Penn's Cave - Centre Hall, PA - Cavern Tours and Wildlife Tours

Penn's Cave is the only all-water cavern and wildlife park in the United States. Penn's Cave is located at 222 Penns Cave Road in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. Penn's Cave is conveniently located just minutes away from Interstate 80.

There are two different tours available at Penn's Cave. One of the tours is conducted by boat and includes a tour of the water cavern. This tour typically takes one hour. The second tour is of the wildlife preserve. The tour of the wildlife preserve is conducted by motor vehicle and lasts approximately ninety minutes. Visitors can choose to take just one of the tours or both tours. A combined rate is offered if both tours are taken on the same day. The combined rate is $29.95 per adult and $15.95 per child (ages 2-12). The combined tour package is $28.95 for senior citizens (age 65+).

Regular rates for the cavern tour only are $14.95 per adult, $7.95 per child, and $13.95 per senior. Regular rates for the wildlife tour only are $19 per adult, $11 per child, and $18 per senior. Children under two years of age can participate in individual or combined tours free of charge. The hours of operation for Penn's Cave and the tour schedule vary based on the season. To confirm hours of operation and tour departure times, individuals can call Penn's Cave directly at 814-364-1664.

The cavern tour is an interpretive tour that includes a boat trip on Lake Nitanee. The cavern tour enables visitors to see the limestone cavern. Stalagmites and stalactites can be seen. Some of these stalagmites and stalactites seem to form familiar shapes, which is why some of them have nicknames like "The Garden of the Gods'' and "The Statue of Liberty.'' While touring, visitors will be able to see how the water has sculpted the stone, creating cascades, curtains, and flowstone. Cameras and video cameras are permitted.

The wildlife tour is given by bus and goes through forests, mountain trails, and pastures. Visitors can see animals in their natural habitat. The last stop on the wildlife tour is at the Wildlife Adventure Museum, which is a museum that features South African animals. The forests and fields of Penn's Cave consist of roughly 1,500 well-preserved acres. Tour guides will provide interesting and educational information about the biology, geology, and geography of the area.

In addition to the tours, visitors can pan for gemstones. The regular rates for gemstone panning are $6.95 for a large bag or $4.95 for a small bag. Group rates are available for gemstone panning if 20 or more bags are purchased. The group rate for gemstone panning is $5.50 for a large bag or $3.95 for a small bag. Group rates are also available for tours if reservations are made in advance.

Tickets for tours can be purchased at the Visitors Center. A gift shop featuring clothing, souvenirs, and unique items, is also located in the Visitors Center. If visitors get hungry, the Visitors Center is home to the Cave Cafy. The Cave Cafy's menu features items like chili dogs and bison burgers. The beef used is raised on the grounds of Penn's Cave Farms. A picnic area, complete with picnic shelters, is available.