Prepare for an Unforgettable Adventure
A little planning goes a long way! Review our Essential Preparation Checklist before your visit to learn what to wear, what to expect, accessibility information, arrival tips, and important tour requirements. With just a few minutes of preparation, you'll be ready to enjoy everything Penn's Cave has to offer.
When's the Best Time to Buy Tickets?
Online Sales | In-Person (Walk-In) Sales | |
|---|---|---|
Best For | Planning ahead and securing a specific time. | Last-minute visits or when online times are sold out. |
Availability | Sells out quickly, especially on weekends. | A set percentage is held back for on-site sale daily. |
Booking Method | Visitors Center on-site. | |
Daily Start Time | Available 24/7 until sold out. | New allotment available at 9AM daily. |
Risk Level | Low (if booked early). | Higher; risk of wait times or sell-outs if arriving after noon. |
Clothing & Comfort
- Layer Up: The cavern maintains a constant 52°F temperature; a light sweater or jacket is recommended.
- Bus Tour Gear: Windows are removed from the Farm-Nature-Wildlife tour buses, so jackets are recommended for this portion of the trip as well.
- Footwear: Expect to navigate a 350-foot incline and 48 steps for the cavern tour, and gravel or shale surfaces during the Farm-Nature-Wildlife Tour stop.. Shoes such as sneakers are recommended.
Timing & Logistics
- Allocate Enough Time: Plan for approximately 3 hours to complete both the Cavern and Farm-Nature-Wildlife tours, plus an additional 30 minutes if you wish to try the maze.
- Arrival Window: For "walk-in" tickets on weekends or holidays, arriving before noon is strongly recommended to avoid long waits or sold-out tours.
- Parking: Free parking is available near the Historic Cave House and in a large gravel lot that can accommodate overflow parking, large rigs, campers, and tour buses.
Physical Requirements
- Cavern Tour: Visitors must be able to descend and ascend a 350-foot, 45-degree incline and 48 steps to reach the boat.
- Farm-Nature-Wildlife Tour: This tour involves a bus ride over steep hills and bumpy terrain. Guests must be able to navigate three to four steps to enter and exit the bus.
- Off-Road Jeep Tour: This high-adventure tour includes significant obstacles like 27-degree side-slopes and vertical climbing walls. It is not suitable for those with physical restrictions and has a 300lb weight limit per person. Guests must also be able to navigate their way into these “lifted” jeeps.
Specific Tour Restrictions
- Mountain Tour: Children aged 8 and under are prohibited from this specific tour. Two week advance notice for reservations and a non-refundable deposit are required.
- Large Groups: If you are traveling with a group of 20 or more paying customers, you must book via phone or email rather than the online system. Two week advance notice for reservations and a non-refundable deposit are required.
Accessibility
- Accessibility Note: Penn’s Cave tours are not handicap accessible. If members of your party require accessible facilities, nearby Woodward Cavern and Lincoln Caverns offer accessible sections with advanced reservations.