News Release

Flowers all day. Stars all night. Mammoth Cave National Park hosts annual Wildflower Day and Star Party

Visitors view native wildflowers during a Wildflower Day celebration at Mammoth Cave National Park.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: April 3, 2025

Contact: Molly Schroer, 270-758-2192

MAMMOTH CAVE, KY – Mammoth Cave National will host two special events to highlight the beauty of springtime and the outstanding dark sky features of our environment. The annual Wildflower Day celebration and a Mammoth Cave Star Party will both take place on Saturday, Apr. 12.
 
Wildflower Day
Mammoth Cave National Park’s annual Wildflower Day activities begin at 8:30 a.m. at the park’s visitor center. Events will focus on the importance of wildflowers and blooming trees to our human history and environmental health.
 
Join naturalists and park rangers as they lead guests on guided hikes along several park trails to explore a vibrant array of wildflowers and trees. Throughout the day, kids can enjoy crafts and Junior Ranger activities at the visitor center. Additionally, the Warren East Garden Club will showcase a display of native wildflowers harvested from outside the park, with wildflower experts available to answer questions and recommend the best trails to see what’s currently in bloom.
 
Along with the floral festivities, visitors will have the opportunity to view the textile artistry and regional cultural heritage of our region through a quilting demonstration and display featured at the visitor center.
 
All Wildflower Day events are free and open to the public with no tickets or reservations required. Visit the Mammoth Cave Wildflower Day website for a complete list and schedule of events.
 
Mammoth Cave Star Party
Mammoth Cave National Park’s Star Party celebrates the park’s recognition as an International Dark Sky Park. Visitors are invited to enjoy the park’s exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, features and the public’s enjoyment
 
The Star Party will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the first of two ranger-led evening programs to be held at the outdoor amphitheater near the camp store. The programs will discuss the importance of the night sky qualities to plants, animals, and humans as well as the dangers of light pollution to the environment. At 7:45 p.m., as the sun sets and the stars begin to emerge, the group will move to the bus loop of the visitor center where several telescopes will be set up for night sky viewing until 9:45 p.m. Park rangers will be on hand to discuss stars, planets, and other deep sky objects. Junior Ranger Night Explorer books will also be available. Local astronomers who wish to bring their personal telescopes are welcome to join the Star Party.
 
All Star Party activities are weather dependent and may be cancelled for hazardous weather conditions. Visit the Mammoth Cave Stargazing page for a listing of all Star Party events and learn tips on how to enjoy the night sky on your own.
 
For questions about Mammoth Cave’s Wildflower Day or Star Party, please contact e-mail us or 270-758-2180. Learn about other special events at Mammoth Cave National Park on our Special Events website.