Lincoln Caverns group tours may be scheduled any day of the week, any day of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. If you have any questions or would like to reserve a group tour, please send us a message below.
The northeast’s premiere Caves & Karst Education Facility invites you and your students to join us for a unique and unforgettable field trip experience – available year-round!
All field trips include:
Introduction to Speleology – Pre-Visit Classroom Program
This program prepares students of all ages for the cavern experience. A one-hour program will be presented by a member of our staff, in the classroom, prior to the field trip of the caverns. The program may also be presented at the caverns during your field trip if travel distance to your school is prohibitive or school scheduling does not permit. Virtual programming is available upon request.
Student Information Packets
Given to each participant these packets include brochures on caves and cave conservation, plus a return visit coupon!
Field Trip Fact Sheets and Complete Schedules
Schedules are created to take all the guesswork and hassle out of field trip planning. Schedules will be mailed with your confirmation and a copy of Pennsylvania Academic Standards met by the interpretive cavern tour and Geoworks workshop for your group.
Newly Revised Lessons & Activities
Available by signing up for our Teacher’s Area.
Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel
Great videos and lessons for students of all ages!
School Group Packages:
Click here for our 2024-2025 School Group Brochure featuring exciting and educational field trip packages to make your planning a breeze!
During your visit:
Cavern Tours
Interpretive tours of Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks, our spectacular underground classrooms, are always geared to the grade level of your students. Topics covered on the tour include the discovery and history of the caverns, an explanation of cave forming processes, types of speleothems, and cave life with an emphasis on cave conservation.
Geoworks Workshops
Programs held at the Indoor Learning Center include your choice of seventeen optional Geoworks geology/speleology workshops. Documentation provided for all activities relating to PA Dept. of Education’s STEEL standards as of January 2025. Something to fit almost any science curriculum!
Picnic Pavilions
Picnic pavilions available by reservation, free of charge OR during inclement weather indoor facilities may be used (space permitting).
Thank-you Gifts
A special gift for each teacher plus a 10% discount on book & rock purchases (also available by mail).
Complimentary Admission
Admission is on us for teachers, chaperones, and bus drivers (Based on 2 complimentary tickets per 15 paid admissions). Plus free coffee upon arrival.
Raystown Country’s Largest Souvenir & Gift Shop
The gift shop features a large Rock and Mineral section, books and educational toys.
Optional Activities for Your Visit:
Pan for Real Gems
Each participant receives a bag of ‘rough mix’ to sift through in our authentic sluice. Kids love panning and it’s a great value too. Keep what you find! Available mid-March through mid-November.
Group Requirements:
- Minimum Number of Students for all packages: 15
- Teachers/Adult Chaperones are free of charge – up to 2 per tour. Additional adults – $19.00/person
- Times listed in 2024-2025 School Group Brochure are approximate & will vary according to number of students
For Reservations or more information please contact us or call 814-643-0268, or 814-386-3023
“Very accommodating…treat staff & students with utmost respect…show amazing patience and tolerance of 3rd grade level behaviors and questions.”
Cambria Heights Elementary School, May 2022
“Our class was absolutely amazed at the cavern tour. This is the first field trip for this group of second graders.”
Tyrone Elementary School, May 2022
“The students loved the caves and seeing things that were mentioned in the classroom presentation. The gift shop was a big hit too! They love the treasures they brought home.”
Conemaugh Township, May 2022
Plan now to visit Lincoln Caverns and share with your youth group members the natural beauty and splendor of the underground world at the Northeast’s Premiere Caves & Karst Educational Facility!
Facilities and Services:
- 2024-2025 Youth Group Brochure with ‘Geoworks’ packages designed to make your youth group outing fun AND educational.
- New theme tours & birthday packages for an easy to plan & unique party idea. Ideal for youth groups, family reunions & other groups too!
- Interpretive Tours of two crystal caverns, always geared to the age level of your group.
- GEOWORKS workshops – choice of 17 fun and educational hands-on sessions, always geared to age level of the participants!
- Intro. to Speleology – The Study of Caves – pre-tour program.
- Cave information packets for each participant.
- Raystown Country’s Largest Gift Shop featuring reasonably priced educational gifts.
- Picnic pavilions or indoor eating facilities during inclement weather.
- Nature Trails
Fun and Educational:
- Pan for real gems – Each participant receives a bag of ‘rough mix’ to sift through in our authentic sluice. Kids love panning and it’s a great value too. Keep what you find!
- Kids Cave Kamp
- Ghosts & Goblins
- Badge and Patch Programs for Scouts – range from 5 to 9 hours and are offered year-round subject to date availability. Sign up to view Scout Resources.
- Picnic pavilions or indoor eating facilities during inclement weather.
Lincoln Caverns has been providing quality programming to Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA since 1990. It is our goal to exceed your expectations and to provide programs in a safe and comfortable environment for you and your scouts. Directed by a Girl Scout veteran with over 30 years of volunteer experience, Lincoln Caverns’ staff members are registered badge counselors, first aid and CPR certified, have criminal and child abuse clearances, and follow Safety-Wise and Scouts BSA Standards and Guidelines.
GIRL SCOUT PROGRAMS AT LINCOLN CAVERNS
Lincoln Caverns is committed to providing quality educational programming for Girl Scouts of all ages. In addition to GSUSA badges and Journeys, Lincoln Caverns has developed patch programs to introduce girls to the worlds of geology, geocaching, and of course, caves! Join in the fun of badge/patch programs at Lincoln Caverns in one of three ways! Event days are designed for small troops to participate since no minimum fee is required. Individual group programs are available year-round on date of your choice, subject to availability (minimum fees apply). Check with your Girl Scout Council about scheduling programs at Lincoln Caverns.
Current Program offerings include:
NEW Girl Scout Daisies:
• Animal Observer Badge – call for information & reservations!
Girl Scout Brownies:
• Eco-Friend Badge
• Letterboxer Brownie Badge
• Brownie Cave Explorer Patch Program
• Rocks Rock Patch
• Fossil Fun Patch
• Going Batty Patch
• WOW! Journey Jumpstart – Wonders of Water … Underground
Girl Scout Juniors:
• Geology Rocks Patch
• Animal Habitats Badge
• Geocacher Badge
• Going Batty Patch
• Junior Cave Explorer Patch
Girl Scout Teens, Ambassadors, and Seniors:
- Geology Rocks Patch
- Going Batty Patch
- Directions Matter Patch
- NEW! Explore More Patch
Please visit our Scout Leader Resource area for more details about our programs.
SCOUTS BSA PROGRAMS AT LINCOLN CAVERNS
Explore rocks, minerals, fossils, bats, and caves in the unique beltloop, pin, and merit badge programs offered at Lincoln Caverns. Two ways to participate in these programs – event days and individually scheduled programs. Event Days are a treat for small troops, since no minimum fee is required, and boys will get to meet scouts from other troops. Individually scheduled programs can be held year-round on your choice of date (minimum fees apply).
Cub Scouts & Webelos:
• Digging in the Past Adventure – Wolves
• Finding Your Way Adventure – Wolves
• Earth Rocks Adventure – Webelos
• Champions for Nature Adventure – Webelos
• Jr. Cave Explorer Patch Program
• Going Batty Patch Program
Also available, by request – Down & Dirty NOVA Award and NOVA Wild!
Scouts BSA:
• Geology Merit Badge
• Mammal Study Merit Badge
• Geocaching Program and Merit Badge Workshops
• NEW! Exploration Merit Badge
Please visit our Scout Leader Resource area for more details about our programs.
ULTIMATE UNDERGROUND THEME TOUR PACKAGES
Make your next birthday celebration extra special – all packages make great birthday parties! Theme tours are also ideal for youth groups, family reunions and others who would like to add some interactive fun to their visit!
All Theme Packages Include:
- Intro. to Speleology pre-tour program
- SPECIAL 90 minute interpretive tour of two caverns
- Gem panning for children & teens
- FREE birthday party room rental
- Complimentary birthday child ticket with 15+ tickets
- Domino’s Pizza lunch or supper option available for additional $6/person
Theme packages may be scheduled any time, including evenings with an advance non-refundable deposit of $25 per tour group (15-20 people). Your Choice of six theme tour packages: 15+ tickets – $20.50/4-12, $25.00/Teen, $19.00/Adult
ULTIMATE UNDERGROUND THEME TOUR PACKAGES
BAT-TASTIC Fun Pak
Learn about our favorite furry friends with a great bat craft to take home!
Treasure Hunt Tour
A treasure map leading your pirate crew through the caves to hidden treasure!
Thinkin’ In Lincoln Tour
Budding scientists experiment IN the caverns and throughout the tour!
Scavenger Hunt Tour
A challenging, fun, & educational game with some friendly competition along the way! Prizes too!
Not Just Jurassic Cave Fun Pak
Where have all the dinosaurs gone? Meet T-Rex to find out with games and activities and a dino craft to take home.
Cave Critter Fun Pak
Play a game to learn about cave animals and how they survive in caves. Make a critter craft to take home!
BOO-TACULAR OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS!
The ultimate experience. Choose Ghosts & Goblins for 90 minutes of fabulous fall family fun!
Purchase 15 or more tickets and birthday child & party room are free!
Check out our Ghosts & Goblins ticket page for more information.
*Adult prices do NOT include panning for gems. Add $6.00/adult for those who wish to pan for gems.
*You may add the pizza lunch/supper option for $6/person.
Prices and programs subject to change without notice and will be confirmed at time of reservation.
Lincoln Caverns invites all types of groups to join us and experience the beauty and splendor of the underground world. The following are an example of some of the groups that visit Lincoln Caverns: family reunions, corporate groups, church groups, bus tours, senior citizens and many more.
Enjoy an entertaining tour by our specially trained staff. Picnic pavilions are available at no additional charge and indoor meeting/party rooms may be reserved at a nominal service fee, year-round. Group tours may be reserved any time of the day, any day of the week, year-round. For groups consisting largely of children, we recommend our Youth Group packages.
There are steps in the caverns, some of which are optional, so please allow additional time for Senior Groups. The tour is slow paced, but those with heart conditions should be advised beforehand that this is a walking tour.
If time does not allow for a cavern tour, many groups enjoy panning for gems in our sluice and browsing through the wide selection of gift items available in our visitor’s center.
We offer group rates for groups of 15+. Please call 814.643.0268 or e-mail info@lincolncaverns.com and let us know what activities you would like to include in your visit, and we’ll be happy to offer a price quote for your group. Reservations should be made at least 10 days in advance, when possible. A $25 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of reservation (per tour group of 15 – 20 people) and will be deducted from your final payment on the day of your visit.
NEW – BLACKLIGHT ADVENTURES!
Ideal for groups of teens and adults (ages 10+ only) looking for a truly unique and awesome experience. After an informal presentation of our pre-tour program, An Introduction to Speleology – The Study of Caves, tour Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks by BLACKLIGHT. See glowing speleothems & calcite crystals reveal their spectacular phosphorescent beauty! Minimum purchase 15 tickets (maximum 60). Group ticket price is $25.00/person. Please call 814-643-0268 to reserve. This special evening tour is offered year-round by reservation. For smaller groups, you can purchase tickets for our regularly scheduled Blacklight Tours here – Advance ticket purchase required.
Birthday Groups
Throw your next birthday party at Lincoln Caverns. We offer the Ultimate Underground Birthday Parties along with pavilions, party rooms, and nature trails available with your choice of birthday package.
Homeschool Groups
We offer programs for Homeschool groups, including Workshop Wednesdays. Check our event calendar for special events.
Youth Groups
Youth groups have many options for activities at Lincoln Caverns. Come to Lincoln Caverns for just a tour or spend the day with us and enjoy fun-filled adventure and learning. Check out the Youth Group section to see what we can offer to FFA, 4-H, community centers, church youth groups, and other youth organizations.
Group Tour Inquiry
Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to reserve a group tour!
We took our niece and her family to see this beautiful natural wonder on 4th of July. We realized we were going to be late for our tour so we called and they kindly moved us to a later time. Obviously, this is only possible if they’re not totally booked. I recommend booking the tour ahead of time online – it’s super easy. They do accept walk ins and you can call on your way to find out their availability. Our 8 year old great-niece was enthralled, as were the children (ages about 6-11?) in the other family on the tour. Us adults were impressed as well. All of the staff were very friendly and helpful. Our guide, Zack, was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and kind, especially with the kids. He made the tour fun and interesting, and inspired me to me to write a review, which I don’t usually do! The tour was about 90 minutes, mostly because we took our time and asked lots of questions. I think you can do it in an hour. The store was full of good quality memorabilia and gifts. Our great-niece panned for gems for $6 and got a decent size bag. I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did!
We enjoyed our visit to Lincoln Caverns. We had a great time exploring the caves and gained lots of knowledge from our tour guide Mike! After visiting the cave we then panned for gems and other treasures after purchasing’s a bag of pay dirt. I purchased the “Mother Load” and it did not disappoint! We were thrilled with all the awesome things we got!
My family had traveled to Huntingdon for my son’s college visit to Juniata. While out to dinner, we stumbled upon a brochure for Lincoln Caverns . On a whim we decided to add it to our itinerary and I am so thankful. It was so much larger than we had anticipated. The tour lasted for about an hour and a half. Our tour guide knew the history very well and would stop to answer any questions. He was very patient when any guest wanted to stop and take pictures. We decided to do the Friday night tour which inclued the blacklights. I think by chosing Friday night, there were less crowds. We lucked out with only 4 people in our group. The caverns are amazing and would be interesting for children, teenagers, parents and grandparents alike. I would definitely recommend the tour. Happy caving!
Took a spur of the moment trip with my son and landed upon this little gem. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and made it fun and exciting for my son. Learned a lot and had fun doing so. Definitely would recommend for anyone visiting the area. Well worth it!
Mike was an awesome tour guide. Our experience was both fun and educational for all ages. The gem shop was great and everyone had a blast sifting for rocks outside after our tour. If you are looking for a great activity check out Lincoln Caverns!
The blacklight adventures was alot of fun and very informative! Gift shop items weren’t ridiculously priced and the tour guide/owner was so friendly and likeable! Will definitely be doing a daytime tour soon!
Went during thier thier haunt. I had the life scared out of me but it was fun. Actors were GREAT. There was lot of walking but the caverns were amazing and pure beauty. The gift shop was cool with all the trinkets. Highly recommend this place. Kuddos to this place.
Just wanted to drop an email to you! Wanted to report back that we LOVED THE TOUR!!! We took the tour on Sunday, April 23rd and our guide was Sherri! It was our first visit to Lincoln Caverns and the overall experience was EXCELLENT! Sherri, our guide was both Excellent in her knowledge of the Caverns and Friendliness and Courtesy! The Caverns Exceeded my expectations and we will be recommending Lincoln Caverns to others!!! We saw the road signs on our way to Gettysburg which made us stop!
- I felt that this was one of the best organized and thought out MBs our Troop has taken at Lincoln Caverns and we’ve taken Geology, Geocaching, and now Exploration. The workshops were interesting. The instructors held the Scouts’ interest and engaged them in all the activities. They promoted the Scouts’ participation in all the Workshops. The Scouts were not hesitant about asking questions of the instructors and answering theirs. I would highly recommend the Exploration MB offered at Lincoln Caverns!
This place was incredible! There was an informative talk before hand that was very useful and well explained! Our guide was Ann, and she was extremely knowledgable and made the experience very exciting! The caverns themselves were very well maintained and beautiful. Definately will be returning!
We had an amazing time at Lincoln Caverns. I have been to a lot of badge workshops and these were the most comprehensive I have seen. The kids learned so much (and so did the adults!!). We plan to see what we can do to help bats at home. The blacklight/flashlight tour was phenomenal! We will definitely spread the word. You do a great job. LC is truly a hidden gem!
This cavern tour was so fun and educational. We have been on many cavern tours. Lincoln caverns and whispering rocks might be our favorite out of all the cavern tours we have taken. It was awesome because it was authentic and not too commercialized. We really felt like we were explorers navigating the narrow passageways. These caverns also have some very cool formations and fossils. The gift shop was great too. There were a lot of really cool rocks and souvenirs there. The staff that I spoke to on the phone and in the gift shop were friendly and helpful. The best part of our tour was Mr. Mike. He was just excellent. He was so good with kids, very funny, informative and friendly. Mr. Mike gave us a fantastic tour and made it very fun. It is very obvious that he loves the caverns and is very passionate about teaching his guests all about the caverns and their history.
We had a wonderful time – our best time as a troop yet!!! The girls had so much fun learning and bonding with their friends and the leaders and parents were all very impressed by the content and planning of the weekend. Your scout programs are wonderful!
Beautiful caverns! Our tour guide Mike was informative, entertaining and clearly knew the science around what we were seeing. One member of our party was seeing their first cavern and was a little nervous and Mike quickly put them at ease so they could enjoy the tour. There gift shop was fun to look around and the people inside were very friendly. Highly recommend!
The Ghost and Goblins tour was the best Halloween attraction I have been to!! There were decorations everywhere and the staff all wore costumes. The tour guides did an excellent job staying in their spooky characters while interacting with those on the tour. The experience itself included a spooky tour of the caverns, a haunted walk through the forest, and a haunted hayride. For someone like me who loves Halloween and autumn in general, I was happy how long the experience was! It did not feel cheap or fake. It was a great immersive experience. Thanks!
I visited here with my daughter and 2 young grandsons, ages 9 and 7. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Our guide, Zack, was very informative and took the time to explain things about the cave, it’s history, and how it was found, and answer any questions we had. The tour was paced nicely, we had time to stop at the different formations and explore a couple small areas just off the main path.
They have a nice gift shop with items that are pretty reasonably priced, with a large selection of rocks and gemstones as well as other souvenirs. The boys did the sluice and had quite a lot of large as well as smaller gemstones in their bags.
There’s a small snack bar inside and an open, covered pavilion outside with picnic tables. Restrooms were very clean.
We had a great time. I am sorry I don’t remember the guides name but he has been there for a long time. I really appreciated he shared a flashlight with my grandson who was a little nervous about it all once we entered. Very informative and learned a lot. We did enjoy it. My grandsons said they are going to bring mommy and daddy back. They really liked the panning for gems too!! Thank you for the great experience for their first time.
Definitely a great stop. Two separate caves in one area! The guided tour was awesome and is definitely neat to see. Fine for younger kids, my 3 year old loved it. Awesome gift shop too, with lots of neat items. The kids enjoyed panning for gems too. We’ve gone back again just to visit the gift shop and let the kids pan. Very friendly staff too!
Two Caverns for the Price of One!
This tour is an amazing value. There are actually two caverns on this tour, and both are very interesting. The guides are well schooled in the geology of the cave and their enthusiasm shows. Our school group has been coming for years, and students who have already been on the tour in prior years were begging to go back this year, if that tells you anything. Fun gift shop and gem-panning available, too!
We took our homeschoolers for workshop Wednesday and they had a great time. Our guide Zack was very knowledgeable and friendly. Jen did our workshop and made it very fun for the kids to learn about rocks and fossils. Leigh was working in the girftshop and she was also full of knowledge about any mineral or fossil my daughter showed her. Their prices are very reasonable also. I would highly recommend visiting Lincoln Caverns. My daughters can’t wait to go back
We took our two grandsons, ages 11 and 9 on August 24th to tour the caverns. The tour guide was very informative and interesting. Our grandsons enjoyed it very much as well as my husband and myself. The boys also enjoyed panning for gems at the end of the tour. The gift shop also had great gifts.
- My troop had a great time. The instructors were very good and extremely knowledgeable about the underground world. It has been one of the best merit badges we have done in years.
I toured the cave today with my 6 year old grandson. Took advantage of the grandparent day coupon. Our guide, Sophia, did a wonderful job telling us about the history of the cave and also answering questions. The gift shop has a good selection of products that are reasonably priced. Also, the restrooms are clean. This was my second time touring with a grandchild. I have two more to take. Nice cool place to go on a hot day. Definitely recommend.
Great tour. Took my 6 year old son today. He was the youngest in a group of 6. Mike was very knowledgable and patient kept the tour very entertaining and educational. Both my son and I really enjoyed it. The gift shop had a lot of great items in it as well. Highly recommend!
Love love love Lincoln Caverns, the intimate tours and the fact it is an active cave just makes this place magical. It is even more special when you get into the gift shop and its ran by members of a gem and mineral society so you can get education as well as access to buy raw gems and crystals.
An annual favorite
Every summer I choose a couple of my grandchildren (I have 21) to take to see the caves. I am a local, but most of my grandchildren are not. Each grandchild can’t wait until it is his turn. They talk about it years later. I even learn something new with each visit.
Attended Discovery Days, 2022…All the guides were fantastic, extremely knowledgable and attuned to informal education and working with the public, including small children. Warned us of anything that could be triggering, but did not over do it. Informal tourism education is a hard business to be in. Well done! Thank you!!
We loved our visit to Lincoln Caverns. The students learned so much and the staff is very knowledgeable and caring!
One of those great places that you used to visit as a kid with your parents. The caves were amazing. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. The staff was super friendly. Also as a tip, totally worth it to splurge for the kids to do the panning for gems. Loved it.
ALWAYS enjoyed our field trips to Lincoln Caverns. I’ve never found another location that provided such an educational, enjoyable and affordable experience for students within reach of our school. The trip also helps meet many of the National Science Standards when tied in with a Science Unit. As a teacher, I made many trips there over the years and believe each one was a special success for the students involved. Job well done, Lincoln Cavern Staff and Management!
We really enjoyed learning about the caves and family history. She accommodated our request for a tour even though she’s technically closed for the off season. She also recommended a local restaurant (Dream) which was fantastic. I would give 10 stars if I could.
We did a special which included a tour of the caves and learning about bats. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the tour was fascinating. Awesome scenery for pictures inside!
The bat education was great! Our family learned a lot and it kept our 9 year old engaged. The gem panning was fun! The bags of dirt with gems were really pretty nice and had a lot of gems in them.
There is a place for picnicking right there for a packed lunch, inside restrooms, and a great gift shop. Plenty of parking as well. We were there during off season, but we’re told the place is packed in the summer.
