Pennsylvania Attractions: Crystal Cave in Kutztown is a Geological Gem

In fourth grade science class I learned a mnemonic device for the difference between stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites hung "tight" from the top, while stalagmites pushed with all their "might" from the floor. Since then, caves fascinated me. So, when I ventured to Crystal Cave in Kutztown, Pennsylvania as a kid, I showed off my geological knowledge to the rest of the tour group.

Still trying to impress the masses with my useless knowledge, just a few months ago I whispered difference between stalactites and stalagmites to my fiancé Dave during the same tour, when I took him to Crystal Cave for the first time.

Crystal Cave, located in the heart of PA Amish country, is one of the most popular natural attractions in Pennsylvania. The cavern is filled with unique rock formations and other geological creations. A pair of Pennsylvania Dutch farmers discovered Crystal Cave in 1871. Another local farmer, Samuel Kohler, was an early explorer of the cave. He purchased the 47 acres surrounding the natural wonder, and soon opened it to the public. The first admission ticket cost a quarter. In the early days, folks would travel from all over by horse and buggy to visit Crystal Cave. The current office and gift shop once operated as hotel, The Cave Inn (clever, huh?).

Guests of Crystal Cave are given the history during the half-hour long tour of the cave. During the tour, visitors also get a brief geology lesson. It's almost hard to believe it, but the formations inside Crystal Cave were created by water droplets that ran from the ceiling of the cave down the rock walls. Calcium deposits created crystal-like formations. And, the stalagmites are actually creating from the droplets of water dripping off the stalactites hanging directly above. When the two meet, a rare event, they are called columns. In the early days, visitors were allowed to take pieces of the cave home, so in fact, some of the cool things the cave created are now missing.

The cave itself is always 56-degrees- nice and cool on a hot, summer day. The tour begins in a "room" called the Crystal Ballroom. A few weddings were actually conducted in this room. The "rooms" in the cave were formed by drop rocks, or rocks that fell from above many, many years ago. As visitors walk through the man-made path with handrails, they will also see several unique formations that when using their imagination, can see things like sunny-side up eggs, various animals and a flowing bridal veil. As the tour comes to its last stop, atop a flight of stairs, a good view of the entire cave can be seen. Our tour guide turned the artificial lighting off to show us the complete darkness that the cave would otherwise see. (No wonder there are so many bats- don't worry. They are asleep during tour hours!)

Crystal Cave also has an old-fashioned ice cream shop, a mini-golf course, a pan-for-gems area for the kids and a massive gift shop with souvenirs as well as a wide selection of gemstones. Also, there are several nature trails to enjoy. (A warning for the out-of-shape- the walk up the hill to the cave entrance is quite steep, as I learned.)

Crystal Cave is open from March through November. Admission for children is $5.00, adults, $6.50. Groups and busses are welcome. I visited Crystal Cave on the same daytrip as Roadside America. However, other local attractions include Cabela's and the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.