Indian Echo Caverns - Hummelstown, Pennsylvania - developed cave system with tours

Located in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, Indian Echo Caverns is a tourist location that includes a developed cave system, educational programs, a petting zoo, picnic areas, and more. These caverns were first opened to the public in 1929 by John Bieber, and were sold to the Swartz family, who continue to operate the site today.

Indian Echo Caverns is a limestone cave that is an estimated 440 million years old and still evolving. As with most cave systems, the temperature is a constant 52 degrees year-round, regardless of the temperature on the surface. The tour of the caves includes a number of small passageways, large cavern rooms, clear underground lakes, and beautiful geological formations in the rock. Each tour lasts around 45 minutes and includes an explanation of how the caves form, as well as stories about The Pennsylvania Hermit, William Wilson, and the Magic Box. Guides also give a brief history of the area and can answer questions about the cave.

Outside of the caverns, guests of all ages can visit Gem Mill Junction. This site is open seasonally, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and acts as a replica of a Gold Rush era mining camp with a working water wheel. Younger visitors can prospect for fossils and gemstones, and staff members will help turn their best stone into a necklace. There are also other outdoor areas to enjoy. The playground is complete with a slide, swings, and rock wall, and the petting zoo features goats that were born and raised at Indian Echo Caverns. In addition, there are two covered picnic areas. The Dome Pavilion seats up to 40 people, while the larger pavilion has two sections, each of which fits up to 100 people. These pavilions can be rented for parties and other events. This is an especially popular area for wedding receptions, since the caverns can accommodate ceremonies in one of their underground caverns.

At the end of the tour, gusts can visit the Indian Echo Caverns gift shop. This retail location has souvenirs and memorabilia, as well as handmade Native American artwork and jewelry. There are also rare minerals and gemstones sold in the gift shop for guests who are interested in taking a piece of the geology home.

Indian Echo Caverns is open every day year-round, and they can accommodate groups such as scouts, field trips, and church organizations if scheduled ahead of time. During the summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the caves are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, and during the rest of the year, the location is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They're closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission to the grounds is free, with cave tours costing $13 for adults, $11 for senior citizens, and $7 for children under the age of 12. They also have special group rates, and children aged 2 and younger are free. For more information, call Indian Echo Caverns at 717-566-8131.