Inside Rickwood Caverns.I used to do posts about our state parks and attractions. It's been a while since my last installment.
Today -- I have two for you.
The first is
.
When I posted this status update on the Bargain Mom page I had 21 comments from readers suggesting other caves to visit across the state in addition to the beautiful Rickwood:
Anyone ever been to Rickwood Caverns? I took the kids today and they
were troopers - 360 something steps round-trip, 175 feet down, a few
bats and a salamander. It was cool.
But one post stood out - ---
This
is the best kept secret Blount County has. It is a wonderful place to
take the family and spend the day. I love the pool even thought about
the caves, but that isn't for ME. The kids love it!
She's right -- it is a beautiful and interesting and worth the fees to take the tour.
Playground --
The park is nice for a picnic or using the pool. HOWEVER I didn't not like the playground. No mulch, no padding, old worn out equipment and it's all metal. So don't plan on taking advantage of that area if you view the world like I do.
Anyway I will say the hike through the caves was educational, interesting, strenuous but doable by my 7, 5 and 4 year old.
CAVE TOUR --
You pay for the tour in the gift shop. The tour starts at the shop but you walk up a hill to the entrance. You'll walk down slippery steps and tour the cave.
She's right -- it is a beautiful and interesting and worth the fees to take the tour.
Playground --
The park is nice for a picnic or using the pool. HOWEVER I didn't not like the playground. No mulch, no padding, old worn out equipment and it's all metal. So don't plan on taking advantage of that area if you view the world like I do.
Anyway I will say the hike through the caves was educational, interesting, strenuous but doable by my 7, 5 and 4 year old.
CAVE TOUR --
You pay for the tour in the gift shop. The tour starts at the shop but you walk up a hill to the entrance. You'll walk down slippery steps and tour the cave.
Hang on to your kids at this overlook into the underground lake. The bars are not suitable for little ones. Wear shoes that are meant for hiking with good traction. No Crocs or flip flops.
They do turn the lights off about half way through the tour for about 30 seconds. Hold the little ones just in case.
There are bats hanging from the overhangs but they do not bother you.
Watch your step too, there are salamanders around.
Ask questions. Take pictures. Drink water.
They do turn the lights off about half way through the tour for about 30 seconds. Hold the little ones just in case.
There are bats hanging from the overhangs but they do not bother you.
Watch your step too, there are salamanders around.
Ask questions. Take pictures. Drink water.
PANNING FOR MINERALS --
You can buy a back of dirt for $6.95 in the gift shop and take out to the water troughs. I split 2 bags among my 3 kids and it was enough.
They will give you the wooden baskets and an identification card. The card you get to keep.
Stones include quartz, jasper and other minerals and such.
Panning for precious stones and minerals.Here are the prices and directions:
Cave Tour Admission Fee:
Age 12 to adult: $12
Age 6 to 11: $6
Under age 6: FREE with parent or guardian
Group discount: $2 off each person for groups of 25 or more.
Teachers: FREE with school group.