2026 Great Saltpetre Cave Open House
2026-05-17 10:00 - 15:30 (America/Kentucky/Louisville) | Great Saltpetre Cave, 237 Saltpetre Cave Road, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
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.

4th Annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival
2026-06-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater, 2590 Richmond Street, Mt. Vernon, KY, 40456, United States
Celebrate the blues with the 4th Annual Kentucky Blues Music Festival at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Amphitheater. More information coming soon – but mark your calendars for Saturday, June 6, 2026!
