Did you know Pennsylvania has more caves and caverns than any other state in the Northeast? If youโre looking for an underground adventure, youโre in the right place.
From the mysterious underground river at Lost River Caverns to the unique formations of Black-Coffey Caverns, the caves near Allentown, PA, are packed with history, natural wonders, and plenty of wow-factor.
My curiosity about these hidden gems started while planning a road trip to Great Wolf Lodge Poconos, and ever since, Iโve been hooked on exploring these incredible underground worlds.
Whether youโre cruising through caverns by boat, checking out what might be the worldโs largest sandstone cave, or marveling at ancient rock formations, thereโs something here for every adventure seeker.
Things To Know About Caves in Pennsylvania
Photo Credit: Lincoln Caverns
Pennsylvania is packed with incredible caves and caverns, but these natural wonders are way more than just holes in the ground.
Over thousands of years, slow-dripping water has worked its magic, seeping into limestone and carving out jaw-dropping formations, twisting passageways, and massive underground chambers.
The result? A hidden world beneath our feet that you can exploreโlike stepping into natureโs own underground masterpiece.
- All caves stay at a consistent temperature year-round. Typically, between 50-54 degrees Fahrenheit, so be prepared with a light jacket even in the summer.
- No backpacks or large bags are permitted on any of the tours.
- Closed-toed shoes are required for entry; sandals and flip-flops are discouraged.
- Unfortunately, no tours are ADA-accessible, and strollers are not allowed due to the terrain
- Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your tour starts and remind the younger ones to use the restroom in advance because once you are on the tour, you are there until the end
- All the tours I will mention are great for families of all ages, but some might be difficult for those with mobility issues
Lost River Caverns
Photo: Lost River Caverns
726ย Durham St.
Hellertown, PA 18055
Lost River Caverns: A Cave Full of Mystery
Step into a magical underground world at Lost River Caverns, where an unsolved mystery has kept explorers guessing for generations.
This unique cave near Allentown, PA, is home to a hidden underground river, and despite years of effortโincluding sending a spelunker down the river during a drought, tracking it with red dye, and even releasing ping-pong balls with contact infoโits origin and destination remain unknown.
Ticket Prices
- $16/adult 13+
- $11/child 3-12
- Ages 2 and under are free
What to Expect on the Tour
โ Guided tours run every 30 minutes and last 30โ45 minutes
โ Reservations are required and must be booked online
โ Open year-round, making it a great stop in any season
The tour kicks off in a quirky gift shop packed with dinosaurs, animals, and even a playful pirateโkids love it!
Inside the Cavern
- Walk through living history, where water has shaped breathtaking formations over thousands of years.
- If you’re lucky, you might get a “cave kiss”โa drop of water on your head thatโs said to bring five years of good luck.
- Enter the Crystal Chapel, the cavernโs largest chamber, with high ceilings, colorful flowstone walls, and a history as a wedding venue, a dance hall, and even a bootlegger hideout.
- See stalactites and stalagmites up close and watch the cave glow under a black light demonstration.
Photo: Lost River Caverns
End Your Visit with a Treasure Hunt
The tour ends back at the gift shop, where you can browse for unique souvenirs, check out a full-service jewelry counter, or even visit the on-site lapidary for custom gemstone creations.
๐ Visit Lost River Canvern’s Website to book your tour and experience the mystery of Lost River Caverns for yourself!
Love exploring hidden gems? These Unique Things to Do in NJ will take you beyond the ordinary.
Crystal Cave
Photo Credit: Crystal Cave
963 Crystal Cave Rd.ย
Kutztown, PA 19530
Crystal Cave: A Historic Underground Wonderland
Just an hour from Allentown, Crystal Cave has been welcoming visitors since 1872, making it one of Pennsylvaniaโs oldest show cavesโand one of the most stunning.
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Ticket Prices
- $20/adult 12+
- $15/child 4-11
- Ages 3 and under are Free
- Mini Golf- $6 per person
What to Expect on the Tour
โ Tour Length: About 1 hour, starting with a 15-minute video in the Crystal Theater
โ Must-See Formations: The famous “Upside-Down Ice Cream Cone”, formed over hundreds of thousands of years
โ Underground Wonders: Glittering crystal walls, hanging stalactites, and hidden cave pools that make you feel like youโve stepped into a natural crystal palace
Photo Credit: Crystal Cave
More to Explore On-Site
Crystal Cave isnโt just about going undergroundโthereโs plenty to do above ground too!
- Gemstone Panning & Mini-Golf โ Perfect for kids
- Short Nature Trail โ A quick and scenic outdoor walk
- Cafรฉ & Ice Cream Parlor โ Open seasonally (check the website for hours)
A visit to Crystal Cave is the perfect mix of adventure, history, and hands-on fun, making it an ideal day trip for families.
๐ Visit Crystal Cave’s Website for tour details and seasonal attraction hours.
Echo Dell, Indian Echo Caverns
Photo Credit: Frank Yang
368 Middletown Rd.ย
Hummelstown, PA 17036
Ticket Prices
- $24.50/adult 12+
- $14.50/child 2-11
- Under Two is Free
Photo Credit: Echo Dell, Indian Echo Caverns
Pennโs Cave
Photo Credit: Penn's Cave
222ย Pennโs Caveย Rd.ย
Centre Hall, PA 16828
Ticket Prices (Cavern Boat Tour)
- $24.50/adult 13+
- $14.50/child 2-12
- Under Two is Free
Photo Credit: Penn's Cave
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rock
Photo Credit: Lincoln Caverns
7703 William Penn Highwayย
Huntingdon, PA 16652
Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks: Two Caves, One Adventure
At Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks, you get double the underground adventure, exploring two incredible caves on one guided tour.
Discovered in 1930 and 1941, these caverns may be newer than some in Pennsylvania, but they are packed with stunning formations and unique experiences that make them a must-visit.
Ticket Prices
- $23/adult 13+
- $14/child 4-12
- Children 3 and under are Free
Family Bundle Prices- available online only (all bundles include gem panning for the children)
- Family of 4- $77.28
- Family of 5- $95.28
- Family of 6- $113.28
What to Expect on the Tour
- Tour Length: About 1 hour
- Two Unique Caves: Explore spacious walkways and twisting passageways, with a few narrow sections
- Incredible Formations: Delicate stalactites, massive flowstone walls, cave popcorn, and even โcave baconโ
- The Cathedral: The largest chamber in Whisper Rocks, known for hosting weddings over the years
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More Than Just a Cave Tour
The cavern owners are always looking for new ways to entertain and educate guests, offering a variety of special experiences beyond the standard tour.
- Black Light Adventure โ Experience the caves under black light, revealing a whole new perspective of the formations. Runs on select evenings from 6โ9 pm (recommended for ages 10+).
- Themed Family Events โ Enjoy fun kid-friendly activities like T-Rex Tuesdays and Baturday Saturday.
๐ Visit Lincoln Cavern & Whisper Rocks’ Website for tour details, spelunking options, and seasonal events.
With two caves to explore, unique cave formations, and fun themed experiences, Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks is an underground adventure your family wonโt want to miss!
Laurel Caverns
Photo Credit: Laurel Caverns
1065 Skyline Dr.ย
Farmington, PA 15437
Laurel Caverns: Pennsylvaniaโs Largest Cave System
Deep in Fayette County, PA, Laurel Caverns is the largest cave system in Pennsylvania, with over four miles of underground passages and one of the worldโs largest sandstone caves.
Known for its breathtaking rock formations, underground waterfalls, and stunning illuminated tunnels, this seasonal wonder is a must-visit for adventure seekers.
Ticket Prices
- $17/adult 13+
- $15/youth 12-18
- $11/child 5-11
- $3/pre-k
- Ages 2 and under are Free
Tour Options
Laurel Caverns offers two ways to explore its incredible underground landscape.
- Guided Tour (30โ40 minutes) โ A knowledgeable guide leads you through the caverns, sharing its geological wonders and history.
- Self-Guided Tour (30โ45 minutes) โ After the guided portion, visitors can continue exploring at their own pace. Note: You must complete the guided tour before starting the self-guided portion.
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Tours run every 20 minutes starting at 9:30 am. If your group is smaller than 15 people, no reservations are needed.
Photo: Lost River Caverns
More to See & Do
Beyond the cave tour, Laurel Caverns offers unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
1,200 Feet of Illuminated Passages โ Multi-color lights bring the caveโs natural beauty to life.
Underground Waterfall โ A must-see highlight deep within the caverns.
The Grottos of Learning โ A 10,000-square-foot simulated cave, where kids can dig like archaeologists in a fun, safe environment ($7 per person).
Adventure Spelunking โ For those looking for a real caving experience, weekend spelunking tours take visitors deeper into the caveโs wild sections.
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๐ Visit Laurel Caverns’ Website for tour details, spelunking options, and seasonal hours.
With stunning underground landscapes, interactive learning experiences, and adventure opportunities for all skill levels, Laurel Caverns is an unforgettable Pennsylvania cave adventure!
Photo: Lost River Caverns
With beautiful formations, fun activities, and two caves to explore, Lincoln Caverns & Whisper Rocks make for a memorable underground adventure your family will love!
Exploring Pennsylvania caves is like stepping into a hidden world of geological wonders and rich history, right in our own backyard.
From the sparkling formations of Crystal Cave to the mysterious underground river at Lost River Caverns, each cave offers a one-of-a-kind adventure beneath the surface
Happy Travels…
