30-45 min
on the main tour
Crystal Grottoes Caverns
Maryland
$23
adult ticket
A Maryland cave with tours going down every half hour from 10am to 5pm.
The story
A construction crew quarrying limestone for road material near Boonsboro, Maryland accidentally uncovered a hidden cave system in 1920. The landowners explored the underground world further after word of the discovery spread. Within a year, in 1922, the caverns opened to the public. Caretakers have since worked to maintain the cave's natural state, and it remains a locally owned and operated site.
- Found
- 1920
- Open to visitors since
- 1922
History source: crystalgrottoescaverns.com.
What you'll see
- Fairyland
- The Blanket Room
- Stalactites
- Stalagmites
- Columns
- Draperies
Tickets and timing
- Adults
- $23
- Kids
- $13 (ages 5–12), free for 4 and under
- How long it takes
- About 30-45 minutes (approximately 40 minutes)
- Hours
- Daily 10am–5pm in season; tours every half hour.
- Booking
- Walk-ups first come, first served; booked groups take priority. Groups of 10+ book two weeks ahead by email ($180 deposit).
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Nearly 900 feet of passageways; the path is narrow.
- Wheelchairs
- Not handicap accessible.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Pets are not permitted on tours.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis, and scheduled group reservations take priority over walk-ins.
- On site
- Gem Mill
Getting there
19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
- Washington, DCabout 53 miles
- Baltimoreabout 59 miles
- Harrisburgabout 68 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Cash and major cards accepted.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Crystal Grottoes Caverns take?
About 30-45 minutes (approximately 40 minutes)
Can you visit Crystal Grottoes Caverns in a wheelchair?
Not handicap accessible.
Are dogs allowed at Crystal Grottoes Caverns?
Pets are not permitted on tours.
Do you need to book Crystal Grottoes Caverns in advance?
Walk-ups first come, first served; booked groups take priority. Groups of 10+ book two weeks ahead by email ($180 deposit).
When was Crystal Grottoes Caverns discovered?
1920, according to the cave's own history.
Where is Crystal Grottoes Caverns?
19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713
Checked on 2026-10-22 against crystalgrottoescaverns.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.