Natural
formations provide
spectacular special effects at
Hellertown's Lost River Caverns.
Gems,
Gifts and Supplies
A dazzling array
of gems, minerals and crystals along with
lapidary equipment can be found at Lost
River Caverns. Be sure to check out the
custom made jewelry, semi-precious and
precious stones, along with mountings and
supplies to create your own
jeweled-treasure. Don't forget the gift
shop with its assortment of unique
souvenirs. |
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Come with us
on an adventure through Lost River
Caverns, nature's underground wonderland. The
temperature is a constant 52 degrees, so you'll
need a sweater or jacket. Bring your camera too!
There's a lot to discover in this magical land of
crystal formations where the Lost River flows.
The Cave Is
Discovered
| In 1883 while a
lime- stone quarry operation was digging
where the parking lot now stands, the
entrance to the cave was accidentally
created. In 1930, hand- rails, lighting
and walkways were added, and the cave was
opened to the public. The natural
limestone cavern is kept in its
completely pristine state, and does not
house bats or other animals. |
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The five
picturesque cavern chambers have an
abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, and
other crystal formations along with
fluorescent minerals. Moving through the
cavern is the Lost River, whose clear
waters mysteriously originate from an
unknown source, then disappear once more
beneath the earth's surface. |
Touring The
Cave
| Geologists tell us
that the cavern began forming within the
last 250,000 years. Water dissolved the
limestone to form these unique chambers
and passageways. Seepage from rainfall
and melting snow still removes minerals
from the rock above the caverns, and
deposits them on the cave walls creating
fascinating formations. |
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One of
the rooms in the cavern was dedicated as
a chapel in 1949. It's been the site of
over 80 wedding ceremonies and was also
used as a ballroom in the late 1800's.
The cave's colorful history include its
uses by bootleggers during prohibition,
and college fraternities for initiation
ceremonies. |
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![[LOST RIVER CHRONICLES]](lrchron.jpg){kind=small}
