PENNSYLVANIA – Are you looking for an outdoor adventure? Or just a day of fun with your family? Pennsylvania is home to many amazing caves. Crystal Cave, in Berks County is one example. Others require more research. No matter what cave you choose, Secret Cavern or Crystal, your explorations will be rewarding!
1. Indian Echo Caverns
Indian Echo Caverns are located under the former homes of the Susquehannock Indians and offer breathtaking geological wonders. During your 45-minute underground tour, you'll see stalactites and stalagmites as well as flowstone, cave corrals, crystal lakes, and flowstone. You can also try your luck at Panning for Gems in Gem Mill Junction (Monday to early October). You can also search at The Petting Barn Yard for fossils and pet-friendly farm animals.
2. Penn's Cave
Penn's Cave is Pennsylvania's most famous cave. It features a quarter mile of subterranean waterway that was created by time and nature. You'll also find a bat colony and stunning limestone formations. This boat tour takes you to Pennsylvania's extraordinary cave. It crosses the waterway and leads you into an amazing world of limestone formations.
3. Laurel Caverns
Farmington's Laurel Caverns is the largest cave in Pennsylvania, both in volume and area. This cave is privately owned and protected. It lies under a 435-acre geological park. Laurel Caverns is a unique tourist cave due to its sandstone walls that were sculpted millions years ago by wind currents. This cavern is open to visitors on a guided tour of one hour. They can also go spelunking and pan for gems in Kavernputt, which makes it an unforgettable experience. Laurel Caverns in Pennsylvania is the largest natural bat hibernaculum. The cave is closed during hibernation, which occurs between November and April to protect the bat population.
4. Coral Caverns
Manns Choice Cave is an undiscovered treasure. You will need to navigate through a small town in order to get there. Once inside, however, you'll be amazed at the treasures that await you. The family that owns and operates this cavern makes it an educational experience. Learn all about the formations found here, including stalagmites and ribbons. This tour takes around 30 minutes, and will give you an insight into the uniqueness of this cave.
5. Black-Coffey Caverns
Williamson Village is located northwest of Greencastle and home to Black-Coffey Caverns, an important cave system. It had been closed to the public for many decades. Recently, the owner reopened it to all. Dara Black purchased her home through a private sale in Oct 2020 and invited friends and family to visit. The tours take place approximately one weekend per month. When groups descend into the cave at 50 degrees Fahrenheit, volunteers share their knowledge and discuss mineral deposits. The current owners have not modified this space, other than filling in some of the holes on its muddy floor.
6. Lost River Caverns
Do you want to find a unique tourist attraction? Lost River Caverns is the ideal destination. Five cavern chambers are home to this geological wonder, filled with amazing crystal formations and fluorescent mineral. The Gilman Museum is also located in the cave. It houses a variety of rare minerals, gems and antique weaponry. You can see various native animals and plants in the Jungle Garden. You can even find a waterfall or a pond there!
7. Lincoln Caverns
Since 1930, Lincoln Caverns is a popular tourist attraction in Huntington, Pennsylvania. These caverns are home to various cave formations, including flowstones, crystals, and calcite. The Dunlavy family has owned this property for 88 years. They are passionate about teaching visitors about caves, their importance and how to get them. The cave is open for tours, as well as other activities. The caverns also offer a gift shop and camping as well as panning for gems and nature trails.
8. Woodward Cave
Woodward Cave is the largest cave in Pennsylvania. This cavern offers a wealth of adventure with five large rooms to explore. The tours last about 50 minutes, and the guides are experienced and knowledgeable. You have the option to stay at a nearby campground or rent a cabin.
