A Descriptive Study of Guided Tours at Mammoth Cave National Park

Abstract

For most visitors, guided tours are the only way to experience a cave. Since few studies have been conducted in these settings, there is no explanation for a recent decline in attendance at many well-known caves and caverns across the United States. A mail-back survey was administered to 660 visitors at Mammoth Cave National Park to learn more about the social aspects of visitation, focusing on those who took at least one guided tour. Results showed a low level of crowding, along with high approvals and value for the fee paid. Some possible strategies were mentioned to reverse the decline in cave tour attendance.