These spectacular caverns feature many pure white-colored stalactites and stalagmites; natural sculptures and other formations can be seen from illuminated walkways, including 'Old Father Time,' 'The King on His Throne,' and the cathedral ceiling chandelier in the 'Crystal Palace' room. The Lake Room contains a reflecting pool that shows off stalactites on a 16-foot ceiling that is out of the visitor's line of view.
Well-informed guides explain the history, formations, and geological aspects of the caverns on a 40-minute tour; walkways are dry with only a few stairs and a graded ramp at the exit, making Crystal Grottoes one of the easiest show caves to visit. The caverns are on Route 34, about a mile south of Alternate Hwy 40; six miles from Antietam Battlefield and 18 miles from Harper's Ferry. The caverns are open daily, April-October; weekends only, November-March. Group rates available by reservation.