While I was planning my road trip in October 2021, I was looking for some activities to round out a couple days crossing through central Pennsylvania. Obviously October in Pennsylvania is always beautiful due to foliage changing so being outside as much as possible was definitely high on my priority list, along with being reasonably priced and noteworthy. My Aunt suggested I check out Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park. She had been there several years before and had a great time. According to their website at the time of the visit “Penn’s Cave is America’s only all-water cavern & farm-nature-wildlife park”. The park is located on 1,600 acres boasting a visitors center with a gift shop and cafe, activities for kids, cave tours by boat and wildlife tours by bus. We visited both the cavern and the wildlife park. This seemed to be the most common package as the majority of the people we were on the boat trip with were also on the bus for the zoo tour. Make sure to take a jacket for the cavern tour as it will always be a bit chilly underground and the roof tends to drip. If you’re going to be taking both the cavern and park tour, plan on being at the park for at least 3 hours.
When we were there we ate bison burgers for lunch at the cafe / gift shop while waiting for the second half of our tour to begin. There was also a little outside area decorated for fall, perfect for taking pictures. I would definitely suggest a visit. All the employees were friendly and helpful. Tickets were reasonably priced and we were able to be there for most of the day. Penn’s Cave would be a great place for all ages with only limited walking necessary to get to the boat access ramps and buses from the visitor center.
Tickets should be bought ahead of time although walk-ins are welcome on a first come first served basis. Tour times vary so make sure to check their website before showing up. When we tried to go to Penn’s Cave we didn’t buy tickets ahead of time, we showed up and the tickets had sold out much earlier in the day causing us to have to rearrange our plans and come back later during our trip. Gift cards are also available for purchase which could make a great present.
