Looking for something different to do before school starts?
Why not have fun, and learn a little too, at Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks.
It’s a great place for both kids and adults alike to get out and enjoy nature.
The caves have been preserved and protected since they were first discovered in 1930 and 1941.
Visitors can explore winding passageways and splendid rooms containing massive flowstones, thousands of delicate stalactites, pure white calcite and sparkling crystals.
Located on US Rt. 22 (William Penn Highway), 3 miles west of Huntingdon, the caverns are easy to find and provide an entertaining and educational experience for all.
Besides touring the caverns, many other activities are offered to visitors.
Everyone is invited to pan for real gems in the sluice. Plan to allow some extra time at Lincoln Caverns for this new, exciting and educational activity. Panning is available mid-March through mid-November, separately or in combination with cavern tickets.
Also available is the newest attraction, the Kids Cave Crawl. This activity is just for children ages four to 12-years-old. Kids can suit up like a real spelunker with helmet and knee pads to crawl through Lincoln Caverns’ brand new simulated cave. This activity is available weather/staff permitting.
Visitors can also stop and discover Raystown Country’s Largest Souvenir and Gift Shop, featuring an extensive selection of Lincoln Caverns, Raystown Lake and Pennsylvania souvenirs, rocks and minerals, educational books and toys, PA Dutch gifts, Native American jewelry and gifts, as well as items for every age or occasion. The shop is located in the visitors’ center. Light snacks are available during the summer months and weekends in the spring and fall.
Lincoln Caverns also offers group tours which can be scheduled any day of the week, any day of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Reservations must be made at least ten days in advance, giving number of persons and time of arrival.
Groups are divided into tours of 20-25 persons, with tours leaving at 15 minute intervals and lasting one to one and a half hours, depending on group size.
Constant temperature in the caverns is 52 degrees. A light jacket is suggested. Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and good treads are recommended. Cameras and video cameras are permitted, however tripods are not allowed on regular tours.
Also, picnic pavilions, nature trails and a meditation chapel are available for use free of charge to all those touring the caverns.
The caves also provide an excellent opportunity for scouts, youth groups and other organizations.
Besides touring the caverns, scouts can spend the night at Warrior Ridge Campgrounds, a private, secluded, primitive wooded campsite located three miles west of Huntingdon. The natural amphitheater setting provides incredible sound from the stage to the entire property. An ideal, private site, for the next camporee, reunion, church retreat or music event.
Lincoln Caverns was discovered in 1930 during the construction of US Route 22. In 1931 it was opened to the public as Hi-Way-May Caverns. After a change in ownership, the caverns became known as William Penn Caverns from 1932 to 1937. Following the end of his lease, Myron Dunlavy, Sr. purchased the business and decided to honor his favorite president, renaming the caves, Lincoln Caverns.
In 1941, Myron Dunlavy, Jr. was digging atop Warrior Ridge when he discovered Whisper Rocks.
Today, the caverns are managed by the family as Ann Dunlavy picked up where her father and grandfather left off.
Lincoln Caverns is open daily at 9 a.m. The last tour leaves at 6 p.m. through Labor Day. In September, October and November, the last tour leaves at 4 p.m. In December tours are given on Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call to make an appointment for tours in January and February.
Tickets should be purchased upon arrival as tours leave every few minutes during the summer months and approximately every half hour during the spring and fall. Tours are filled in the order tickets are sold and go on rain or shine.
The cost is $10.99 for adults, ages 12-years-old and over, $6.99 for children ages four to 12-years-old and $9.99 for seniors citizens age 65 and over, with ID. Children three-years-old and under are admitted for free.
A child combo ticket is also available for $10.99 which includes regular bag of mineral rough to pan for gems. This option is available mid-March through mid-November.
The caverns will be open extended hours during the annual Ghosts and Goblins haunted cave/natural cave family tours. The special hours will be Saturdays, October 11, 18 and 25 and November 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The haunted cave/haunted trail spooktacular adventure will be held Fridays and Saturdays, October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 and November 1 from 6 to 10 p.m.
For more information, call 643-0268; email info@lincolncaverns.com or visit the website at www.lincolncaverns.com.
