Grotto information
The Louisville Grotto is the local chapter of the National Speleological Society. We are dedicated to cave exploration, education, and conservation. We live by the caver motto, “take nothing but pictures, leaving nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.”
We are active in introducing new people to caves and caving. Our goal is to have at least one beginner/moderate level caving trip every month, known as “grotto trips”. These grotto trips are typically geared toward new or beginner cavers and focus on education in safe caving techniques and the importance of protecting the cave environment. If you wish to attend a grotto trip, we ask that you join us at one of our monthly meetings to inquire about what you will need “ see the information section of this site for more info. Our open meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at the Bon Air Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library at 7pm in Louisville. Backup meeting place is St. Matthews-Eline Branch Library please see Facebook announcements or event calendar for verification. Meeting often is followed by group dinner at nearby restaurant.
We also own and maintain the Lone Star Preserve, an educational nature preserve near Bonnieville, Kentucky. The preserve is a prime example of a karst landscape that is open for use as an educational tool for beginner cavers, students, scout groups, and experienced cavers alike.