Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep in a giant concrete teepee? Our whirlwind 24-hour trip to Cave City, Kentucky, delivered that and so much more!
Wigwam Village No. 2: A Retro Escape
After leaving Mammoth Cave National Park, we headed to Cave City, Kentucky, just a quick 20-minute drive away. Located on the Old Dixie Highway, Cave City feels like stepping back in time, evoking the golden era of American road trips and small-town charm. Before Interstate 65 was built, the Old Dixie Highway was the main route between Florida and Michigan. But once I-65 took over, Dixie Highway was left behind (have you seen Cars?).
Driving through Cave City feels like traveling through history, with vintage 1950s-style motels and roadside attractions still dotting the landscape. It’s also packed with family-friendly activities like Dinosaur World, adventure parks, zoos, and, of course, caves!
One of the most iconic stops is Wigwam Village No. 2, a retro motel where you can stay in your very own teepee.
Our Stay at Wigwam Village No. 2
We arrived at Wigwam Village No. 2 in the afternoon for check-in, where the friendly owners shared the history of the village and their restoration efforts. Arranged in a semi-circle, 15 concrete teepees surround an open space with vintage playground equipment and a fire pit—a perfect setup for families with kids.
We stayed in Wigwam No. 9, a double room with beds on either side of the door and a small bathroom in the middle. The tiling and furniture are original, lovingly restored to preserve their charm. Outside each teepee are red Adirondack chairs, where we relaxed while the kids played on the vintage slides and open grass.
Exploring Cave City: Ice Cream Heaven
On the owners’ recommendation, we visited Cave City Coffee & Creamery, where we found some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted. Jay chose Cotton Candy, Missy went for Vanilla, Auntie loved Dutch Chocolate, and I savored Campfire S’mores. It was so good I’d consider flying back from the Virgin Islands for another scoop!
Evening Bonfires and Playground Fun
As the sun set, we returned to Wigwam Village, where the kids played for hours on the playground. At 9 PM, the owner, Keith, lit a bonfire in the center green space. Travelers from other teepees joined us around the fire, sharing stories about their unique architectural adventures.
The mist over the playground the next morning made for a magical scene as we packed up. While the kids played in the dewy grass, we left a thank-you note in our room—part of the tradition here—and turned in our vintage key. We stopped at the cute downtown of Cave City for a delicious coffee from Ace Coffee Company.
Breakfast at Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery
Before leaving, we stopped at Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery, an Amish bakery, shop and restaurant. The cinnamon rolls (as big as my hand!) and donuts were irresistible, and the biscuits and gravy I ordered were a hearty start to the day. Though the treats aren’t cheap, they’re absolutely worth it.
We hopped on the road and made our way to visit the Forest Giants of Bernheim Forest in Clermont, Kentucky. Stay tuned!
Have you ever visited Cave City or stayed in a teepee? I’d love to hear your experience below!
