Kutztown, Pennsylvania - Crystal Cave Park

Kutztown, Pennsylvania - Crystal Cave Park

Foodlike formations include bacon, eggs, and "upside down ice cream cones." Get married in a cave. Roadsideamerica.com Report...

Kutztown, Pennsylvania - Crystal Cave

While we waited for the next tour at Crystal Cave we strolled up the hill to the nature walk, followed by a group of very loud fifth graders on a field trip. We entered the first room for a film that explained the difference between stalagmites and stalagmites and how caves were formed. Not exactly high tech, but educational.

We were then escorted to the entrance of the cave. There is only one opening -- the entrance is also the exit, so you have to wait for the previous group to emerge underground. As we walked down the first set of stairs a small bat flew right by us. The bats, we were told, usually keep to themselves in another part of the cave not open for public viewing.

The cave was very impressive, with abstract formations said to resemble tobacco leaves and turtles. During our stroll we also viewed a bat up close on a wall -- it really was cute! He was sleeping and didn't bother us. My favorite part of any cave tour is when the guide turns out the lights -- you have never seen darkness until you have witnessed it from inside a cave!

After you exit the cave you can visit their large gift shop to get a rubber bat or perhaps a hat shaped like a hamburger (I'm not sure what this has to do with spelunking). It was a very cool place....bring a jacket! [Donna Castagna, 12/06/2005]