In 1920, road workers quarrying for limestone for for the construction of Maryland Route 34, accidentally found Crystal Grottoes. They drilled into a cliff, and began losing their drill bits. They detonated some dynamite in the drill holes, and discovered the caverns. The land owner, Ralph Downs, opened the cave as a tourist attraction in 1922. His grandchildren still run the family business.
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| Mike and I like to visit caves. Crystal Grottoes is different than others we have seen because the passages are so narrow. The owners say there are more formations per square foot than any other known cave. |
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| This is part of the roof or ceiling. The green algae on the ceiling grows because the passages are illuminated for tourists. There wouldn't be any algae if people stayed out and the cave was always dark. In order to keep algae growth to a minimum, the guide leaves the lights on only briefly as you pass through an area. |
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| The formations behind me are called The Candlesticks. I'm wearing a jacket because the temperature in the cave is 54° year round. |
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| Even is a cave, you can't get away from the photo bombers. |
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| Reflecting Pool |
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| These calcite crystals glitter. I like shiny things. |
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| This formation is called Blanket Run. It is 150 million years old. |
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| We saw this guy on our way out of the cave. |
Crystal Grottoes is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day from April 1st through November 30th. The admission price is $10.00 for children age 11 and under and $20.00 for anyone age 12 and over. There isn't a senior discount, but they have coupons.
http://www.crystalgrottoescaverns.com/index.php
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