Top 5 Reasons to Visit a Show Cave

The National Caves Association recently declared June 6, National Caves and Karst Day. Reporter, Matt Renoux highlighted the rock star event at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with a 9News feature story.  Fortunately, visiting a commercial show cave in Glenwood Springs, Colorado or anywhere else is not calendar-limited; in fact, spelunking is a perfect any-time-of-year activity. Here’s why:

1. Explore a rare environment.

No two caves are exactly alike. Sights on a cave tour include formations, millions of years in the making, such as stalagmites, stalactites, aragonite crystals, flowstone and cave bacon. There are also many caves with water features, such as underground rivers, lakes and waterfalls. At Bluespring Caverns and Indiana Caverns, both in Indiana, visitors can explore via boat tours; at Natural Stone Bridge Cave and Park, in New York, the adventure tour invites brave guests to float through the caves wearing a life jacket!

2. Spend time with family & friends.

Some of the best family memories are made during summer vacations and staycations. Exploring caves with kids can spark an interest in science and nature that could last a lifetime. Photos enable you to relive those great vacation memories time, so take plenty. Also, consider professional souvenir cave photos that often note the date of your visit as well as the smiles.

3. Learn something new.

Guided tours teach guests about the history of a particular cave and the surrounding area, as well as its geology, the positive impacts of bats and the importance of cave conservation.  Cave science is fascinating. In 2000, seven previously unknown species of bacteria were discovered inside Glenwood Caverns. Scientists are currently exploring how they might be used in developing new medicines to fight disease.

4. Improve wellbeing.

Multiple studies show that nature boosts our mental and physical health. Benefits include restored mental energy, better vision in children, improved concentration, sharper thinking and creativity. Spending time in natural spaces has been linked to increased energy, improved cognition, reduced anger and stress, lower blood pressure and slower heart rates.

5. Have fun!

Exploring and spending time in caverns makes everything more interesting. Visitors can watch live concerts broadcast by PBS or camp out at Tennessee’s Cumberland Caverns; and listen to the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world’s largest musical instrument, at Luray Caverns in Virginia. At Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, getting to the caves is part of the fun. Guests take a scenic tram ride from the valley floor to America’s only mountain –top theme park, the launch pad of some of the world’s the most exciting thrill rides including the Giant Canyon Swing.

Find out more about guided tours, cave history, thrill rides and attractions at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.