Top Things to do in Pennsylvania
Top Hotels in Pennsylvania
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown
- 2. Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
- 3. Mount Airy Casino Resort Spa
- 4. Independence Park Hotel, BW Premier Collection
- 5. Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
- 6. Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
- 7. Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
- 8. The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
- 9. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, State College (Penn State Area), PA
- 10. Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
The 8 Best Caverns & Caves in Pennsylvania, United States
Discover the best top things to do in Pennsylvania, United States including Indian Echo Caverns, Laurel Caverns, Woodward Cave and Campground, Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks, Coral Caverns, Crystal Cave, Indian Caverns, Lost River Caverns.
Restaurants in Pennsylvania
1. Indian Echo Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 830 reviews
Natural Splendor along the Swatara.Like many caverns in the Mid-Atlantic states, Indian Echo Caverns is a limestone cave. Cut through Beekmantown limestone, which is over 440 million years old, they were formed through the erosive properties of water. As time progressed, geological forces led to an "uplift" of the surrounding limestone, eventually allowing more and more water to flow through the formation. As the water flowed over the limestone, it began to create small crevices, these small crevices led to larger ones, and eventually, over a series of millions of years, it created the caverns as they are today.The temperature inside the caverns is 52 degrees year around.
Reviewed By 358lilibeths - Raleigh, United States
Bring a hoodie or a light jacket. I forgot to bring mine, and ended up buying a hoodie at the gift shop that was cute but overpriced, about $65. Water bottles $2.50. We arrived at 10 am and were out by noon. It took about an hour to complete the walking tour. There are some steep stairs to watch-out for, that would be a problem for people with limited mobility. The cavern is beautiful and you get to see the formations up close. We spent one more hour petting and feeding goats and alpacas. They sell little brown bags of dry seeds for $0.50 but there are only 5 corn kernels and two sunflower seeds in each bag (not joking). You can buy 10 bags and wouldn't be able to fill a single bag with all the contents. There is also a playground for children nearby where the tour starts and ends. We also did the mining activity with the boys. It goes fast because their sand is very thin. We got one bag for $8.00 that was discounted with the tour purchase, and ended up buying two more bags for $14 each. The place is well maintained and employs local folk. It's a nice wholesome business. We toured it after two days at the Hershie Park and enjoyed it very much. We have people from 56 yo to 8 years old, and we all enjoyed our visit. We were out of there by noon and had lunch at the nearby Soda Jerk Diner. Very good, tasty, large portions.
2. Laurel Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Cave with 2.8 miles of underground passages: great for viewing weird rock formations.
Reviewed By Mchumel - Lakewood, United States
My wife and I are senior citizens who like a new adventure. We talked ourselves into taking the 2-hour "upper cave" tour on a rainy Monday afternoon. Our guide, Zach, prepared we newbies for what to expect and told us he would tailor the tour to our limitations (we were the only two on the tour.) Navigating the passageways and the climbing up and down was challenging at times and scary at times, but we always felt in good hands with Zach and intern Cicely. In addition to his obvious love of caving, he provided us with a lot of geological facts about caves, geological history, you name it. Zach is quite personable, a good story teller and a great source for a few geology basics. Somewhat surprised to read the negative comments about the well-designed lighting in the family tour portion of the cave. The lights were aesthetically pleasing to this occasional spelunker.
3. Woodward Cave and Campground
4. Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Celebrating 90 Years of Discovery and Family-Friendly Fun Since 1930! Where science and adventure are NATURALLY FUN! One-hour interpretive tours of two spectacular crystal caverns. Educational programs, Black Light Adventures, Raystown Rocks Gift Shop, gem panning, primitive camping. Great family events…October Ghosts & Goblins Tours, December Santa in the Cave, February Batfest, March Easter Bunny Underground, National Caves & Karst Day with TEN for PENN in June, June Discovery Days, and weekly Summer Events too! Closest Cavern to Raystown Lake.
Reviewed By 589kelbyr
I had a great time seeing the wonderfully preserved and cared for caverns. Our tour guide (Zack) was very informative, engaging, and had really great insights about the many ways the cavern systems we have in this area are important and valuable. I learned a lot and it was a highlight of my trip!
5. Coral Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Educationvacation2 - Keansburg, United States
Bedford Bill was very personable and knowledgeable about his cave! Very interesting stories about how it was acquired and the artifacts in the building too! It was awesome to have a private experience, as only my boyfriend and I were touring that day. We were not rushed in any way and really learned a lot! I am a middle school science teacher and I love to try to incorporate an educational experience into every vacation lol. We enjoyed it so much and would recommend a trip for all ages. We will be back!!
6. Crystal Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 356 reviews
See PA's first show cave. Discovered in 1871, and open to the public shortly thereafter, Crystal Cave has been operating without interruption since that time. The one hour cave tour begins with a video presentation describing the history of Crystal Cave and the formation of caves. Guides take you into the cave and give you both an educational and enjoyable tour. Crystal Cave is known for its abundance of formations in various size and color. Over five million adults and children have been thrilled by this subterranean museum of nature. After your tour you may want to visit our gift and souvenir shop, historical exhibit, authentic Amish Buggy, real Indian Totem Poles, and shaded picnic park all on 150 scenic acres. Other activities open seasonally include miniature golf, panning for gemstones, Ice Cream Parlor, Crystal Cave Cafe, and Museum.
Reviewed By 415tracye - Baltimore, United States
You could spend a whole day here. Besides the cave tour, they have mini golf, a nature trail, a "fast food" Dutch restaurant, ice cream, and a large gift shop. We only took the cave tour because of the weather. You buy the tickets for the tour in the gift shop, which is worth a turn through by itself, it's got an odd selection of stuff. Tours seem to start every 20-30 minutes or so. You do have to climb a lot of steps both to get to the cave and inside the cave, so be warned. Outside, the steps were pretty even, if a little steep. They can be a little uneven and slippery inside the cave. The cave is 54 degrees all year, so bring a jacket. It was raining the day we visited, and I'm not sure if it was actually wetter in the cave because of that or if it just felt that way. First, you watch a short video about the discovery of the cave, its history as a tourist attraction, how the cave was formed, and current conservation efforts. I thought it was informative and really fun, in a kitschy, low-budget kind of way. The video room was also decorated for Halloween, which was fun. Our tour guide was Ben, who was just great. He had the deadpan delivery and enthusiasm for the cave that made me believe everything he said and laugh at all the great, corny jokes. The cave itself is super cool to look at and be in, but the interpretation makes it fascinating. Very well done, highly recommended! Tour takes about an hour, seemed a little pricey up front, but I was happy with the experience I had and things I learned, and they are actively trying to conserve the cave, so worth it. If you think caves are neat or you've never done anything like this, I recommend stopping by.
7. Indian Caverns
8. Lost River Caverns
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 225 reviews
Explore Nature's Underground Wonderland.
Reviewed By dillgreencats - Yardley, United States
Had a great time at the Lost River Caverns . Walked through the cave of flow stone and enjoyed the beautiful cave formations. The guide was very nice and knowledgeable. Enjoyed the small museum of the cave and it’s history as well as the different mineral rocks. Nice gift shop. All staff was friendly. Enjoyed this tour.
