Discover Nature's Underground Secrets at Indian Echo Caverns

Rolling hills, flowing rivers and streams, lush farmland, dense forests, wildflower meadows. Take a look around Pennsylvania Dutch Country and you'll experience all the beauty nature has to offer – at least above ground. Deep beneath the surface, however, there's a natural geologic wonder that's equally as beautiful and fascinating – Indian Echo Caverns at Echo Dell. Come explore these marvelous limestone formations 440 million years in the making. They're conveniently located just 3 miles west of Hershey and a quick 30-minute drive from B.F. Hiestand House B&B.

Thanks to a thick layer of limestone, Pennsylvania's geology provides a treasure of caves and caverns. As water flowed from the surface through the limestone, it eroded the rock, giving way to more and larger openings and crevices. The earliest people to inhabit Indian Echo Caverns were likely the Susquehannock Indians, using the underground space as storage and shelter. In the 17th century, early European explorers and fur trappers likely discovered the mouth of the caverns while navigating the Swatara Creek, which empties into the Susquehanna River. Today, the property is privately owned and operated as a show cave.

You can learn about the history, ecology and impressive formations at Indian Echo Caverns during a 45-minute guided walking tour. Descend down a long set of stairs to access the main entrance to the caverns. You'll see how dripping water has sculpted magnificent flowstone, curtains, cascades and draperies against a background of pillars and gigantic columns. Travel through the well-lit passageways from one cave chamber to the next. The largest chamber is the Indian Ballroom, from where all the other passages stem. The most photographed spot in the caverns is Crystal Lake, a 6-foot-deep pool of sparkling clear water. 

Pro tip: When you visit Indian Echo Caverns, wear good walking shoes and a light jacket – it's 52 degrees inside the cave all year round! From the shimmering limestone walls to the jaw-dropping ancient geological formations, we bet you never realized PA Dutch Country's natural beauty doesn't end above ground.