Park visitors on the steps of the Historic Cottages, circa 1930s.

Those who live in the area around Mammoth Cave National Park have probably heard that it is is home to the longest cave system in the world and has a history that dates back thousands of years. 

The park’s 52,830 acres are the location of campgrounds, restaurants, churches, cemeteries and even several structures for housing visitors and employees. 

Information from the National Park Service website states that before the park was established in 1941, construction projects were already underway that included lodging, workshops, warehouses, comfort stations and utility structures, all inspired by early 20th century architecture of other national parks. 

There are 47 structures built between 1936 and 1941 scattered throughout the park, including lodging for visitors like the historic Woodland Cabins and Deluxe Cottages in the visitor center area. The lodging area not only houses historic cottages, but also modern hotel rooms.

The Earth House, located in the picnic area just north of the visitor center, which is now the home to an environmental education classroom, was originally constructed as a bathhouse for the former campground. 

Historic pumphouses, which supplied water to early park facilities, are also located throughout the park, including the historic Three Springs Pumphouse off of Flint Ridge Road.

Also located at the park are three 1960s-era housing units in the maintenance portion of the park’s operation area, which provide housing for seasonal employees, interns and volunteers.

According to information on the National Park Service website, “the ability to provide short-term housing is essential to the Park’s ability to attract and retain seasonal employees.”

“These are for short-term housing we offer the staff that we bring in during the busy season who provide cave tours, information and seasonal work,” said Molly Schroer, the park’s public information officer. “These existing units are beyond their useful life.” 

To address the deteriorating housing conditions, the National Park Service has developed an Environmental Assessment.

The assessment evaluates two alternatives: a no-action alternative that would continue the current use of existing seasonal housing until it is condemned and demolished and a proposed action that includes the construction of two new multi-story units.

Schroer said the rapidly deteriorating units have foundation issues and are not cost-effective to remodel. They also lack automatic fire support, do not comply with the National Park Service quarters policy and do not meet other requirements. 

“That’s why we want to replace them with new units,” she said. “We want to provide a better experience and updated housing for our employees.” 

The new units are proposed to be located in the administrative and housing portion of the operations area. 

The units will have 16 single and double occupancy apartments with a total of 24 beds for seasonal use. 

Schroer said the new units will provide additional housing amenities, including indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor pavilion, options for large storage items like kayaks and canoes and parking for residents. 

“This will make it more comfortable for those staying there,” she said. 

Comments on the assessment can be made during the public scoping period, which ends on Nov. 29.

Schroer said the preferred method to submit comments is through the planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/MACASeasonalHousing, but will also be accepted by U.S. mail addressed to Mammoth Cave National Park, Attn: Seasonal Housing EA, P.O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259. All mail-in comments must be postmarked by Nov. 29.

Anonymous comments and comments submitted by e-mail will not be accepted. 

Full information on the proposed plan may be found on the Planning, Environment and Public Comment website and during a public open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 13 at Mammoth Cave Picnic Area’s enclosed shelter.