Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks / Lincoln Caverns
For families looking to escape the rising temperatures, there’s always the beach or the pool. But another option is to go underground and skip the sunscreen. Try visiting one of the local caves. You might end up wearing just a sweatshirt. It’s important to remember that exploring caves in the wild can be dangerous and should only be done by experienced hikers. Instead, opt for one of the day trips that offer guided underground journeys.
New Jersey
Sterling Hill Mining Museum
Ogdensburg
973-209-7212
Mine tours are offered daily at 1pm and must be booked in advance. From there, you’ll be guided through the mine, walking through the 1,300-foot tunnel while learning about the mine’s history, working conditions and geology. The temperature inside the mine is 56 degrees, so bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. You can also check out two mining-related museums: the Warren Fluorescence Museum, which features a “color wall” with 100 fluorescent mineral specimens, and the Zobel Hall Museum, which gives you an insight into the daily life of miners. The museums are open by tour only. In the fall, there are special ghost walking tours and ghost hunts.
Sybil’s Cave Park
Hoboken
This twice-excavated man-made cavern is not only 30 feet wide and has a natural spring, it’s also an eerie crime scene. In 1841, Mary Rogers, who the press called “the beautiful cigar girl,” was found murdered nearby. As a result, the cavern became a tourist destination for a time, but then fell into obscurity until it was rediscovered, re-excavated and fitted with a new gate in 2007. Today, you can take in views of the Manhattan skyline and travel back in time to what was once considered a Victorian “country retreat.”
Pennsylvania
Crystal Cave
Kutztown
The first open “show cave” in Pennsylvania, the underground Crystal Cave is known for its many crystalline, milky-white rock formations. Hikes can take a one-hour tour, guided down 125 feet underground and watch a film detailing the cave’s geology. Plus, this 150-acre historic attraction has something for everyone, from mini-golf and ice cream parlors to museums, rock shops, gem mines and hiking trails.
Indian Echo Cave
Himmelstown
717-566-8131
Formed from the Beekmantown Limestone over 440 million years ago, the cave is home to a variety of wildlife. Take a 45-minute guided tour to see the beautiful rock and mineral formations inside the cave and learn about the cave’s geology and history. Kids can also feed the animals at Discovery Barnyard, search for gems and fossils at Gem Mill Junction, or just relax in the playground.
Laurel Caverns
Farmington
800-515-4150
This is the largest cave in Pennsylvania, with over 4 miles of passageways. Enjoy spelunking, gem mining, and views of Chestnut Ridge from a family-friendly observation deck. You can take a virtual tour from the comfort of your own home, but it’s much nicer to see it in person.
Lost River Caverns
Hellertown
Lost River Caverns offers learning, shopping and exploration. The caves have 1,200 feet of paved, lighted walkways that you can explore on walking tours, as well as a rock shop and souvenir shop. Walk 1,800 feet of nature trails, mine for gems at the Gem Mill, then browse the many gems, fossils, minerals and antiques at Gilman Museum. Bring a picnic basket and enjoy lunch with a view at Picnic Grove.
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks / Whisper Rocks
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks
Huntingdon
Lincoln Cave is rich in speleothems (or “cave formations”), from floestones and stalactites to crystals. A one-hour narrated tour of the 90+ year old cave is an educational experience while preserving the natural beauty and splendor for all. June 22nd and 23rd are special Discovery Days, marking their 20th year, when you can take a tour, participate in a hands-on workshop, watch presentations, pan for gemstones and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Penn’s Cave
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
Center Hall
814-364-1664
Penn’s Cave is the only floating cave in the United States, and you can take a fully guided cave tour by boat. The park also has a farm, which you can experience on the Farm, Nature and Wildlife Park Tour, and those who want to climb to the top of the mountain can take the Cave Rock Mountain Tour. You can also mine for gemstones. At the Wildlife for Everyone Great Outdoor Picnic on June 22, kids can enjoy fly casting, archery, building bluebird nest boxes, and watching K9 search and rescue and wild horse demonstrations. You can also meet Carter Starocci, a four-time national champion wrestler at Penn State.
Howe Caverns
new york
Howe Caverns
Hawes Cave
518-296-8900
Go underground on a Signature Rock Discovery Tour, a 2.5-hour exploration into areas of the cave that haven’t been open to the public for a century, or join a 2-hour guided caving tour. For a more relaxed caving experience, try the traditional tour, which includes a boat ride and a 90-minute walk 156 feet underground.
Natural stone bridge and cave
Pottersville
518-494-2283
Choose from hardcore caving or something more relaxed. Self-guided above-ground nature trails show off Adirondack geology and lighted caves/grottoes, while 3-4 hour guided caving tours are perfect for the more adventurous 13+. Snowshoe trails are also available, and if you’re not too cold from exploring, there’s an ice cream shop to visit.
Secret Cave
Hawes Cave
518-296-8558
As you head to Howe Caverns, you’ll see the bright, colorful signs for Secret Cave, a quirky cavern that’s totally unique and boasts a waterfall 100 feet underground.
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