Crystal Lake Geology
Over huge amounts of geologic time, slow-moving groundwater has carved Crystal Lake Cave from layers of Galena Limestone. After mixing with carbon dioxide in the air and soil, rainwater becomes carbonic acid and seeps into the caverns. Over millions of years, the very weak acid travels through the earth's natural cracks and channels, shaping the cave's passages. Minerals dripping from above the caverns create the intricate formations that cover the cave's walls and ceilings.
What was once solid rock is now a remarkable profusion of beautiful formations.
Crystal Lake Cave was discovered in 1868 by miner James Rice. After sinking a 40-foot shaft into the limestone in search of lead ore, he came upon several hundred feet of natural passage and inadvertently uncovered a massive cave system. Rice dubbed the space "Rice's Cave" and opened it to brave adventurers who descended the shaft using a bucket and rope.
After passing through various hands and monikers, the cave was eventually renamed Crystal Lake Cave by Bernard Markus in the 1930s. James and Doris Rubel took over in 1978 and ran it until 2012 when they handed it down to the present owner, Julie Rubel. Julie continues to enhance the space, making it what it is today — one of the most unique destinations in the area.
To learn more about the cave's formations, click the link below!