America's only all-water cavern and wildlife park are nestled in Central Pennsylvania's scenic Lion Country, just minutes from Interstate 80. Two separate guided tours are now offered - a one-hour tour of the water cavern by boat and a 90-minute tour of the wildlife preserve by motor vehicle.

The limestone cavern, rich in geology and history, is a natural landmark that is a stunning example of nature's flawless beauty and color. Glittering stalactites and stalagmites often appear in mysteriously familiar shapes, such as "The Statue of Liberty" and "The Garden of the Gods". See how dripping water has sculpted magnificent flowstone, curtains, cascades, and draperies against a background of pillars and gigantic columns.

A historic landmark centuries ago, the Seneca Indians discovered this natural landmark in the Valley of Karoondinha (Penn's Valley). The famous legend of the Indian Maiden, Nitanee, from whom the famous Penn State Nittany Lion is named, and her French trapper lover, Malachi Boyer, has been told around campfires for generations. Unable to marry because of Indian custom, they ran away and were captured, and Malachi was thrown into Penn's Cave to die. Local history also tells of Indians and early explorers using the dry rooms for shelter. The cavern was opened to the public in 1885 when the former hotel was built, and today Penn's Cave and the Penn's Cave House have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The 50-minute interpretive tour includes a motorboat trip that winds through cavern passageways and a ride on Lake Nitanee. The cavern tour is on flat-bottom motorboats, which accommodate 20-22 persons, and 48 steps are located at the main entrance to the cave. A sweater or jacket is recommended because the temperature is 52 degrees, and comfortable walking shoes are advised. Cameras are welcome, but we suggest the use of flash and/or high-speed film for all inside pictures. Video cameras are permitted.

Click here for our rates and schedule.