The Cave Guide

Woodward Cave

Woodward, PA
48°F
inside, all year
50 min
on the main tour

A summer-only cave 50 minutes from State College, at a steady 48°F, closed in winter to protect hibernating bats.

The story

Woodward Cave was originally known to locals as Red Panther Cave. It officially opened for commercial tours in the Spring of 1926, following a multi-year renovation effort. To open the cave for public touring, a long diversion canal was built in 1924 to carry seasonal flood water away from the cave. The first tours were given in the Summer of 1925 to the families of the men who helped clean the cave. The cave was briefly occupied as a prison, and according to legend, highway robber David Lewis used it to stash stolen goods.

Open to visitors since
1926

History source: woodwardcave.com.

What you'll see

  • The Ballroom
  • The Square Room
  • Hanging Forest
  • Hall Of Statues
  • The Upper Room
  • Tower of Babel
  • Kneeling Camel
  • Lion’s Head
  • Santa Claus
  • Poodle’s Head
  • Parrot sitting on an egg
  • Turtle
  • Totem Pole
  • Folded Praying Hands
  • Cave Bananas
  • Crystal Lake

Tickets and timing

How long it takes
Approximately 50 minutes
Hours
Tours daily Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Booking
Book cave tickets online ahead.

Getting around underground

The walk
There is one set of stairs and areas with rougher ground and steeper slopes.
Wheelchairs
Most of the cave is accessible by wheelchair and walker, though there is one area with stairs that are not ADA navigable.
Strollers
Strollers and child carriers/seats are permitted on the tours, but holding or carrying your child is recommended if possible.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Temperature
48°F year-round

Good to know

Photos
Cameras are welcome, but please be respectful of others if using a flash.
Food and drink
Food and gifts are available at the store.
Wildlife
Woodward Cave is home to one of the largest winter habitats for bats in PA. The cave is closed every year from September to May to allow the bats an undisturbed environment for their hibernation.
On site
gift shop, campground, camp store, picnic areas, assembly hall

Getting there

PittsburghPhiladelphiaHarrisburg

147 Woodward Cave Drive, Woodward PA 16882

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • Bring a hoodie: the gift shop sells them if you forget.
  • Campground on site.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Woodward Cave take?

Approximately 50 minutes

How cold is it inside Woodward Cave?

48°F year-round.

Can you visit Woodward Cave in a wheelchair?

Most of the cave is accessible by wheelchair and walker, though there is one area with stairs that are not ADA navigable.

Do you need to book Woodward Cave in advance?

Book cave tickets online ahead.

Where is Woodward Cave?

147 Woodward Cave Drive, Woodward PA 16882

Listed in: caves with camping or lodging

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

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