The next Great Saltpetre Preserve Open House is:

Saturday, May 16, 2026 – 10am to 3:30pm     (gate entry closes; last cave tour at 3:30pm)
Sunday, May 17, 2026 – 10am to 3:30pm.     (gate entry closes; last cave tour at 3:30pm)

(Note: The Open House is always the weekend after Mother’s Day.)

Great Saltpetre Cave was a significant source of saltpeter for gunpowder during the War of 1812. (Note: “saltpetre” is the old spelling.)

The property has been an important part of the Rockcastle County community. Join us for:

• Guided tours of the Cave.
• Free soup beans and corn bread.
• Food concession stand operated by the Livingston Fire Department.
• Souvenir concession stand.
• Miles of hiking trails.
• Bring a picnic lunch.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Bring the whole family for a great day of interesting fun. The free cave tours last 45 to 60 minutes. The cave has electric lights. The cave floor is generally flat.  Dress for the cave environment – comfortable shoes and a sweatshirt. The cave is 57 degrees year-round. Bring a flashlight, if you wish.

Admission is free, but donations to the Preserve are always appreciated!

Directions:

I-75 to Exit 59 (Mt Vernon/Livingston).  Go East on Route 25 for about 100 yards.
Turn Left onto route 1004, continue on route 1004 about 4 miles
until it comes to a “T” (Just past RR tracks and cement bridge).
Turn right and continue about 5 miles farther to the Great Saltpetre Preserve.