Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park
4.7(5.0K)google
4.4(122)yelp
BoatingWildlife WatchingKidsIndoorOutdoorMust-SeeGuided Tour OnlyGuided TourEducationalCaveLakeWildlife
Overview
Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park, located in Centre Hall, is America's only all-water cavern and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors explore this stunning limestone cavern entirely by motorboat, floating past glittering stalactites and dramatic rock formations illuminated by custom lighting. Outside the cavern, the park offers a massive wildlife safari tour where guests can see native animals like wolves, bison, bears, and elk in their natural habitats. It is a thrilling, multifaceted adventure that perfectly combines geology and wildlife conservation.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Tue9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2.5-4 hours
Best TimeExcellent year-round due to the cave's constant 52°F (11°C) natural climate control. Aim for weekday mornings right at 10:00 AM opening from May to September; as America's only all-water cavern explored entirely by motorized flat-bottom boats, early arrival guarantees immediate boarding to view illuminated stalactites before school field trips crest.
Getting ThereLocated in Centre Hall at 222 Penns Cave Road. Driving a car is mandatory. From State College, follow PA-144 N north to Centre Hall, turn right east onto PA-192 E for 5 miles, and follow the massive cave signage onto Penns Cave Road. The complex provides an immense, well-lit and complimentary flat asphalt parking plaza.
Travel Tips
- As America's only all-water cavern completely navigated by motorized flat-bottom boats, seat capacity per tour is strictly finite, sending weekend queues past 2 hours; arrive 20 minutes before ticket window openings as boat cave tours cannot be reserved online and are walk-up only.
- Cavern interiors sustain an unyielding year-round microclimate of 52°F (11°C) with cold drafts rising off the underground river; packing a thermal fleece or windproof jacket is essential. Navigating the access trail requires walking down a steep, frequently damp, zigzagging concrete ramp unsuited for slick footwear.
- The cavern boat cruise and the overland Wildlife Park Tour operate on distinct ticketing tracks and separate schedules, requiring a minimum 3-hour itinerary block; the wildlife tour utilizes open-air trucks which face immediate operational suspension in the event of severe regional thunderstorms.
Reviews
Positive
- The boat tour through the cavern is a unique experience, and the guides are humorous and insightful about the history and geology.
- The wildlife motor tour offers great views of native North American animals like wolves, bears, and bison, perfect for families with kids.
- The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms, a nice gift shop, and spacious grassy picnic areas. Great layout overall.
- The cavern stays naturally cool year-round, making it a perfect escape during hot summer days with breathtaking cave formations.
Heads up
- The pricing lacks value as the cavern and wildlife tours are charged separately, making it quite expensive for a full family day out.
- During peak season, the wait times can be very long, and you cannot reserve specific boat tour times online in advance, leading to long lines.
- Poor accessibility as reaching the cave entrance requires walking down a very steep rocky incline and steps, which is tough for strollers or mobility issues.
- The wildlife tour feels a bit too commercialized at times, with mandatory stops designed to push merchandise or paid photo opportunities.