The Cave Guide
Formations inside Penn's Cave, PennsylvaniaPhoto: Ruhrfisch, CC BY-SA 3.0

Penn's Cave

Centre Hall, PA
52°F
inside, all year
48
steps on the tour
$26.50
adult ticket

An all-water limestone cavern in central Pennsylvania toured entirely by boat, at a constant 52°F, with a separate farm and wildlife bus tour.

The story

Centuries ago, the Seneca Indians discovered this natural landmark in the Valley of Karoondinha (Penn's Valley). Local history tells of Indians and early explorers using the dry rooms for shelter. In 1885, Penn's Cave opened as a commercial show cavern, and the Penn's Cave Hotel was built. In 1978, Penn's Cave and the Penn's Cave House were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Open to visitors since
1885

History source: pennscave.com.

Tickets and timing

Adults
$26.50
Kids
$16.50 (ages 2–12)
Hours
Cavern tours daily, usually hourly from 9–11am to 4–5pm depending on the month. Weekends only in December; closed January–February and on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Booking
Online tickets are optional but sell out quickly; walk-up tickets daily at the visitors center.

Getting around underground

The walk
A 350-ft path at a 45-degree incline and 48 steps down to the boat dock, and the same way back.
Wheelchairs
Tours are rated very strenuous and are not accessible.
Strollers
Strollers and child carriers aren't allowed on the entrance path or tours.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Temperature
52°F / 11°C year-round

Good to know

Best time to go
Arrive by noon on weekends and holidays to purchase walk-in tickets; arriving later increases the risk of long wait times.
Food and drink
Cave Café is available on site.
On site
gift shop, Cave Café, gemstone panning, Miners Maze, Visitors Center

Getting there

PittsburghPhiladelphiaHarrisburg

222 Penn's Cave Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828

Parking: Free parking

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Arrive by noon for walk-up tickets, especially on weekends.
  • No tripods, selfie sticks or GoPros; phones and cameras are fine.
  • Bring a jacket and comfortable shoes for the incline.
  • Parking is free.

Questions people ask

How cold is it inside Penn's Cave?

52°F / 11°C year-round.

Can you visit Penn's Cave in a wheelchair?

Tours are rated very strenuous and are not accessible.

Do you need to book Penn's Cave in advance?

Online tickets are optional but sell out quickly; walk-up tickets daily at the visitors center.

Where is Penn's Cave?

222 Penn's Cave Road, Centre Hall, PA 16828

Listed in: cave boat tours

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

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