Taking time to enjoy a well-deserved getaway to Bellefonte, Pennsylvania is great for travelers who are looking to swap out the daily hustle for a focus on fun and new adventures instead. Here, it’s as easy to fill your itinerary with great shopping and dining stops as it is to explore exciting landmarks and mesmerizing entertainment venues too. If you find yourself longing to dive into the area’s rich history while making the most of outdoor recreation as well, there’s no better addition to your itinerary than Penn’s Cave the next time you’re in town.
Add a Stunning Adventure to Your Itinerary
Located at 222 Penns Cave Road in Centre Hall, Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park is just a 25-minute drive from Reynold’s Mansion. It’s open daily from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm and is the country’s only all-water cavern that also functions as a farm, nature, and wildlife park.
A Brief History
The story of Penn’s Cave dates back centuries to the time when the Seneca Indians first discovered the landmark in what was then known as the Valley of the Karoodinha. It’s believed that the cave was originally used by both tribes and early settlers for shelter thanks to its dry atmosphere. In 1885 the cave was opened as a commercial show cavern and subsequently, the Penn’s Cave Hotel was constructed. The mesmerizing cave and surrounding lands made its way onto the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Tour Options
Penn’s Cave is home to stunning stalactites and stalagmites in combination with underground waterways. There’s a 50-minute guided tour of the all-water cavern on-site that’s given by boat. You’ll need to be able to traverse a 300-foot paved inclined path as well as 48 steps to the dock to enjoy this experience.
There’s also an opportunity for guests to sign up for the 90-minute Farm-Nature-Wildlife bus tour on-site. This takes passengers through Penn’s Cave grazing pastures as well as through surrounding forests and mountain trails. Both tours are wonderful routes to experiencing the best of the 1,600 acres of terrain that Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park constitutes.
On-Site Activities to Try
If you’re visiting Penn’s Cave with the kids, be sure to spend some time at the Miner’s Maze. This 4,800-square-foot labyrinth is a fun-for-all challenge with plenty of twists and turns as you look to make your way from one end of the “mine” to the other. Gemstone panning is a great way for kids to put their mining education to work using bags of gemstones purchased at the gift shop. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to purchase tour tickets, souvenirs, or grab a bite to eat at the Cave Café.
Planning Your Visit
Most tours at Penn’s Cave head out rain or shine, so it’s good to be prepared for the weather. Cave tours expose participants to underground temperatures that linger at around 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so you’ll want to be sure to have a light jacket on hand. Bringing an umbrella is advisable for the Farm-Nature-Wildlife tour because while there is minimal walking, when you do leave the coach, you could find yourself making a short trek in the elements on a rainy day.
Book Your Stay Today
Elevate your stay in comfort and style when you book your accommodations at Reynolds Mansion. Wake up and enjoy our three-course gourmet breakfast before heading out to explore! Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next trip.
