Famous for its agricultural and industrial yields, Pennsylvania is categorized as a middle Atlantic state, home to numerous industrial centers for railroads, coal, and steel. There are many historical landmarks, including caves and caverns, to visit in the state.
Pennsylvania has an exceptional amount of limestone that has granted the area many cool caves. The caves and caverns here offer an engaging and fascinating learning environment.
Depending on the proximity, there is a possibility of touring two different caverns in one location, for example, Lincoln & Whispers Rocks and Penn’s cave. Do you wish to have an epic summer adventure? Hit the road to explore any of the following most incredible caves in Pennsylvania.
Crystal Cave
Are you in the area of Kutztown? You should plan a visit to Crystal Cave. The Crystal Cave was first discovered in 1871 and is the most visited cave that has attracted countless visitors. It is known as the state’s first show cave and offers a variety of formations inside, including crystalline formations on walls and ceiling, hence the name Crystal Cave. The tour around the cave is nearly an hour long and includes videos of its history. Guests can visit daily between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm from March 1st to November 30th annually.
- Address: 963 Crystal Cave Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530, United States
- Website: Crystal Cave
- Phone number: +1 610-683-6765
- Entrance fee: $19 for ages 12+, $14 for children between ages 4 and 11, and free for children below 3.
- Google Maps link: Crystal Cave
Indian Echo Cavern
Indian Echo Cavern is a limestone cave like many caverns in the Mid-Atlantic states. It’s located in Dauphin County near Hummelstown, Pennsylvania. The cavern maintains a steady temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, so you may want to carry a jacket or a sweater to stay warm.
The cavern is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm all year round, but during summer, it is open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm and runs from memorial day to labor day.
- Address: 368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036, United States
- Website: Indian Echo Caverns
- Phone number: +1 717-220-0499
- Entrance fee: Adults $12 for adults ages 12+, $20 for seniors ages 65+, $13 for children ages 2-11, and free for children below 2.
- Google Maps link: Echo Dell Indian Echo Caverns
Coral Caverns
The Coral Cavern is a unique Pennsylvanian cavern since it has some of the coolest features and a unique fossil wall. The Coral Cavern has been a popular natural wonder for about 80 years. It is believed to be the only cave in the world with fossilized coral reefs formed over 400 million years ago.
It will take you about 35-45 minutes to explore the cavern. The visit can be arranged from May to September, depending on one’s schedule. It’s open throughout, including weekends, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.
- Address: Coral Caverns Private Driveway, Manns Choice, PA 15550, United States
- Phone number: +1 814-977-9570
- Entrance fee: $15.
- Google Maps link: Coral Caverns
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks offer a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. Here you will come face to face with stunning crystal and jaw-dropping stalactites. Experience an hour-long interpretive tour of the caverns and Whispers Rocks. Themed tours are held periodically, for example, February’s annual family-friendly Bat Fest featuring wildlife demonstrations and workshops.
Apart from spelunking, you can explore gem mining, picnicking, and shopping at the gift store. The cavern is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm until June 30th. From July 1st to labor day, it is open between 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
- Address: 7703 William Penn Hwy, Huntingdon, PA 16652, United States
- Website: Lincoln Caverns
- Phone number: +1 814-643-0268
- Entrance fee: $13.98 for adults, $7.98 for children (tour only), $13.48 for children (tour & gem panning), and free for children under 3.
- Google Maps link: Lincoln Caverns
Penn’s Cave
Penn’s Cave is the United States’ farm-nature-wildlife park and only all-water cave combination. To enter the cave, you will head down 48 concrete steps to the cave’s entrance, then hop on a boat to enjoy 45-50 minutes guided tour. The guide will take you through the farm, the cave, and the region. The boat’s capacity is around 20 people.
While at Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park, you can enjoy mining gemstones, getting lost in the miner’s maize, or embarking on a wildlife adventure. You can plan wildlife adventures for different days to ensure you fully explore.
The cave is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Address: 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, United States
- Website: Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
- Phone number: +1 814-364-1664
- Entrance fee: $40.99 for adults, $39.99 for seniors 65+, and $24.99 for children between ages 2-12.
- Google Maps link: Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
Woodward Cave
Woodward Cave is one of the massive caverns in Pennsylvania that features five rooms: The Hall of Statues, The Square Room, The Ball Room, the Upper Room, and the Tower of Babel. It takes about an hour to explore the entire cave. You will be required to wear comfortable shoes during your visit.
The cave is open daily through June 30th; on Sundays and weekdays, it’s open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; on Saturday, it’s open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Open hours, however, change from July.
- Address: 148 Woodward Cave Dr, Woodward, PA 16882, United States
- Website: Woodward Cave
- Phone number: +1 814-349-9800
- Entrance fee: Vary as follows depending on the tour:
- Group tours- $10 for adults and $5 for children between ages 4 and 12.
- Family tours- $14 for adults, $7 for children ages 4 to 12, and free for children under 4.
- School tours- $5 for students, $7 for adult chaperones, and free for teachers and drivers.
- Scout groups- $5 for girl and boy scouts and $7 for adults.
- Google Maps link: Woodward Cave
Laurel Caverns
Laurel Cavern is located 8 miles from the Western Pennsylvania town of Hopwood. It’s Pennsylvania’s largest cave and has 3 miles of caverns.
Laurel Caverns is closed during the cold season, allowing the bats to hibernate. In the cave, you will walk up and down stairs and sloped areas, which take about one hour; alternatively, you can opt for a 30-minute modified traditional tour, ideal for those who can’t climb stairs.
After the cave tour, you can explore the gorgeous views of the Laurel Highlands. It is open daily from April to October.
- Address: 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, United States
- Website: Laurel Caverns
- Phone number: +1 724-438-3003
- Entrance fee: $15 per adult, $12 for seniors 65+, $12 for mid-high school students, and $10 for children.
- Google Maps link: Laurel Caverns Conservancy
Lost River Cavern
Lost River Cavern is a natural limestone cavern located on the Eastern side of Hellertown in Pennsylvania, United States. The cavern was formed due to limestone dissolution. Exploring the cavern will take about 45 minutes, 20 minutes is a guided walk to the cave, and 25 minutes riding on the boat through the cave.
As you plan your visit, please note that the cavern and gift shop/visitor’s center is not wheelchair/ trolley accessible. You will also not be allowed in with pets, backpacks, oversized bags, food, and beverages.
- Address: 726 Durham St, Hellertown, PA 18055, United States
- Website: Lost River Caverns
- Phone number: +1 610-838-8767
- Entrance fee: $14.50.
- Google Maps link: Lost River Caverns
Final Thoughts
All of Pennsylvania’s caves are exceptional and offer incredible geological features. Each cave and cavern delivers amazing views and the chance to learn, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the great outdoors. Double-check the website or call ahead to ensure the cave is open for exploration before heading over to any caves.
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