Miranda Pederson/Daily NewsBruce Bowman of Danville, Ind., shops at the gift shop Friday at Lost River Cave and Valley.

Lost River Cave is planning a grand reopening of its gift shop, now called Wildflower Gifts at Lost River Cave.

Workers at Lost River Cave and Valley started stocking the store about three weeks ago.

“We’ve added home accessories, such as salad and dessert plates and aprons, and we have a lot more food items,” said Rho Lansden, executive director.

There is a nature section that features outdoor and backyard accessories, including bird feeders, rain gauges and flower bed statuary.

“We think it will be good for people interested in flower gardening,” Lansden said. “Another focus we will have is fair trade products, including scarves, jewelry, purses and other kinds of accessories made by families in Third World countries. And we are expanding our Kentucky-made products from around the state and from local artisans.”

Some of those with items for sale will include Bill Van Tassel’s blown glass paper weights, Richard Reker’s handmade lamps, Misha Ambrosia prints and Susan Raby’s hand-painted oil and vinegar bottles.

“We are wanting this to be more than just a place to buy souvenirs,” Lansden said. “We want to become a resource for the community when they need to buy home accessories or hostess gifts.”

Lansden said all of the proceeds from the expanded gift line will be used to support the cave’s mission.

“That is to protect and preserve Lost River Cave and Valley,” she said. “Specifically, these will be pointed toward our nature programming so we can expand the programs we offer and for the purchase of interpretative signage.”

A 1,200-square-foot addition to the visitors center allowed for the expanded gift shop and reorganization of the other space in the former home that’s housed the center for several years.

The centerpiece of the gift shop is a large twig chandelier hanging from the cathedral ceiling.

“And for the first time we have an area (above the fireplace) that is a dedicated space for the history of the nightclub to be interpreted,” she said.

Years ago, Lost River Cave housed a nightclub.

The grand opening is scheduled for April 30, at which door prizes and a $100 gift certificate will be given away.

Until summer when hours will be extended, the gift shop and cave is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The time is extended until 6 p.m. in the summer.

The project was undertaken so that the organization could improve its service to the public, without the construction of a new visitors center. While a new visitors center is still on a long-term wish list, The Friends of Lost River Cave that governs the cave, decided only to build the larger project as funding becomes available.

The expansion now cost about $150,000.

— For more information about the cave or gift shop call 843-1805. The cave is located at 2818 Nashville Road.