Celebrate the International Year of Caves and Karst: Explore Happy Valley's Premier Caves
2021 marks the United Nations-declared International Year of Caves and Karst, a timely recognition championed by local enthusiasts. Karst landscapes—characterized by dissolving rocks forming sinkholes, ridges, fissures, and caves—cover about 20% of Earth's land surface. This year, the International Union of Speleology and caves worldwide are highlighting these formations, promoting enjoyment and preservation for future generations.
In Happy Valley, part of Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region in the Appalachian highlands, caves and karst define the terrain due to the local bedrock. Central Pennsylvania boasts three of the state's seven tourable show caves: Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park near Centre Hall, Lincoln Caverns near Huntingdon, and Woodward Cave near Woodward—all right here in Happy Valley.
These caves offer ideal family outings anytime, blending history, legends, and fun. In 2021, they're especially perfect, providing safe, COVID-compliant underground adventures.
Visiting a Happy Valley cave delivers more than adventure—it's a day of education, history, and stunning natural wonders.
Each cave has a compelling backstory: Lincoln Caverns was uncovered during Route 22 construction; Woodward Cave is linked to Native American Chief Red Panther; Penn’s Cave shares the tale of Princess Nitanee.
Expect full-day experiences. Penn’s Cave features boat tours, wildlife viewing, a maze, and gemstone panning. Lincoln Caverns hosts Black Light Adventures, Baturday Saturdays, and Summer Fun Nights across two caves. Woodward Cave, "The Big One," provides serene exploration of Pennsylvania's wilds.
Operated by passionate locals, these caves emphasize education on regional geology, white-nose syndrome in bats, and fragile ecosystems. “Education and respect for caves is at the core of everything we do,” says Ann Dunlavy of Lincoln Caverns.
Explore Lincoln Caverns, Penn’s Cave, and Woodward Cave in our Caves and Karst section. Check 2021 events and plan your visit!
Lincoln Caverns
7703 William Penn Hwy, Huntingdon
(814) 643-0268
Tour two caves (Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks) on one ticket, marveling at crystals, stalactites, and flowstones. Post-tour, pan for gems, hike trails, or picnic.
Known for engaging events like T-Rex Tuesdays, Baturday Saturdays, blacklight tours, and Ghosts and Goblins. Group trips for scouts and students are a specialty.
For the International Year of Caves and Karst, enter their art contest “Discover what’s under your feet” for regional or national prizes. Details available on-site.
Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
222 Penns Cave Road, Centre Hall
(814) 364-1664
America's only all-water cavern and farm-nature-wildlife park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy boat cave tours, view wolves, bison, foxes, mountain lions, longhorns, and bears, then pan for gems or navigate the maze.
For the International Year, submit photos from your 2021 visit to info@pennscave.com by September 1 for gift cards and features on social media/brochures.
Woodward Cave
148 Woodward Cave Dr, Woodward
(814) 349-9800
One of Pennsylvania's largest caverns since 1926, with five rooms like the 300-foot Hall of Statues (40-foot ceiling), Ballroom, Square Room (rare helictites), and Hanging Forest. 50-minute easy tour showcases nature's best.
Off-season research site for white-nose syndrome in bats by universities and Pennsylvania Game Commission. Features a 13-acre campground with sites and cabins for extended stays.
