Take a Guided Tour of Historic Crystal Cave – Pennsylvania’s First Show Cave
Discover the wonder of Crystal Cave on a one-hour guided tour through Pennsylvania’s most famous show cave.
Your journey begins with an informative film in the Crystal Cave Theater, where you’ll learn about the cave’s discovery in 1871, its rich history, and the fascinating geology of underground formations.
Our courteous guides then lead you 125 feet below the surface, walking you safely along well-lit concrete paths with steel railings as you explore dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations that have amazed visitors for over 150 years.
Step into history and book your Crystal Cave tour today to experience Pennsylvania’s oldest and most celebrated show cave.
What to Expect on Your Tour:
Educational Movie Experience – Learn the history and geology of Crystal Cave.
125-Foot Descent Underground – Safe, guided exploration with secure walkways and railings.
Constant 54° Climate – Enjoy a cool, comfortable cave environment (bring a light jacket and sturdy shoes).
Family-Friendly Adventure – A perfect mix of education, history, and natural wonder.
Take a Tour With Us – Discover the Hidden Wonders of Historic Crystal Cave
CAVE FORMATIONS
SPELEOTHEMS
Dripping water, rock and time… are the 3 ingredients needed to form a cave
Dr. Ralph W. Stone, assistant state geologist, stated in 1932 that “Crystal Cave… has a variety and abundance of cave formations that make it worth seeing even for that who have been in other caves.
“TOTEM POLE”
DRIPSTONE
The “Totem Pole” is a column that spans 14 feet in height. It is the largest formation in Crystal Cave and an impressive work of Mother Nature!
“EAR OF CORN”
DRIPSTONE
The “Ear of Corn” is approximately 5 feet in length. It is the largest stalactite in Crystal Cave. Its resemblance to a gigantic ear of corn is absolutely amazing.
“ICE CREAM CONE”
DRIPSTONE
This stagmite formation is conical in shape and resembles an upside- down ice cream cone. The mixing of iron oxide and white calcite causes the rock to be discolored.
“BACON”
FLOWSTONE
Formed from deposits of dripping water on a sloping ceiling, these thin sheets of calcite colored by iron oxide are called Drapery, resembling strips of “bacon”.
NATURAL POOLS
RIMSTONE
Calcite deposits that have formed around the edge of natural pools of water are known as Rimstone.
CRYSTAL FORMATIONS
CALCITE CRYSTALS
These crystals are made of calcite and are a brittle, six-sided, naturally occurring form of calcium carbonate. Amazingly, these crystals will dissolve in water!
CRYSTAL FORMATIONS
ARAGONITE CRYSTALS
Aragonite crystals are a sparkling, eight-sided, needle-like crystalline formation. The presence of these crystals proves that Crystal Cave was once filled with water – since these aragonite crystals must form under water!
SODA STRAWS
DRIPSTONE
Soda straws are a unique type of stalactite formation that are thin, hollow-like, tubular, and very fragile.
“LION’S TAIL”
DRIPSTONE
The Lion’s Tail was recently discovered during the winter of 2017. It is a very unusual formation made of a ball of helictites. In fact, helictites are so unusual that, to this day, there has been no satisfactory explanation for how they are formed.
Discover More About Crystal Cave’s Formations – ' Own Past and Present'
Take your Crystal Cave adventure home with you! Our exclusive book, Past and Present, dives deeper into the fascinating story of Pennsylvania’s first show cave and the stunning formations you’ll encounter on your tour.
Packed with history, geology, and breathtaking images, this book is the perfect keepsake for visitors of all ages.
📖 Available now at the Crystal Cave Gift Shop! Don’t miss your chance to explore the cave’s wonders long after your visit ends.
