This cave was discovered during construction of a PA highway. Now thousands visit every year

In 1930, Lincoln Caverns were discovered during the construction of U.S. Route 22. For three generations, the Dunlavy family has owned and operated the subterranean roadside attraction that draws thousands of visitors each year.

Ann Dunlavy, the current owner and president of the caverns, is the granddaughter of Myron Dunlavy Sr., who first leased and then bought the cavern in the 1930s. Her father, Myron Dunlavy Jr., discovered the second cave — Whisper Rocks — in 1941 after digging for three years. Visitors can now visit both on foot to see the varied formations and learn about the minerals that make up the cave.

“Why was he digging? Because he wanted to find another cave,” Ann Dunlavy said. “I mean, every cave explorer’s dream — even today — is to ... find a cave that nobody’s ever seen before.”

Lincoln Caverns also hosts events and programs — including T-Rex Tuesdays, which run every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can attend educational programs about dinosaurs, and can pan for fossils. On Wednesday nights you can attend a Blacklight Adventure tour, where you can witness the interaction between calcite and black light.

The parking lot and visitor center for Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks is located 30 miles from State College and nestled between mountains.

Visitors to the cavern spend around 75 minutes on a guided tour that traverses both Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks. Tours cost $20.98 for each person over the age of 13 and $12.98 for kids ages four to 12.

Mike Leonard is in his 12th season as a tour guide at Lincoln Caverns and says that each tour is unique. The guides aren’t required to recite from a set script — rather, there’s set information they have to share, but they can choose how they do it.

“So we’re a little bit silly,” he explained. “And when we do (the tour), we present it our own way.” Leonard, for his part, used a black light to “draw” a smiley face on one of the formations during a tour last week.

Both Dunlavy and Leonard spoke repeatedly about the emphasis of education in Lincoln Caverns’ programming. Visitors can expect to learn the difference between a stalactite and stalagmite and how the cave’s formations are created.

During field trip season, Dunlavy said that 160 kids visit the caverns daily — and before they visit, Dunlavy or one of the guides will go to the school and give a preparatory presentation.

“But our goal is not only to educate them, but to protect the cave,” Dunlavy said. “They have so much respect for the cave when they get here that they’re easier to handle than people coming in off the street.” That means the walls and formations of the cave are only to admire, not to touch.

The cave descends more than 100 feet below the ground. It’s a bit chilly — a constant temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit — but perfect to escape the heat on a hot Pennsylvania afternoon. The cave guides are trained in first aid and ours, at least, was great with the kids on our tour.

Tour groups max out at 20 people. There are no tours in January and February because of the weather. Following the tour, visitors can check out the gift shop or take a short hike up the hill above the caves.

What to know: Traversing the caverns requires scaling and descending several stairways. Visitors who require accessible routes can’t be accommodated on the tours. Even those who are physically able might be taken aback by some of the tight passageways and steep staircases.

What to bring: Sturdy sneakers or boots for traversing the cave and a light jacket for the slight chill of the underground.

How to get there: From State College take state Route 45 West about 30 miles toward Huntingdon.

Other central Pennsylvania caves to explore: Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park, Woodward Cave, Tytoona Cave

Lincoln Caverns is open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You can learn more about their special programs at the events page on their website.

This story was originally published June 27, 2023 at 10:45 AM.