You might have seen the billboard along 40 East advertising The Lost Sea Adventure and wondered what the heck it’s all about. First, it’s for real. Second, you can explore it in a boat fitted with a glass panel for viewing the lake’s depths. Located approximately three hours east of Nashville, the adventure is worth the drive; The Lost Sea is the largest of all non-subglacial underground lakes in the nation and the second largest in the world.
The Lost Sea Adventure
Located deep inside the cave system known as Craighead Caverns, the lake was discovered in 1905 by 13-year-old Ben Sands. As only kids can do, Sands wriggled himself through a muddy opening 300 feet underground to find a water-filled expanse. Ten years later, the idea to turn the the cave and lake into an adventure destination for the public was born.
Guided one-hour tours begin with a downward three-quarter-mile path that brings you 140 feet into the cave area’s lake. You’ll learn the history of the caverns as you explore and then board a small boat where you can see fish below and crystals overhead. In addition to the Lost Sea tour, there’s also a Wild Cave Tour for groups.
The Lost Sea is located on Hwy. 68, seven miles off of I-75, exit 60 in the Eastern Time zone. Ticket prices are adults $26.95; children ages 4 – 12 $15.95. Children 3 and younger are free. Gift shops in the Village are open seasonally. Book your adventure here.
