I had never been in a cave before I had visited DeSoto Caverns, leaving my mind open with no expectations. The first time my American host mum and I went we enjoyed it, and I purchased a couple of trinkets in the gift store that caught my eye. The tickets for the cavern tour were a little expensive. Me being 16, I was too old for the activities that were offered to the younger generation. The cavern tour guide had rushed the tour, and had little knowledge about the history or facts of the cave. We had asked questions for more information and she didn't know the answer to any of them. The cavern itself was gorgeous, and the lighting was perfect. It presents good examples of a caves features for a first timer. The tour includes a sound and light show, that can be disappointing and a so called 'educational' video at the beginning of the tour. The groups that enter the cave at a time were small and intimate. When exiting the cave, we decided to purchase a yearly pass for an extra $5, which gets you in for free to the cave any day for a year. We were bored on weekend and made the decision to go back for another visit, and this second time was 90% better than the first time. We had a more fun, educational and informed tour guide and we enjoyed it a lot more this time round. By the looks of the other things to do around the park, it perceives to be a fun and family friendly area. The park is full of tour guides, gorgeous scenes and the gift shop (a little expensive) is full of interesting gifts and trinkets. I do recommend this family-friendly attraction for a quick trip, on a sunny day.
I haven't been since I was a child, so I was really excited to take my little girl. BIG mistake! The price is WAY to high. The entrance room and a trail to a waterfall maybe a couple hundred feet back are all they let you see. The tour starts with a short film that was interrupted no less than 4 times with what the "tour guide" called "late entry ticket sales". Very unprofessional. The film was a joke and didn't go too much into the History of Desoto, the Native Americans or the Geology of the cave. I was hoping that the "tour guide" would pick up where the film lacked, but I was disappointed. There was a rushed walk around the cave with very little time to take the cave in or for picture taking. The other parts of the cave have been roped and cemented off for what the "tour guide" claimed are "safety reasons". The cavern could really be beautiful if it had better lighting. Not educational AT ALL and we were rushed though. The "facts and anecdotes" our "tour guide" was spewing throughout the tour were just sad filler. Our "tour guide" was a very uninformed, smart mouthed teenager. Then to top it all off they want you to get a picture taken halfway through that they try and sell you when the "tour" is over. They'd be better off firing all the "tour guides" and putting up signs around the cave and letting people walk at their own pace. They could at least lower the ticket prices that way. There also needs to be WAY more geology and WAY less Bible Study. The "laser show" and it's narration were just sad and dated. The "attractions" were also just sad. Run down, over priced carnival crap. At $6 an "attraction" I was expecting at lot more. My daughter and I only went through the maze because I had coupons for free "attractions". We won't be back, There are many other caves and caverns within driving distance of Birmingham.
Gotta admit....I was a little concerned when we first pulled in. It's got a lot of little games and such that seemed a little "cheesy". Didn't do any of that, but mainly came for the cavern tour which was REALLY cool! Our tour guide, Bonnie, was great. She took her time and knew her stuff. Let you take your time getting photos. Although it was a little pricey just for the cavern tour, I felt it was worth it.
Small family oriented amusement park, with activities geared to young children. Park facilities were clean, well maintained and very pretty. Visited last week with nephews, ages 3, 6 and 10. All had a great time! We especially enjoyed the cave tour - entertaining and educational for kids with a patriotic laser light show at the end. Staff was very friendly, safety conscious and helpful.It is expensive, but, just about perfect for a fun day with little kids...
I had a great day with my kids. There were plenty of activities to keep them busy (they are almost 2 &7). The ground were clean and well maintained. Eat before you go. There is a pizza and hot dog warmer, and nachos which is first come first serve, (self service). It would be nice to see the food moved behind the counter for health's sake. I did spend the money on a family membership because it was literlay only a few dollars more, but don't think that I would take the cave tour / walkthrough again. Its really not worth the $21. The "caverns" however was not as good as I remember. As it is now, it's really just a cave. It takes about an hour to watch a video and light show. I didn't mind the religion part too much though not really necessary. You get to see where and how saltpeter was made for gunpowder for the civil war. They actually say "where gunpowder was made." leaving out a few details, a well where water is still found, and a still. There is even a waterfall which they tell you is now recirculated and only flows naturally after heavy rains. Thats it. If you could have a look around on your own you could be done in about 30 min. maybe less. There are some nice formations to look at but it really is short. I remember the caves taking a good 45 min to an hour to hike. You can see were the tour used to extend much further but is now blocked off. I under stand that they are trying to cater to all ages and and keep it safe for everyone, however.... I think God would like everyone to be able to see his creation, "how the owners would put it." in its fullness. I would not mind paying $21 or more for a real tour of the caverns. As they state "Our Cave has been nationally recognized for it's beauty and the concentration of formations." I think this recognition was based on tours and observations made some years ago, and would be different today. To the owners.... PLEASE reopen the rest of the caverns to the public!!! If there is a true danger to the public e.g cave in, then by all means don't but you could increase profits by offering an advanced tour for healthy individuals and even make them sign a waver. Please don't let the beauty of the caves be lost forever because some people complain that some spots are a bit steep for a person with a waker. I have talked to a few people that have said they will not be back until the tour is expanded. I truly think you are missing out on repeat customers.
We took our 9 year old and she had fun. I think it is for younger kids. The cave was fun and interesting. My daughter really liked the butterfly garden.
This is a great place for the family to spend a afternoon. Not only is there a great cave to explore and learn the history of. There is a fun park with many attractions for the kids to fill the day. Very Clean and Owners are great people.
I haven't been since I was little and completely understand why we never went back. If you've been to other, bigger caverns before you'll be very disappointed. It consists of the entrance room that is supposed to be the size of a football field and a trail maybe a couple hundred feet back. Nothing real spectacular. Our tour guide was a very uninformed teenager. We didn't bother to ask any questions after she didn't know the answers to the ones she was asked. There are small attractions that little kids might find fun but nothing for anyone older. Overall it seemed fairly well kept up but a few things could do with some updating. And the price was way to high for what you get. Go a little further north and check out the cathedral caverns state park for a cheaper, better and longer tour.
I want to thank for the time you took in writing a constructive review on TripAdvisor. Thank you as well for the good score you gave us. I'm glad your family had a good time here at our Park and regret the rainy weather you experience. I apoligize for the comment our staff made to you in their response you your request for a raincheck. While it's true we don't offer rain checks, at this time, their response should have been more professional and offered with an attitude of gratitude for you visiting our Park.We don't offer rain checks because any unused tickets are good for one year from date the of purchase. However, I would like to offer your family a free day in the park to amend for the response you were given from our staff concerning rain checks. We strive very hard at taking great care of our visitors. In this case we failed your family. Thank you again for visiting Desoto Caverns Family Fun Park
A beautiful & interesting place. Well worth the admission, the drive there and it filled my weekend nicely! Great place to take children as there are so many cool attractions and activities for them. The caverns offer not only the amazing rock formations but a lot of history as well. The tour was well presented, the laser show was nicely done, and the caverns itself worth the visit.