Things to Do in Chambersburg

Extending up to 140 feet below ground level beneath a foothill of the Allegheny Front, the natural limestone formations of Indian Caverns yield beautiful glimpses of the Earth's inner geological mechanics. The majority of the cave's stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone are actively growing at a pace of 1 cubic inch every 120 years, just like the hair of a petrified cave mouse. Knowledgeable guides lead tours along nearly 1 mile of the cave's length in an hour, pointing out limestone formations and such cave wildlife as brown bats and salamanders from the comfort of an artificially lighted walkway. Guides recommend that visitors wear comfortable walking shoes and a light sweater, jacket, or the warmer half of a two-person horse costume as the cavern stays a constant 56 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

As tour-goers gaze on the cave's beautiful features, a guide elucidates its rich history from the first limestone deposit formed 405 million years ago to its opening to the public four months before the stock-market crash of 1929. Many Native-American artifacts were found in the cave during development and can be seen both inside the cavern and at the gift shop.