05/17/2025
We're so looking forward to you and your family joining us this weekend!
While the weather has been a doozy, we're open starting at 10am!
The roads leading to us may have been impacted.
Directions
Google Maps:
https://g.page/GreatSaltpetreCavePreserve
Written Directions: Down below
The gates open and tours start at 10am with the gate for entry and last tour starting at 3:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday - no reservations - drop in anytime between then.
There may be a line at times for the cave, but we'll quickly and safely get you into the cool underground and there's much conversing, catching up with old and new friends, and enjoying the soup beans and cornbread under the shelter and out in the field. As long as you're in line by 3:30pm, we'll get you underground!
Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy the food concession stand operated by the Livingston Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
The cave has electric lights and is walkable featuring a generally flat floor and wide open spaces (outside of the optional 'Pinch Em Tight Alley'). Dress for the cave environment is comfortable shoes (no flip flops) and a light jacket (the cave is 57°F year round) as the tour lasts 30 minutes.
Admission is free, but donations to assist with the preservation and upkeep of the cave and preserve are always appreciated!
Accessibility parking is provided with a gravel path to the cave entrance, with an accessible toilet facility on the path. While slightly bumpy, the majority of the cave can be maneuvered through in a wheelchair, walker, or stroller including the often pictured Echo Auditorium.
Those wearing baby carriers are able to navigate 95% of the cave (all but 'Pinch Em Tight Alley'). In all cases a volunteer is happy break off from the group and navigate you back to the entrance.
The Great Saltpetre Cave is on the National Register of Historic Places and just like other caves, smoking, va**ng, spitting, littering, writing on the cave walls, disturbing wildlife, and taking anything out of the cave (with the exception of trash - we like that!) are not only frowned upon, but illegal as well. Animals, with the exception of service animals, are not permitted in the cave.
Open House occurs rain or shine, with the exception of severe weather in which case we'll post an update here.
If you're traveling a fair distance to visit there are a handful of campgrounds in the area.
Please do not wear flip flops. Please leave your pets and horses at home. We appreciate you!
More info: https://gsp.caves.org/info/openhouse.shtml
Directions to great Saltpetre Cave Preserve:
From the north, take I-75 to exit 59 (the second Mt. Vernon exit). Turn left to go under the interstate.
From the south, take I-75 to exit 59 (the first Mt. Vernon exit from this direction). Turn right.
Turn left just before the Shell gas station onto SR 1004. This road winds through the countryside, sometimes on ridgetops and sometimes down in valleys. You will cross over a railroad track, followed immediately by a concrete bridge over a small river and a T intersection on the other side of the bridge. Turn right, continuing on 1004. This is now called Big Cave Road. You are about halfway there. Continue winding through the countryside. When you see the next concrete bridge, the road will rise beyond it and at the next bend in the road will be the entrance to GSP. You will see a sign. It is a total of 9.1 miles on Route 1004.
