As I looked at my surroundings there was only one thought that kept coursing thorough my mind. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had somehow fallen asleep and my dreams had transported me to some alternate universe where every 70’s sci-fi movie ever made had been filmed. I was surrounded by these strange shapes and colors everywhere I turned. It was surreal to think that I could feel this way simply by walking down a few steps and heading into the Indian Echo Caverns just outside of Harrisburg, PA.
The Indian Echo Caverns are located in Hummelstown, PA which is about a 20 minute drive outside of Harrisburg. The caverns were used by Native Americans, and then later by early American settlers as shelter before it was bought and turned into a tourist attraction in the early 1900’s. Now visitors travel from across the country to see the amazing formations that are truly out of this world. Because of the fragility of the formations, a guided tour is required to enter the caverns. The tour begins by taking a flight of steps down to the entrance.
The stone facade and door were added by the cavern’s original owners to keep out squatters and other unsavory characters. Once you go through these doors though, you step into another universe.
As your guide leads you deeper into the Indian Echo Caverns, you quickly become lost in all the shapes around you.
The Indian Echo Caverns originally formed over 400 million years ago by two rivers that intersected underground. The constant flow of rushing water and the intense pressure of two opposing currents slowly eroded away the soft limestone. Then as the courses of the rivers changed, the caverns dried out leaving behind the perfect place for stalactites, stalagmites, and other calcium formations to grow. As you venture deeper into the caverns two main corridors the shapes and colors get more exotic.
Some of the deposits even look like sea creatures floating in the ether.
Some of the shapes even take on a more recognizable form. Can you see the dragon? 
One of the most other-worldly spots in the whole cavern though, resides near the end of the tour. Imagine coming across an oasis in a cavern. 
The tour lasts about 45 minutes and the guide did a great job telling us stories and anecdotes about the caverns and some of the artifacts found inside. In addition to the caverns the site also has a gem mine and a petting zoo for family fun and entertainment. Overall, I enjoyed the caverns and definitely recommend that you check it out if you are in the Harrisburg area.
Looking for other Attractions or Hotels Near the Hershey Harrisburg PA area? Check out the Visit Hershey Harrisburg website for fun activities and great savings.
Details and Coupons for Indian Echo Caverns
368 Middletown Road
Hummelstown, PA 17036
717.566.8131
www.indianechocaverns.com
Follow this link for an Indian Echo Caverns Coupon good for discounted admission
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Beautiful formations, they really do remind me of old sci-fi flicks. I think if that cavern were located in Mexico the last shot would be filled with a bunch of families swimming around, heh heh.
That’s funny Devlin, perspective is a fascinating thing. That cavern with the lake is only about 4 feet high, no families (even short ones) would want to swim in there :-)
Love these, this cavern looks amazing! I love caving but I haven’t been to any in the US, just New Zealand.
I love caves like this although some of the deposits look like aliens that would eat you!
Wow thats some stunning photography, what sort of flash do you use inside the caves?
Jaryd, Believe it or not, I didn’t use a flash at all. The shots came out with a combo of high ISO settings and some prolonged exposures. The caverns were dimly lit with the lighting installed by the operator, the trick was finding the right angles where they didn’t impact the exposures negatively.
We have been to caves in Oregon and Colorado. They really are a unique experience. This one looks a bit different so should go when I get back that way.
I never thought caves were so cool. We went into one in Mexico many years ago, but it was cramped and hard to breathe. This was definitely a complete 180 from that last experience.
Wow what a cool experience! Really beautiful.
It was really neat, and cool! The caverns stay cool year round thanks to all the water.