Lost River Caverns - Hellertown, PA
N 40° 34.832 W 075° 19.889
18T E 471945 N 4492246
The caves are celebrating their 75th anniversary, well, at least the attraction is, the caves might be millions of years old. Watch your head!
Waymark Code: WM9E6M
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 08/09/2010
Views: 13
The caverns were discovered in 1883 during a limestone quarry operation. Geologists believe this cavern to be over 200, 000 years old. It consists of 5 chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations, and, of course, the “lost river”. The lost river was pretty cool because nobody knows where the heck it leads. In its history the caves were also used for bootlegging. I checked around for booze but came up empty handed. The tour guide also told us you can rent out the "hall" for weddings or whatever.
The Gilman family has owned the cavern and property since 1929 and put in the lighting and walkways. In 1930 they opened it to the public for tours. This year is its 75th anniversary. There is a picnic grove, a nature trail, gift shop, and a rock and mineral shop to enjoy after the tour. I bought some stuff from the rock shop for the kids. This is definitely very kid friendly. It is not a tourist trap either, it is a very nice, down home, experience.
There is an admission charge to tour the caverns. Please call the caverns for current prices and the last tour time.….610-838-8767. You can also visit the website www.lostcave.com. I think I paid nine or ten bucks when I took the tour. I went with a bunch of geocachers and we did an earthcache, also located here.
The posted coordinates are for the entrance to the building which leads you to the caverns. The parking entrance off of Durham Street are N 40° 34.859 W 075° 19.827.
Address
726 Durham Street
Hellertown, PA 18055
Pricing
The cost for an adult is $12 and the cost for children $3-12 is $7.50.