This Museum is a Must-See Kitschy Kentucky Attraction

We decided against a beach trip for Fall Break this year. I'd be lying if I said we didn't all feel super bummed about it, but it was nice to stay home and just do "nothing" for once. Or to see where the wind might blow us on a little road trip.

One day, my husband was like, "Hey, let's go to Buc-ee's in Smith's Grove. Grab some snacks and explore some scenic routes around Mammoth Cave." Why not? Since we wouldn't be stopping on the way to Florida like we normally do, this might make our day adventure feel like a little vacay with the Beaver Nuggets and ICEEs.

It was a gorgeous day, and after we survived the brisket madness, we made our way over hill and dale to Cave City. I know most people go for Mammoth Cave, Kentucky Down Under, Dinosaur World, Jellystone, etc. all of those big, fun attractions. And so do we! But we also love stopping into the places that most folks pass by.

We hit up a couple of junk and antiques stores I found on Apple Maps, and as I was searching for one, I saw Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum in the area. A photo collage popped up of various taxidermied animals, and the aesthetic of the rooms looked so cool! Like its own cave system of critters frozen in time.

We parked in the almost empty lot and went inside. Kids under 3 get in free; kids ages 3-11 are $5.95, and adult tickets are $ 8.95. The museum has a big gift shop with souvenirs, and I LOVED the vintage Zoltar machine, mechanical pony, and coin vortex. There were lots of nostalgic reminders of childhood.

First, you enter the butterfly room. Walls and walls of gorgeous, colorful butterflies, along with some of the craziest looking bugs I had ever seen. Huge spiders and insects that camouflage themselves to look like sticks and other things in display boxes.

We made our way through (keep scrolling for a little video sneak peek) and then entered the caves. 14,000 sq. feet of passageways from room to room, and all of the walls and ceilings were a stucco-type texture that made you feel like you were exploring caverns of animals from all over the world.

All kinds of bears, a huge Moose, Elk, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Snow Leopards, Small native animals, as well as birds, reptiles, fish, and many more.  Over 1,600 specimens! They all looked well-preserved and well-kept, and it was really cool to be able to get up close and personal with them.

The museum first opened in 1969, and you can still feel that retro-kitschy vibe. I've now seen online reviews from people who say it is a tradition to visit every year on their annual camping trip. Or they have special memories of going as a child, and now they bring their own children.

Open every day from 9-5, you can stop in the next time you're in the area. Here's the sneak peek I promised of our visit. We had the best time. It was definitely something unique you won't find anywhere but Kentucky!.

@mkabooom This kitschy Cave City attraction first opened in 1969. #mammothcave #kentucky #taxidermy #roadtrip #weird ♬ sonido original - _melomanos.Oficial