dozens of photos of this exceptional natural wonder.
What made it even more exciting was how the sunlight streamed through cracks above, creating those famous beams of light. Seeing them with my own eyes was one of my favorite travel moments, and it honestly felt like I was in a dream.
We joined a guided tour, which was the absolute best way to experience this place. The guides shared cool facts about the canyon’s history and even showed us the best photo spots. It was such a brilliant idea because every corner looked like art carved by nature itself.
Outside the canyon, the surrounding desert landscape near Lake Powell and Horseshoe Bend made the whole trip even more unforgettable. It turned into one of the most joyful weekend getaways I’ve ever had, combining adventure, photography, and pure natural beauty.
For me, Antelope Canyon is one of the coolest and most unique gems in the Southwest. If you’re looking for an affordable yet truly spectacular experience, this canyon should be at the top of your list.
4. Natural Bridge Caverns
We drove about 1 hour south from our home in Austin to Natural Bridge Caverns, the largest commercial caverns in Texas, discovered in 1960 under a 60-foot limestone arch.
It was 95 degrees outside when I walked down into the caverns, and instantly cooled to about 70.
Natural Bridge Caverns felt like entering the lungs of the hill country.
Natural Bridge Caverns in Texas has to be one of the coolest and most exciting cave experiences I’ve ever had. Located just outside of San Antonio, it’s such an underrated gem that combines adventure, history, and spectacular underground beauty all in one spot.
Walking down into the caverns, I was immediately struck by the sheer size of the chambers. Massive stalactites and stalagmites surrounded me, and I loved how the dramatic lighting highlighted the unusual formations. It honestly felt like stepping into a magical underground cathedral.
One of my favorite moments was the Discovery Tour, where we explored pathways filled with shimmering mineral deposits and breathtaking rock sculptures. It was both affordable and unforgettable, making it perfect for a family outing or even a unique romantic weekend getaway.
We also tried the Adventure Tour, which involved crawling through tighter passageways. That was such a joyful and thrilling experience, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the unusual beauty hidden below the surface of Texas Hill Country.
Above ground, I loved that the park offered even more fun—like zip-lining, obstacle courses, and gem mining. It turned the visit into a full-day experience, which made it one of the best spots for both kids and adults to enjoy.
For me, Natural Bridge Caverns is one of the absolute best caves in the United States. The mix of spectacular geology, fun activities, and convenient location near San Antonio makes it a brilliant idea for anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure.
5. Cave of the Winds
We drove about 1.5 hours south from Denver to Manitou Springs, home of Cave of the Winds Mountain Park.
First explored in 1881, the cave has been a tourist attraction for more than 140 years. We spent the night at the Cliff House at Pikes Peak, a historic 1873 hotel with mountain views.
Cave of the Winds in Colorado is easily one of my favorite underground adventures, and I still think about how unusual and exciting the whole experience felt.
Located near Colorado Springs, right by the spectacular Pikes Peak region, this hidden gem offers both breathtaking geology and thrilling activities.
Stepping inside the caverns, I loved seeing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites that seemed to glow under the soft lighting.
The formations felt magical and unique, and every turn of the passageway revealed something new and cool to admire.
We joined the Discovery Tour first, which was perfect for learning about the history and geology. The guides shared fascinating stories, and I thought it was such a brilliant idea to make it both educational and fun. I felt joyful just being there, soaking in the unusual beauty around me.
One of the absolute best highlights was trying the Lantern Tour. Walking with only lantern light gave the cave an eerie, adventurous feel that made the whole experience unforgettable.
I loved how it felt like stepping back in time, exploring the cave the way early visitors once did.
Outside the cave, the park offers adrenaline-filled activities like the Terror-dactyl ride that swings you out over Williams Canyon. It was thrilling, cool, and something I’ll never forget! The whole place turned out to be much more than just a cave—it was an exciting weekend getaway packed with adventure.
For me, Cave of the Winds is one of the best and most underrated attractions in Colorado. It’s the perfect mix of spectacular underground wonders and vibrant outdoor thrills that make every visit unforgettable.
6. Majestic Caverns
We drove about 40 minutes southeast from Birmingham to Majestic Caverns, one of Alabama’s oldest recorded cave sites.
Majestic Caverns in Alabama is one of those hidden gems that completely won me over. Near the charming town of Childersburg, this spectacular cave felt like stepping into an underground dream filled with history, beauty, and adventure all in one place.
I loved how unusual and unique the formations were—towering columns, shimmering flowstones, and delicate stalactites that made every chamber feel magical. Walking through the illuminated pathways gave me a joyful sense of wonder, almost like I had discovered a a secret world beneath the hills of Alabama.
One of my favorite parts was learning that Majestic Caverns is one of the oldest commercial caves in the United States. The guides shared fascinating stories about its past, and I thought it was such a cool and brilliant idea to mix history with exploration. It made the whole visit feel even more meaningful.
What really stood out to me was how family-friendly and affordable the experience was. We joined a tour, watched a laser light show deep inside the cavern, and even enjoyed gemstone panning above ground. It felt like an awesome weekend getaway with something exciting for everyone.
I also loved the vibrant atmosphere of the park outside the cave. From miniature golf to camping, it was the kind of place where you could easily spend an entire day creating joyful memories.
For me, Majestic Caverns is one of the absolute best underrated attractions in the South. Its not just a cave—it’s a spectacular and magical adventure that blends natural beauty, history, and fun in the most unforgettable way.
7. Niagara Cave
We drove about 1 hour south from Rochester to Harmony, a small town near the Iowa border and home to Niagara Cave.
Discovered in 1924 and opened to the public in 1934, the cave stretches for about a mile underground and features a 60-foot waterfall cascading inside.
Niagara Cave in southern Minnesota is easily one of the most amazing and underrated gems I’ve visited in the Midwest. Near the small town of Harmony, this spectacular cave instantly felt like a hidden world waiting to be explored.
One of my favorite moments was standing before the underground waterfall that drops nearly 60 feet. It was such a cool and unusual sight, and hearing the rush of water echo through the cavern felt both powerful and magical. I couldn’t believe something so vibrant and dramatic was tucked away beneath farmland.
Walking along the mile-long tour route, I loved seeing the intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate flowstone. Each formation felt unique, and the guides did a brilliant job explaining the cave’s geology and history in a way that made the journey both exciting and educational.
What made the visit even more joyful was how family-friendly it was. We got to enjoy gemstone mining, mini golf, and a picnic area above ground, which turned it into the absolute best kind of weekend getaway. It felt affordable, fun, and full of unusual discoveries for all ages.
I also thought it was romantic in its own way—walking through the cool, dimly lit passageways with the sound of dripping water created a peaceful, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It’s the kind of place I’d love to return to again and again.
For me, Niagara Cave is one of the coolest and most exceptional caves in the United States. It’s a spectacular blend of natural beauty, adventure, and hidden magic that makes every visit unforgettable.
Conclusion
After exploring all these incredible caves across the United States, I can honestly say each one felt like discovering a hidden gem.
What I loved most was how different each cave felt. Some were vibrant and adventurous, others quiet and romantic, and many were perfect for an affordable family getaway. The mix of history, geology, and breathtaking natural formations turned every visit into one of my favorite travel memories.
If you’re looking for the absolute best way to add magic and excitement to your next trip, exploring these underrated and spectacular caverns is a brilliant idea. They’re not just caves—they’re unforgettable experiences that showcase the coolest and most exceptional beauty hidden beneath the surface of America.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
