Crystal Grottoes Caverns

Crystal Grottoes Caverns "See you underground at Crystal Grottoes"! -Jerry Downs (Third Generation Owner) Well, get this. I am working on this website in 2010.

Folks, my name is Jerry Downs, and I am the third generation owner of the Crystal Grottoes. When I was 10 years old my grandfather Ralph Downs showed me how to run this business. When the caverns were discovered it was so spectacular it was said that if it were opened it would make money for 100 years. The caverns were discovered in 1920 and opened to the public in 1922. For 88 years, ladies and g

entlemen, the Crystal Grottoes, Maryland's natural caverns have been wowing customers and has been an ongoing concern ever since. This natural phenomenon has more formations per square foot than any cave known to man. It is also the most naturally kept cave in the world. You are going to see this piece as it was developed back in the 1920's. Our tour guides will answer your educational, technical, historical and geological questions. After the tour, we try hard to have an additional question and answer period to answer any questions that our guides did not know the answer to, or additional questions thought of after the fact. Every good question makes us a little sharper. No one on earth knows it all, but it sure is fun to talk caves all day! And don't forget - its 54 degrees in the caves all year round, so it's cool in the summer, and warm in the winter! See you underground at Crystal Grottoes!
-Jerry Downs

03/12/2026

It's that time again! We are excited to announce that touring season will begin on Friday March 20, 2026! We will be open three day weekends (Fri-Sun) from 10am-5pm. Tours start on every hour and half hour, and last around 30-45 minutes.

Weekday tours begin April 17, 2026 - through Nov 30, 2026.

For questions, please contact (301)432-6336 during business hours. Our crew looks forward to seeing you at Crystal Grottoes Caverns!

In honor of this Father’s Day Weekend, come in and use secret code word “mustache” to get $5.00 off your order. Blue and...
06/14/2025

In honor of this Father’s Day Weekend, come in and use secret code word “mustache” to get $5.00 off your order. Blue and green lighting will be sprinkled throughout the cave. Thank you to all Dads!

The 4th generation owner would like to share these pictures in honor of her father who spent many years continuing to shape, protect, and operate Crystal Grottoes Caverns. Rest in peace, Jerry Downs (1956-2021) 💚🩵💙

06/14/2025

❤️🤍💙Happy Flag Day! ♥️🤍💙
Veterans are always welcome to visit at a discounted rate of $3.00 off tour tickets for everyone in your pay group, any day of the year. Please provide military ID at checkout. Thank you, and we appreciate your service.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

05/09/2025

Happy Mother’s Day!

This Mother’s Day weekend only (Fri-Sun) we hope you enjoy our pink, purple and white lighting scheme throughout the Crystal Grottoes Caverns.

Come in and show our cashier a picture of your favorite flower to get 5 dollars off your order with purchase of a tour ticket. (One discount per pay group)

See you underground!

If you haven't made it out yet for easter weekend, consider bringing the family for a tour at Maryland's premiere cavern...
04/21/2025

If you haven't made it out yet for easter weekend, consider bringing the family for a tour at Maryland's premiere caverns!

To celebrate, today is the last day of our easter egg hunt, complimentary with purchase of child age ticket (5-12). Find an egg, and win a prize! Hint: keep an eye out for the rare golden egg! :)

04/18/2025

We are excited to announce that touring season has officially begun at the caves!

We are now open every day of the week (April 18th forward), from 10am-5pm. Tours start on every hour and half hour, and last around 30-45 minutes.

For questions, please contact (301)432-6336 during business hours. Our crew looks forward to seeing you at Crystal Grottoes Caverns!

06/18/2024

Get away from the routine and humdrum, as summer is just a few days away. One night? A whole week? We got you covered! Boonsboro, Maryland has a little something for everyone.

Located on the Historic National Road, otherwise known as scenic US Alternate 40, Boonsboro is nestled at the foot of South Mountain between Hagerstown and Frederick. This rural town was founded in 1792 by two brothers, George and William Boone, cousins of Daniel Boone.

Featuring many historical buildings that are easily walkable, Boonsboro sits between South Mountain and Antietam. We have a lot to offer everyone, especially historians and Civil War buffs. On Sundays the Boonesborough Museum of History, Trolley Museum, and National Road Museum are open. The Bowman House is home to our Boonsboro Historical Society and is open every 4th Sunday of the month. (Call if you're interested in an appointment.)

For shoppers and antique hunters, Boonsboro is home to Turn the Page Bookstore & Cafe, Gifts Inn Boonsboro (a local and regional art gallery, Josie's on Main (adorable home decor and fashion), Talon's (tattoo parlor and art gallery), and The Olde Homestead (eclectic home decor), all within walking distance of the center of town. Just a short drive away are Boonsboro Antiques, Funkstown and its antiques shops, and Route 40's antiques.

For the foodies we have plenty of lovely options—Jeovanni's Pizzeria (delicious pizza and pasta), The Admiral (seafood), and Branded Chophouse (a meal and a window to watch the chefs), just to name a few. There's even more in town or a short drive away to cover breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pathfinder Distillery (flavored moonshine) even opened a tasting room in town, and sometimes hosts food trucks in their back parking lot.

Honestly, you can't go wrong stopping in town for whatever reason or no particular reason at all. We are a short drive to the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal access. Crystal Grottoes offers a family-friendly tour through naturally chilly, awe-inspiring caves. Campgrounds and bed-&-breakfasts circle us. But the jewel in the crown of lodging in this area is Inn Boonsboro! This luxury bed & breakfast is a relaxing retreat whether you want to get away from it all or go out and find it all! So Start Your Story, Savor the Romance, and Get Away to Boonsboro, Maryland!

We’ve updated our website with important information in regards to group reservations and the Gem Mill Experience! Pleas...
06/13/2024

We’ve updated our website with important information in regards to group reservations and the Gem Mill Experience! Please feel free to check it out here: www.crystalgrottoescaverns.com Thank You For Your Support!

Crystal Grottoes Caverns located in Boonsboro Maryland, has more stalactite, stalagmite, and helectite formations per square foot than any cave known to man, and is the most naturally kept cave in the world. Crystal Grottoes Caverns is open year round for family fun.

We’re Open For Memorial Day Weekend! (To include Monday, May 27th) Ask About The Gem Mill While You’re Here, we will be ...
05/25/2024

We’re Open For Memorial Day Weekend! (To include Monday, May 27th)

Ask About The Gem Mill While You’re Here,

we will be open and receiving guests every day from 10AM-5PM for the remainder of the season.

Tours go down about every 20 minutes, no reservations necessary.

Thank You!

Ask about our Gem Milling Experience at the Front Desk!

05/25/2024

We’re Open For Memorial Day Weekend! (To include Monday, May 27th)

Ask About The Gem Mill While You’re Here,

we will be open and receiving guests every day from 10AM-5PM for the remainder of the season.

Tours go down about every 20 minutes, no reservations necessary.

Thank You!

"See you underground at Crystal Grottoes"! -Jerry Downs (Third Generation Owner)

Address

19821 Shepherdstown Pike
Boonsboro, MD
21713

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+13014326336

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