A black light is a lamp that emits ultraviolet light. Black lights also are known as ultraviolet lamps, UV-A light, and Wood's lamp. The name "Wood's lamp" honors Robert Williams Wood, the inventor of glass UV filters. Nearly all of the light of good black light should be in the UV portion of the spectrum, with very little visible light.

If you turn on a black light bulb in a dark room, what you can see from the bulb is a purplish glow. What you cannot see is the ultraviolet light that the bulb is also producing.

Our eye can see visible light in a spectrum ranging from red through orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. Above violet is ultraviolet light, which we cannot see.

At check-in, you will join your tour guide in the visitor center where you will receive your hard hat, UV protective safety glasses, and a handheld black light. Your guide will then lead your group to the cavern where they will do a safety briefing and then enter the cave to begin the tour.

Yes, we will turn off all commercial cave lighting to provide a fully immersive experience. Don't worry...your friendly & experienced guide will ensure you are safe and will point out formations and minerals along the tour path.

The Black Light Tour is approximately one hour long. We welcome you to stay longer and enjoy our Visitor's Center. Pan for gems or fossils at our sluice, crack open a geode, shop for unique souvenirs and gifts, enjoy a cold beverage on the wrap-around porch and enjoy the sounds of nature.

No. The only pets allowed in the buildings are service animals. Please plan accordingly and never leave your pets in a hot vehicle.

Wear comfortable clothing such as jeans or shorts and a t-shirt, and close-toed shoes with good traction – tennis shoes or hiking boots are ideal. Bring a light jacket or sweater – the caverns are a constant 57-58 degrees year-round.

Yes. You can take pictures of everything except for the Native American Artifacts. We do ask that you not use a flash when photographing cave wildlife (like salamanders, bats or crayfish), to avoid disturbing them.

Stark Caverns is a constant 57-58 degrees year-round in the deepest part of our cavern, but heavy rain increases the water flow inside the caverns and increases your likelihood of getting dripped on (cavern kisses) during the tour. Our Ballroom (Area for events & camping) is located a few hundred feet from the large, open air entrance of our cave, which does affect the temperature of the cave during Winter months. Plan to dress warmly or in layers when enjoying a cave tour in colder months. Snow doesn’t affect the interior of the caverns, but may make road conditions getting to the caverns unsafe. You may want to call the caverns or check the website before you visit if there are extreme weather conditions.