Lost Sea Adventure, Sweetwater, TN

The world does not offer too many underground lakes, at least that are open for tours. Visitors in Sweetwater, Tennessee can have an amazing adventure at the Lost Sea Adventure. Visitors will arrive at an 18th century village with huge caverns and an underground lake awaiting them. Family and friends can take an adventure that will not be forgotten. Lost Sea Adventure is located at America's largest underground lake. They are open every day except Christmas for tours. Visitors are advised to bring a camera and to be prepared for an awesome adventure.

Wild Cave Tours are available for families as well as organizations. Scouts, schools, camps, churches and other organizations can call to make reservations for their underground boating experience. The Lost Sea Adventure begins with a guided tour of the caverns. It is a three- quarter mile walk along sloping pathways until the tour reaches the underground lake. Geological developments, interesting formations, and multiple cavern rooms are on the way. At the bottom visitors will board a glass bottom boat.

The lake is four acres in size. The U.S. Department of Interior has registered the lake as a National Natural Landmark. The lake is not the only reason for this distinction. It is also due to the abundance of anthodites or cave flowers that litter the walls. Cave flowers are thin structures of minerals that look a lot like white sparkling flowers. The lake is situated at 140 feet below the ground level. The tour is an hour and fifteen minutes in length. The temperature throughout the cave is 58 degrees, which is quite comfortable for the hike in shorts and a tee shirt.

Above it was mentioned that there is a Wild Cave Tour for organizations. This tour differs from the public tour. Anyone who participates can crawl into the undeveloped cave rooms to look at cracks, crevices, nooks, and more. While in these areas visitors have to watch out for the cave flowers. In fact Lost Sea has 50 percent of the world's cave flowers. Archeologists have found remains of an ancient jaguar that used the cavern. Moonshine was mined in the cave during prohibition. Also, saltpeter was mined for gunpowder during the Civil War by Confederate soldiers.

The Wild Cave Tour begins at 6:30pm EST. All groups must check in at 5pm if supper is part of the tour. The tour is an overnight excursion throughout the cavern, and must include plenty of chaperones to maintain safety. Rules and regulations must be followed for this tour. Groups can include up to 12 participants. These tours will require equipment such as flashlights, drinking water, and something to sleep on. Breakfast is offered in the morning once visitors come out of the cave.

Old Sweetwater Village takes visitors back in the past before or after they enter the cavern. A general store, ice cream parlor, gem mine, and glassblower are all in the village. There is also the cafe, Cavern Kitchen, for sandwiches and barbeque.