With another holiday weekend on tap, the folks at Mammoth Cave National Park are planning to offer some free cave tours on January 14, 15, and 16th.

Superintendent Patrick Reed says the tours will be through the Mammoth Passage cave.

“With 397 national parks throughout the country, most Americans live within a few hours of a park, making them places for easy and affordable vacations any time of the year,” said  Superintendent Reed.  “And in these tough economic times, our fee-free days give families an opportunity to enjoy our nation's heritage and natural beauty in a meaningful and affordable way.”

On January 14-16, the free guided Mammoth Passage tours will depart each day from the Visitor Center at 9:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.,  2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.; the tour is limited to 40 people. The ¾-mile, 1¼ hour Mammoth Passage tour requires a walk down and up the hill below the Visitor Center, as well as 68 steps at the Historic Entrance.

Visitors must pick up their free tickets at visitor center ticket office prior to tour times.

Camping fees and fees for other tours of Mammoth Cave will not be waived on these days. The park does not charge a general entrance fee.

Note:  Tour requirements regarding white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats: While there are no known harmful effects to humans, WNS is responsible for the deaths of more than a million hibernating bats across the eastern United States since its discovery in 2006. WNS has not been found in Mammoth Cave to date, however, park staff are taking precautions to minimize the spread of WNS fungus to or from Mammoth Cave.  When going on a Mammoth Cave tour, do not wear clothing or shoes that have been worn in other caves or mines.  All participants on cave tours must walk on bio-security mats immediately following the conclusion of their tour.