Lost River Caverns - Hellertown, PA - A Natural Limestone Cavern with Five Chambers

Located at 726 Durham Street in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, Lost River Caverns was formed when limestone was dissolved by water, a process known as karstification. Previously known as Lost Cave and Rentzeimer's Cave, Lost River Caverns is a natural limestone cavern that is made up of five chambers. A river called the Lost River runs through Lost River Caverns. The river is known as "Lost River'' because the mouth of the river and the source of the river have yet to be discovered. The caverns are located to the east of Hellertown, Pennsylvania, and were discovered when a limestone quarry cut into the caverns in 1883.

Lost River Caverns is open almost every day of the year. The only days that the caverns are completely closed are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The caverns are only open for half of the day on Easter. Regular hours of operation for Lost River Caverns are 9:00am to 6:00pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. At all other times of the year, the caverns are open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Year round, the store at Lost River Caverns keeps extended hours on Fridays (9:00am to 8:00pm). The cost of admission is $9.95 per adult (ages 13+) and $5.95 per child (age 3-12). Group rates are also available. Each day, the last cavern tour departs one hour before closing time.

The caverns maintain a constant temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit, so visitors may want to bring a jacket or a sweater. Lost River Caverns originally opened to the public in 1930. The five cavern chambers house several stalagmites and stalactites as well as other crystal formations. In addition, fluorescent minerals are located throughout the chambers. Rainfall seepage and melting snow continue to remove minerals from the rocks above the caverns, causing additional deposits on the walls that lead to more rock formations.

In 1949, one of the cavern's rooms was dedicated as a chapel. More than 80 wedding ceremonies have taken place in the chapel chamber. In the late 1800s, this same chamber was also used as a ballroom. The history of Lost River Caverns includes stories of bootleggers using the caverns during the time of prohibition. In the past, college fraternities have also used the caverns for initiation ceremonies.

Lost River Caverns is home to the Gilman Museum. The Gilman Museum houses unique minerals and gems as well as rare fossils. Some of the items in the museum have been passed down through generations. In addition, the Gilman Museum includes one of the largest private collections of antique weapons in the area.

Picnicking is available onsite at the Picnic Grove. There is a covered bridge in the Picnic Grove that overlooks Silver Creek. The grove is mainly shaded, creating a comfortable environment for an outdoor meal or snack. There is a gift shop on the premises that sells unique souvenirs. A variety of crystals, minerals, and gems can be found.

Additional information about Lost River Caverns can be obtained by calling 610-838-8767 or 888-529-1907.