Celebrate National Caves & Karst Day at Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks
The National Caves Association, representing 90 show caves across the United States, Bermuda, and Barbados, has designated the first Saturday in June as National Caves and Karst Day. This initiative raises awareness about the vital roles caves and karst landscapes play in our environment and daily lives. In 2021, marking the fifth annual event, it coincided with the United Nations' International Year of Caves and Karst, uniting speleologists, explorers, and cave professionals worldwide.
Publicly accessible caves offer endless opportunities to explore, learn, and connect with nature. National Caves and Karst Day encourages visitors to experience at least one cave this summer. Here are compelling reasons to visit:
1. Caves Fascinate
No two caves are identical. Guided tours reveal stunning formations millions of years in the making, including stalactites, stalagmites, aragonite crystals, flowstone, and cave bacon. Many feature aquatic wonders like pools, streams, underground rivers, and waterfalls.
2. Caves Educate
Expert-led tours cover the cave's history, local geology, the ecological benefits of bats, and conservation efforts. Caves connect directly to groundwater, supplying drinking water for 50% of Americans. Scientists analyze formations for ancient climate data spanning hundreds of thousands of years and monitor water for mineral changes.
3. Caves Inspire
Family vacations create lasting memories. Cave adventures foster a lifelong passion for science and nature in children while providing quality bonding time.
4. Caves Are Fun
Whether with family or friends, caves deliver awe-inspiring adventures, uncovering hidden underground realms for enjoyment at any age.
5. Naturally Beneficial
Caves form gradually over millions of years, drop by drop. Their serene environments boost energy, enhance cognition, reduce stress and anger, and lower blood pressure and heart rates, as supported by nature-wellness research.
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks, located on William Penn Highway just 3 miles west of Huntingdon, PA, hosted a special National Caves and Karst Day celebration on Sunday, June 6, 2021, with $10 "Ten for Penn" tickets for all guests. Highlights included interpretive tours of two crystal caverns, Raystown Rocks Gift Shop, gem panning, free cave crafts, visits with Echo the bat (12-3 PM), and Warrior Ridge nature trails. No reservations; first-come, first-served from 9 AM to 5 PM. Masks required in Visitor Center for unvaccinated and on all cavern tours.
For details on Lincoln Caverns' events, visit www.lincolncaverns.com or call 814.643.0268.
Learn more about the National Caves Association at www.cavern.com.
