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Laurel Caverns Group Tours and School Field Trips FAQ 1-800-515-4150
Our one-hour guided tours through the easy part of Pennsylvania's Largest cave make Laurel Caverns an ideal field trip destination.
The eight most-asked questions and their answers:
1. What constitutes a group? Fifteen or more individuals, with advance reservations, from a recognized institution, i.e. a school, YMCA, state institution, club, bus tour, and the like define a group. We have a large guide staff and can handle approximately 180 individuals an hour with a group of up to 30 entering the cave every ten minutes for the one-hour tour. (Scout groups have their own links and special programs.)
2. Are reservations required? We have the ability to take unannounced groups. But to qualify for our group rates, reservations are required at least three days in advance.
3. What are the group rates? Our rates are based on school grades and are as follows… Pre-K $3.00 per person Grades k-5th $6.00 per person Grades 6th-12th $7.00 per person Adults $9.00 per person
4. Is a deposit required? No. Payment is made upon arrival. For schools, with advanced arrangements, the school can be billed.
5. What is the best way to make reservations? By calling 724-438-3003 or 800-515-4150.
6. What food services exist? The Norman Cale Visitors' Center has packaged snacks and beverage machines. Arrangements for pizza or box lunches can be made when making your reservation. A free picnic area with shelter is also available.
7. Does Laurel Caverns have a souvenir shop? Yes. Reasonably priced items are available so that every child can afford a souvenir. Also available, if shopping time is a problem, are pre-set souvenir packages of at least three items. Options range from $2.00 to $3.00 and can be ready with advance arrangements.
8. What optional activities are offered to group tours and school field trips in addition to the one-hour guided tour, other than the high adventure programs? We offer four educational activities to group to group tours and school field trips.
¨ Kavernputt Kavernputt, opened in 1999, is the largest simulated cave in the world. It was built to create a cave experience for those who cannot physically use our natural cave. To fund it, it is offered to all as a ten thousand square foot eighteen hole miniature golf course. It may well be the only miniature golf course in the world which can be played from a wheelchair. Each hole conveys some unique aspect of caves. This course is pure cave. There are no cannons, Ferris wheels, plastic animals or other artifacts usually associated with miniature golf. Three years in the making, this miniature golf course is designed to both entertain and educate. The group rate is $4 per person. (See the Kavernputt link at this website.)
¨ The Laurel Caverns Fossil Hunt This very real fossil hunt requires a 1,500 foot hike to an exposed Paleozoic outcrop where each student is guaranteed at least one 300 million year old sea shell fossil. Since this excursion is a real fossil hunt, it is somewhat technical and not recommended for children under the age of nine. However, for younger children, or in cases of inclement weather, this can be done in our Visitor's Center as a panning activity. The cost is $4 per student. There is no charge for parent or teacher observers'.
¨ The Laurel Caverns Panning for Gemstones This delightful activity is a favorite of students. Gold rush screening techniques are used by each participant to produce a small bagful of actual gemstones that can be identified from a color card given to each. The cost per student is $5.
¨ The Laurel Caverns Geology Seminar The 430 acres over Laurel Caverns has been preserved as a natural geological park. The purpose of this seminar is to provide students with an understanding of Laurel Caverns as a geological feature of the landscape. This three hour program has three phases. The first is a 45 minute classroom lecture. The second is a field walk which includes the study of rock outcrops, rock and mineral identification, and a fossil hunt. The seminar concludes with a one-hour geological tour of the caverns. This program is recommended for students in grades 6-12. Adaptations can be made for a gifted student program. Seminars beginning at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM should add one hour for a lunch break. The student cost is $16 each. Adults are $8 each. In the case of schools, one teacher is free for every 15 students.
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