This particular cave has a rather unique history. It was discovered in 1871 by farmers looking for limestone to fertilize their fields. On the same day it was discovered, plans were made by the village adventurous at the local tavern, Lesher’s Bar. The excited men didn't find diamonds, gold or coal but they did find a very beautiful natural wonder.
In the early days of the cave's operation, tours were given by candle and torchlight. "Illuminations" of the cave were thrown to entice visitors. These involved illuminating different rock formations in the cave and providing the music of a cornet band.
The cave was one of the first tourist sites in Pennsylvania. It's various caverns hosted dances and even weddings. The cave is is "live" which means it's constantly growing and changing due to water movement. You can see and feel the water dripping off the stalactites.
The early tours focused on formations with seemingly religious or animal themes.
Overall it was a fun day and worth the trip. The outdoor paths were off limits due to a recent storm, so we didn't do much walking around. In the summer months there is also a miniature golf course.
That was really fun. The tour was a little shorter than I would have liked but still fascinating. Just about everybody I know went here when they were a kid but I never got to make the trip until yesterday. It would have been nice to have been able to walk around a bit, but they're cleaning up the "nature trail." :)
ReplyDeleteI kinda wish they would have let me stay in a while tourless.
DeleteI haven't been there in years. Looks amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteI had actually never been there before and neither had Andy, even though he lives close.
ReplyDeleteSteph,
ReplyDeleteYou didn't know this at the time, but when you were at Crystal Cave you were only a couple miles from my cousin Walter's house. He lives in the city of Kutztown.