The State Parks Built Around Caves
Spelunkers have been exploring caves as a hobby since around 1895, and humans have used caves since early in our history. There is something fascinating about being able to explore tunnels spanning beneath our feet. Luckily, there are several state parks built around caves where anyone is able to visit and admire these structures. Some offer guided tours along lit walkways, while others let visitors crawl through wild passages on their own. Many of these parks also have trails and campgrounds above ground for anyone who would rather stay in the daylight.
Florida Caverns State Park
About an hour drive from Tallahassee in Marianna, Florida, is Florida Caverns State Park. It is the only state park in Florida to have cave tours offered to the public. These tours last around 45 minutes, but visitors should keep in mind that it is considered to be a moderately strenuous tour. Visitors should not be deterred from visiting this cave because the strenuous walk is worth the views. The Florida Cavern has many formations such as limestone stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and draperies. It is thanks to the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, that this cave can still be enjoyed to this day. The CCC developed the park during the Great Depression under the New Deal program, and then it was officially opened in 1942.
There is more to do than just visiting the cave. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Florida Caverns State Park, including hiking, boating, and picnicking. It is a place with something to do for everyone.
Maquoketa Caves State Park
Located in Maquoketa, Iowa, Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves than any other state park in Iowa. This park has also been a popular location to go to for decades, with documentation of people visiting the area from the 1860s. Visitors are able to hike a six-mile trail system that links all the caves and overlooks that are throughout the park.
Some of the most popular caves in this state park are the Dancehall Cave, Hernando's Hideaway, Shinbone Cave, and Wye Cave. However, there are around 13 caves to explore throughout this state park.
For those interested in more information about the caves and their formation, there is an interpretive center open on weekends during the summer months.
Cathedral Caverns State Park
In Woodville, Alabama, visitors can take in the sights of Cathedral Caverns State Park. This park offers plenty to do and also offers cave tours. Cathedral Cavern itself is known for its massive opening that is 126 feet wide and 25 feet high. This cavern is also the home to one of the largest stalagmites in the world, which is 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. This cave was originally called Bat Cave and opened to the public in the 1950s. Later, it was renamed Cathedral Caverns and was purchased by the state in 1987. In 2000, Cathedral Caverns was opened as a State Park. While the cave is what brings in many visitors, the park is 493 acres and has marked hiking trails that can be traversed by those who may be more claustrophobic.
Onondaga Cave State Park
A little less than two hours away from the capital of Missouri in Leasburg is Onondaga Cave State Park. Visitors can take a guided tour through the cave where they can also view multiple stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Due to these beautiful formations, Onondaga Cave is considered a National Natural Landmark. For those interested in the area above ground, there is access to the Meramec River, so guests can enjoy the water, canoe, and fish.
Laurel Caverns State Park
Located in Farmington, Pennsylvania, Laurel Caverns State Park is one of Pennsylvania's newest state parks. Laurel Caverns is a calcareous sandstone cave and is one of the largest of this type of cave in the world. What makes calcareous sandstone caves different from others is that they do not form stalactites since they do not have mineral-rich waters that drip from the ceiling. While visitors cannot purchase tickets ahead of time or make reservations, people can still buy their tickets at the location and enjoy over four miles of cave passages. Laurel Caverns is not just one of the largest calcareous sandstone caves but also the largest natural bat hibernaculum in the northeastern United States. Due to this, the cave is closed during the winter months to respect the bats' hibernation season.
Longhorn Cavern State Park
About an hour and a half from Austin, Texas, in Burnet is Longhorn Cavern State Park. This park has plenty to offer, such as a 90-minute walking tour and a wild cave tour that is 3 hours long. On weekends, a blacklight cavern tour is also offered. For those more interested in hiking, there is also the Backbone Ridge trail system. This park was also a creation of the CCC in the 1930s, and there is an exhibit on the grounds where visitors can learn more about the history of the cave.
Alabaster Caverns State Park
In Freedom, Oklahoma, Alabaster Caverns State Park is one of the largest natural gypsum caves in the world that is open to the public. There are daily guided tours offered, but for those not interested in the caves, there are also RV and tent sites and hiking trails. Four caves are a part of Alabaster Caverns, and their lengths range from 550 feet to 1,600 feet. To explore these caves, visitors have the option to be able to spelunk. If spelunking, guests are encouraged to make sure they carry proper equipment. For those who would like to take in the sights above ground, there is a picnic area that offers grills with no reservations required.
Plenty to Explore
One of the beauties of the United States is the opportunity to explore our different states and the parks they have to offer. This includes the fascinating State Parks built around caves that can be experienced and enjoyed. Just be sure to bring a hard hat, flashlight, and sturdy shoes!
