Crystal Cave
Explore ancient geological wonders in a cool, subterranean world, with family fun like gemstone panning and mini-golf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Crystal Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient geological wonders in a cool, subterranean world, with family fun like gemstone panning and mini-golf.
"A cool escape with fascinating formations and fun for the whole family!"
🎯 Wear Layers & Sturdy Shoes
Cave is 54°F year-round. Bring a jacket! Wear closed-toe shoes for wet, potentially muddy paths.
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are scheduled. Buy tickets at the restaurant. Arrive early for the first tours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crystal Cave Tour
Main Cave
Marvel at ancient stalactites and stalagmites in a cool, subterranean wonderland.
Gemstone Panning
Gemstone Panning Area
Kids (and adults!) love sifting through water to discover hidden crystals and fossils.
Mini Golf
Mini Golf Course
A fun, family-friendly activity to enjoy after exploring the cave's depths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Stay Comfortable
Plan Your Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Layers & Sturdy Shoes
Cave is 54°F year-round. Bring a jacket! Wear closed-toe shoes for wet, potentially muddy paths. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are scheduled. Buy tickets at the restaurant. Arrive early for the first tours.
💰 Mini Golf is Cash Only
Pay for mini-golf with cash. You can get a voucher with card payment at the trading post.
💎 Gemstone Panning Fun
Kids love sifting for treasures! A great hands-on activity for families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Layers & Sturdy Shoes
Cave is 54°F year-round. Bring a jacket! Wear closed-toe shoes for wet, potentially muddy paths. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Tours are scheduled. Buy tickets at the restaurant. Arrive early for the first tours.
💰 Mini Golf is Cash Only
Pay for mini-golf with cash. You can get a voucher with card payment at the trading post.
💎 Gemstone Panning Fun
Kids love sifting for treasures! A great hands-on activity for families.
🚗 Steep Walk from Parking
Be prepared for an uphill walk from the parking lot to the cave entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Crystal Cave for its fascinating geological formations and the engaging guided tours. The cool cave temperature is a welcome relief on hot days, and activities like gemstone panning and mini-golf add to the family fun. While the uphill walk and cash-only mini-golf are minor points, the overall experience is highly recommended for its fair pricing and enjoyable atmosphere.
"Nice little local place exploring in a Crystal cave.... the staff were nice and helpful... our tour guide Jamie was excellent while exploring the cave. Nice little gift shop, plenty of bathrooms that were clean. Plenty of seating areas for picnics. They have a small restaurant and an ice cream shop. Also a hiking trail if you want to walk around in the woods to see nature. I'd recommend you go early... it opens at 9am but things don't get rolling till about 9:45am for the first tour into the cave. By the time we were exiting the cave it started getting crowded but things were still flowing nicely. Overall experience was great, prices where fair on crystals, minerals and fossils. You can buy a bag of crystals or fossils and take it to the water truff to shift through and find crystals and fossils. My boys had a great time will visit again when we are coming through Rt422 into Reading Pennsylvania!"
Feng L
"Beautiful setting and guided tour was very interesting and informative. Coolest part of cave tour was 54°, so you may want a light jacket. We visited on a weekday, so it wasn't very crowded. Gift shop was well stocked with shirts, caps and sweatshirts, also different types of rocks and geodes. I thought pricing was reasonable. Definitely worth seeing. Glad we went."
Johnny Midnight
"First time at Crystal Cave with the kids. Went early at 1035 am, had our tour at 1050 am. Nicola our tour guide was lively and very knowledgeable. The walk to the cave from the parking lot was steep. There was a 15 min intro movie before getting into the cave. The cave was cold so bring a sweater and wet in certain areas so wear the proper shoes. Cave itself was very interesting and such a nice learning experience. Kids wanted to do mini golf afterwards. It's cash only at the mini golf stand but you can pay by card at the trading post and they give you a voucher to take back. There is also a nature trail which we didn't get to do due to the impending storm coming in. The kid's got to do some gemstone panning which they truly enjoyed. Would come again as it was a lot of fun. We didn't eat there but looked like basic fast food. The gift shop was neat and there is a mini museum to see as well."
Christine Santos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crystal Cave is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. It's accessible by car, and there is parking available on-site. Many visitors drive along Rt 422 into Reading, Pennsylvania, to reach the attraction.
No, Crystal Cave in Pennsylvania is not related to Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. They are distinct geological attractions in different locations.
Specific driving directions can be found on their official website or by using GPS navigation. Visitors often mention it's accessible via Rt 422.
Public transportation options to Crystal Cave are limited. It is primarily an attraction best reached by private vehicle.
There is ample parking available at Crystal Cave. However, be aware of the uphill walk from the parking lot to the cave entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but visitors have noted them as fair. It's best to check the official Crystal Cave website for the most current pricing for cave tours and activities.
While some attractions offer online booking, it's recommended to check the Crystal Cave website or call ahead. Tours are scheduled, and tickets are often purchased at the restaurant upon arrival.
Crystal Cave typically opens around 9 AM, with tours starting shortly after. It's advisable to check their official website for seasonal hours and tour availability, as they can change.
Tours are scheduled, and it's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure your spot. Purchasing tickets at the restaurant upon arrival is common.
Information on discounts or coupons for Crystal Cave is not widely publicized. Checking their website or local deal sites might yield results, but expect standard pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside Crystal Cave remains a consistent 54°F (12°C) year-round. It offers a cool escape on hot days. +1
The cave tour involves stairs and can be a bit of a climb, especially the walk from the parking lot. While generally easy to walk through, it's not entirely flat. +1
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces. A light jacket or sweater is highly recommended due to the cool cave temperature.
Yes, Crystal Cave offers mini-golf, gemstone panning, a nature trail, a gift shop, and a small museum. +1
Due to the natural terrain, stairs, and potential wetness within the cave, Crystal Cave is generally not considered accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Crystal Cave has a small restaurant offering basic fast food options and an ice cream shop. +1
Absolutely! There are plenty of seating areas available for picnics, making it a great option for families.
The restaurant is described as serving basic fast food. It's a convenient option for a quick bite during your visit.
Information on specific dietary options is not readily available. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival.
Yes, there is an ice cream shop on-site, perfect for a sweet treat after exploring the cave or enjoying other activities.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Crystal Cave, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions or ask your tour guide. The low light can make for dramatic shots.
Look for areas with dramatic formations, the clear underground lake, and unique mineral deposits. The 'blackout' section is also a unique photographic opportunity.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for cave tours to discourage flash photography to protect the formations and for the comfort of other visitors. It's best to use natural light or a tripod if permitted.
Given the low light, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod will be beneficial. Experiment with higher ISO settings and slower shutter speeds, or use a wide-angle lens to capture the cave's expanse.
Similar to photography, video recording policies can vary. It's advisable to confirm with your tour guide or staff if there are any restrictions on filming within the cave.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the cave, the gemstone panning is a huge hit with kids, offering a fun, hands-on treasure hunt. The mini-golf is another great way to burn off energy, though remember it's cash-only. The nature trail also provides an opportunity for little explorers to discover the outdoors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting on a weekday morning can help avoid peak crowds, potentially leading to a more relaxed experience without extra cost. While there isn't much information on specific discounts, the overall pricing is considered fair by many visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the vastness of the chambers and the clear underground lake. The natural formations offer dramatic textures and shapes, and the 'blackout' section provides a particularly intriguing photographic subject. Always check for any restrictions on flash photography before using it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Crystal Cave's Geology
Visitors are guided through the cave, learning about the geological processes that shaped it. The underground lake within the cave is fed by an ocean-fed source, contributing to its clarity and unique ecosystem. The temperature inside remains a constant 54°F, offering a cool respite from the outside world and a reminder of the stable subterranean environment.
Understanding the slow, continuous process of cave formation adds a layer of appreciation to the visit. The history of the cave also plays a role, with stories of early explorers navigating these passages with minimal light, highlighting the challenges and wonders of discovery.
Family Fun Beyond the Cave
Another highly recommended activity, especially for younger visitors, is gemstone panning. Children can sift through bags of material in a water trough, discovering their own crystals and fossils. This hands-on experience is consistently praised for its entertainment value and the excitement it brings.
For those who enjoy nature walks, a nature trail winds through the surrounding woods, offering a chance to explore the surface environment. Combined with the cave tour, mini-golf, and gemstone panning, Crystal Cave provides a full day of entertainment for the entire family, making it a popular choice for a day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit