Horse Cave, Kentucky: Caves, Museum & Antique Stores

Sometimes you don’t have to drive hours from home to find an adventure. You just have to be willing to look for something new. On a cold day when it was too chilly to work outside on the farm, we decided to take a short drive to Horse Cave, Kentucky — and it turned into one of those unexpectedly memorable days.

Hidden River Cave & the American Cave Museum

Horse Cave is best known for the Hidden River Cave, but many people don’t realize you can also visit the American Cave Museum for free. With the free self-guided option, you can move at your own pace through museum exhibits, browse the gift shop, and walk out to the cave overlook.

119 E Main St, Horse Cave, KY 42749

Be prepared for a good number of steps. This is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly, but if you enjoy walking and exploring, it’s a fascinating experience and well worth the effort.

Downtown Horse Cave Charm

After leaving the museum, we took time to walk around downtown Horse Cave. The historic brick buildings, painted mural, and little shops make it a pleasant place to slow down and look around.

Caveland Antique Mall: An Antique Experience

Right across from the museum is the Caveland Antique Mall. When we visited, there wasn’t a sign on the front door, but once inside, it kind of felt like we had stepped into a toy box from the 1950’s that had exploded. Or maybe it’s better described as a museum that has overrun all its shelves. However you describe it, this place is the craziest collection of pieces of history and memories.

This place is packed — and I mean packed — with collections. Depression glass, Jewel Tea, Pyrex, baskets, teacups, crystal, and glassware in more varieties than I knew existed. Everything is for sale, but it feels just as much like a museum as it does an antique store. The farther you walk in, the more overwhelming (in the best way) it becomes.

Hidden River Treasures – Antiques & Collectibles

Just down the street on the corner is Hidden River Treasures – Antiques & Collectibles. This shop offers a wide mix of vintage items and collectibles and is another great stop if you enjoy browsing and discovering pieces you didn’t even know you were looking for.

103 Water St, Horse Cave, KY 42749

Perkins: Worth the Drive

While chatting at one of the shops, we were told to drive about four miles outside of town to visit Perkins Family Antiques, and I’m glad we did. This space was open, well laid out, and easy to walk through. If accessibility is important to you, this is a great stop.

When we visit a place like Perkins, we are always on the lookout for the perfect piece to inspire a decor idea in our new farmhouse. Sometimes we find something we didn’t exactly know we were looking for. For example, remember my pie safe that we found last month to display our family quilts? We looked for the perfect piece for a year and finally found it for an amazing price at a local antique store.

But then this weekend we saw a jelly cupboard. I have honestly never heard of a jelly cupboard, but now that I saw this one at Perkins Family Antiques, I think it could be perfect in the space beside our kitchen counter in our great room. I’m going to have to start researching jelly cabinets. This one may be a tad larger than what I’m really looking for, but visits like this to antique stores are the perfect place to get my brain going!

Earlene’s Flowers & Antiques: Like Nothing Else

Right around the corner from Perkins is Earlene’s Flowers & Antiques, and this was easily the most intense antique experience of the day. The building itself isn’t impressive, and the entrance isn’t easy to navigate, but inside is something entirely different.

90 Legrande Hwy, Horse Cave, KY 42749

There are hundreds of thousands of pieces — glassware, tea sets, decorative items — layered, stacked, and displayed everywhere you look. It feels more like walking through a private museum than a retail space. This is not a place for kids and you need to watch every step but this place is an impressive stop!

While we were there, we had the chance to talk with the woman working at the floral counter, who shared part of the owner’s story. A few minutes later, the owner himself walked around the corner, and we were able to visit with him directly. He told us how he started collecting at just sixteen years old, focusing on one pattern or collection at a time. Over the years, that passion steadily grew into what you see today.

A local minister and lifelong collector, Earlene began more than fifty years ago with just two pieces. One small collection led to another. When he found himself with extras, he started selling, gradually building what has become an impressive assortment of glassware, vintage household items, and Victorian décor — along with baskets, dolls, Christmas ornaments, and even quilts.

I can confidently say that if you’re searching for a specific piece of vintage glassware — any pattern, color, or style — there’s a good chance you’ll find it in one of his stores.

We spent nearly half an hour simply talking and listening as Earlene shared stories about his favorite finds, the treasures he’s collected over the years, and the interesting people he’s met along the way.

When we travel, we often say the best part is meeting the people — and this day proved that once again. Horse Cave gave us history, unique experiences, and some great conversations, all without a long drive or a big budget.

A Walk Through Time Antiques – Munfordville, KY

Just off Interstate 65 at Walk Through Time Antiques (150 Interstate Plaza, Munfordville, Kentucky), this antique store is a true hidden treasure tucked into an unassuming strip mall. Don’t let the storefront fool you — this place is absolutely worth the stop.

From the moment we walked in, the owner made us feel like we were the most important customers of the day, and as we shopped, it became clear that this is simply who he is. He genuinely enjoys talking, bantering, and helping everyone who comes through the door. The shop has a strong assortment of unique pieces you don’t see in every antique store, making it both interesting and refreshing. It’s easy to walk through, accessible, and inviting without feeling overwhelming or crowded. This is definitely a place we’ll return to whenever we’re in the area.

Have you ever visited any of these places in and near Horse Cave, Kentucky? I’d love to hear your favorite stories along the way!