A large patio overlooks red, gold, and orange autumn leaves draping the scenic Swatara Creek. The reflection of the brilliant colors bounces off the water like a mirror. Leafy green vines dangle above the grey stone cavern entrance. Inside the cavern, blue-grey limestone arcs overhead. Several small white lights under a ledge illuminate the path to the enormous Indian Ballroom (110 feet long and 50 feet high). Its limestone walls have thousands of stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites, all sizes and shapes, scattered everywhere. Beside the entrance to the northern canyon sits a stately column still forming after a stalactite and stalagmite joined millions of years ago. Water markings from the flood that Hurricane Agnus caused in 1972 create a circle high along the walls. In the center of the room, a slippery concrete stairway ascends to an enchanting display of small rock formations and lacy ferns surrounding a small pond.
In the southern canyon, Josh, our tour guide, tells us the tale of the Mummy and the Giant while using a flashlight to point out formations that make up the story. Water drips from above splashing our heads. The passage winds around to the Dead End Room, where the cavern roof collapsed forming what is called a breakdown. Turning to go back, we gaze up at the beautiful Natural Bridge rock arching over the wet gravel path.
The northern canyon meanders through a wonderland of flowstone with thousands of sparkling crystals. Moss dots the flowstone and bears resemblance to white icing dripping off the sides of cupcakes topped with green sugar sprinkles.
Rainbow Room, the tallest room at 80 feet high, has seven colors present: red clay, brown mud, blue-grey limestone, white calcium carbonate (flowstone), grey and black smoke damage (from early cave dweller campfires), and green plants. Delicate ferns that look like baby starfish grow on the walls, creating an awesome atrium.
The northern canyon ends at Crystal Lake and Wedding Lake. Crystal Lake sits full of clear spring water, while Wedding Lake is drier than normal. Between the two lakes lies The Wedding Chapel, a narrow room with a wooden walkway. Formations such as Honeymoon Ski Slopes, Pipe Organ, and Six Tiered Wedding Cake decorate the area.
The last room on the cavern tour, Wilson’s Room, has black smoke stains on the limestone walls from campfires built by William Wilson. He called the cavern home from 1802 to 1821. Willy slept on a rock ledge over the fire pit so the heat from the fire would warm the rocks, which made for a good night’s sleep. He died in the cave at age of 62, and his jounral provides great insight in to his life. A small version of the journal is available for purchase in the gift shop.
In 1919, a black wooden box with strange markings, found on a ledge in the Rainbow Room, appeared to be empty. A hidden plug opened a secret compartment in the box. Inside were several gems, jewelry, and a note on how to make diamonds. The box and its contents are on display in the gift shop.
According to the legend, Susquehannock Indians once lived along Swatara Creek. Some highlights of the story are how they used the cave for protection from harsh winter weather and to escape from summer heat. Since the cave stays at a constant 52°F, it offered them help year-round. It was also used to store food. The Indians didn’t venture far into the cavern for fear evil spirits might be lurking about.
Indian Echo Caverns, located in south-central Pennsylvania, opened for visitors in 1929. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. Beside the cavern, Indian Echo has gem panning, a playground, and a picnic area. Hours of operation are from 9am to 6pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. The rest of the year, hours are 10am to 4pm. The cavern is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Indian Echo Caverns is located between Harrisburg and Hershey off Route 322 in Hummelstown, on Middletown Road. For more information, Indian Echo Caverns or call 717/566-8131. If you are looking for other attractions in the area or places to stay, a great source of information is The Hershey Harrisburg Area Welcome Center