The Cave Guide
Lit formations inside Lost River Caverns, PennsylvaniaPhoto: Horseluv10 at English Wikipedia, Public domain

Lost River Caverns

Hellertown, PA
30–45 min
on the main tour
$17.50
adult ticket

A cave in Hellertown, Pennsylvania with short 30–45 minute guided walking tours, open daily all year.

The story

In the late nineteenth century an active limestone quarry operated where the parking lot is now located. The cavern entrance was first opened to the surface in 1883 by quarry workers when they ignited a black powder blast to remove limestone from the cliff face. The first systematic exploration occurred in 1886 during an expedition sponsored by Lehigh University. Local residents later used the underground spaces for purposes including a ballroom, fraternity initiations, and bootleggers storing wares during prohibition. In 1929 the cavern was purchased with the intention of creating a commercial show cave, and in 1930 after handrails, lighting and walkways were installed, the cave was opened to the public.

Found
1883
Open to visitors since
1930

History source: lostcave.com.

What you'll see

  • Crystal Chapel
  • Lost River

Tickets and timing

Adults
From $17.50
Kids
$12.50 (ages 3–11)
How long it takes
30–45 minutes
Hours
Tours daily: summer 9:30am–5:30pm; rest of the year Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat–Sun 9:30am–4:30pm. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Booking
Reservations are required: book online or call 610-838-8767.

Getting around underground

The walk
About 1200 feet of paved, well-lighted walkways; several ramps and eight steps traversed in both directions; walkways are often wet.
Wheelchairs
The cavern and gift shop/visitors' center are not wheelchair accessible.
Strollers
Strollers are not permitted in the cavern; the cavern and gift shop/visitors' center are not stroller accessible.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Pets are not allowed in the cavern or gift shop/visitors' center; do not leave pets unattended in hot cars.
Temperature
A constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius)

Good to know

Minimum age
All ages welcome; infants ages 2 and under are free.
Best time to go
Reservations are required; tour frequency may change subject to staff availability, so book ahead for guaranteed entry.
Photos
Cameras are allowed; video cameras, tripods, monopods and selfie sticks are not permitted in the cavern.
Food and drink
Food and beverages are not permitted in the cavern. A covered picnic pavilion and Picnic Grove are available for bagged lunches or snacks.
On site
Gift shop, Gilman Museum, Nature Trail, Gem Mill (gem panning), Picnic Grove with covered pavilions, Jewelry and lapidary supply store

Getting there

PittsburghPhiladelphiaHarrisburg

726 Durham Street, Hellertown, PA 18055, US

Parking: Parking is limited. If the parking lot in front of the building is full, park directly across the street in the Picnic Grove.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Picnic tables across the road.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Lost River Caverns take?

30–45 minutes

How cold is it inside Lost River Caverns?

A constant 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius).

Can you visit Lost River Caverns in a wheelchair?

The cavern and gift shop/visitors' center are not wheelchair accessible.

Are dogs allowed at Lost River Caverns?

Pets are not allowed in the cavern or gift shop/visitors' center; do not leave pets unattended in hot cars.

Do you need to book Lost River Caverns in advance?

Reservations are required: book online or call 610-838-8767.

When was Lost River Caverns discovered?

1883, according to the cave's own history.

Is there a minimum age for Lost River Caverns?

All ages welcome; infants ages 2 and under are free.

Where is Lost River Caverns?

726 Durham Street, Hellertown, PA 18055, US

Checked on 2026-10-22 against lostcave.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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