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The United States is home to some truly stunning natural wonders, including countless caves. While caves may bring to mind dark, damp crevices that you’ll need rope to explore, many caves offer well-lit paths, tours, or require little to no experience to explore. Here are 10 incredible caves you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
1. Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Kentucky, is home to the world’s longest known cave system. You can see a portion of it yourself via a guided tour. This s is a great option for those who are looking to see their first cave in person, as well as those who’ve already seen plenty. The sheer size alone is stunning.
2. Carlsbad Cavern
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to over 100 caves, including the titular Carlsbad Cavern. The Cave is probably best known for the Big Room, a spacious cavern decorated with stalagmites. To see the cave for yourself, timed entry tickets are currently required, and can be reserved online.
3. Crystal Cave
Head over to Pennsylvania to see Crystal Cave. Crystal Cave features absolutely magical geological formations covering the walls and ceilings. Tickets to the cave can be purchased in person when arriving at the cave, or online.
4. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Head over to Colorado to visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. In addition to getting to explore a cave, you can also look forward to a variety of additional attractions including amusement rides and laser tag. Tickets are available for purchase online.
5. Oregon Caves National Monument
Oregon Caves National Monument is a fantastic example of a marble cave. This cave was carved by years of acidic rain seeping inside. The erosion resulted in the unique and striking rock formations that make up the cave today. Additionally, tours of the cave, led by a park ranger, are available.
6. Desoto Caverns
Desoto Caverns is a great choice for those looking to explore a cave and enjoy plenty of other things to do in one location. You can look forward to exploring the beautifully lit cave, as well as enjoying live entertainment and a variety of attractions including a maze and train rides.
7. Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls offers a memorable combination of cave exploring and viewing a cascading waterfall. Located in Tennessee, Ruby Falls is a gorgeously lit underground waterfall that you can see up close and in person. Timed entry reservations are required, and can additionally be made online.
8. Howe Caverns
New York is far better known for the Big Apple than it is for its caves. However, Howe Caverns is more than worth a visit. Unlike the majority of cave tours that involve walking – or possibly a bit of scrambling – a tour of Howe Caverns has a unique twist. In addition to walking, you’ll travel through part of the cave via boat, thanks to an underground body of water.
9. Black Chasm Cavern
Black Chasm Cavern is a stunning cave perfect for even those unfamiliar with caves. Featuring mostly level, well-lit pathways, you’ll also get to see several large cave rooms. This cavern is home to countless intricate geologic formations, as well as an underground lake in the second room.
10. Lost Sea Caverns
Lost Sea Caverns is home to the United States’ largest underground lake. You can see this breathtaking natural wonder for yourself via a tour of the caverns. The first part of the tour takes place on foot, where a guide will lead you through the cave. Additionally, the end of the tour includes a boat ride on the underground lake. Tickets can be purchased online.
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