[4] The caverns' main entrance was discovered by Aaron Higginbotham in 1810, while surveying his land on Cardwell Mountain in what is now Warren County.

In the early 1940s, members of the National Speleological Society (NSS) began to explore Higgenbotham Cave and greatly increased its known extent.

Before reaching the cave, tourists pass through a gift shop that sells tour tickets, souvenirs, and novelty items.

[2] Cumberland Caverns was formerly home to Bluegrass Underground, a monthly music event that took place in the cave's Volcano Room.

Some of the more notable singers to play during the Bluegrass Underground era were Vince Gill, Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs, Darrell Scott, and Justin Townes Earle.