After 118 years under the ownership of one family, America’s only all-water cave and wildlife park has been put up for sale. The move begins the search for a new owner to take over the historic 1,400-acre property in central Pennsylvania. The Campbell family, which first bought Penn’s Cave in 1908, announced the sale through press release services and property firm Lusk and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. The property is located in Centre Hall and has an asking price of $34 million (£26 million). The large estate includes the limestone cave system, a farm and wildlife park, a private airport, and large areas of surrounding land built up over four generations. Offers for the property began in October. This is the first time in more than a century that the well-known tourist attraction has been put up for sale.
Four generations of environmental stewardship
The natural attraction first opened to visitors nearly 150 years ago, but its modern history began when the Campbell family bought it in 1908. Over the next 118 years, four generations of the family worked to expand the property. They bought nearby land mainly to protect the local water supply and preserve the underground water system. The cave depends on an underground river that releases up to 11 million gallons of clean water every day. The family’s environmental protection efforts were aimed at keeping the water clean and protecting the delicate limestone cave formations and the surrounding natural environment. According to statements released by Lusk and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty, the family made environmental protection a priority while slowly growing the business. Over the years, the property developed from a small local cave tour business into a 1,400-acre estate. It now includes wildlife protection areas, farmland, tourist attractions, and transport facilities.
A uniquely aquatic cave experience
The main attraction remains the limestone cave, which is recognised as the only cave in North America where visitors take the entire tour by boat. Visitors travel along an underground river that passes through large natural chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing rock formations. Beyond the cave, the estate also includes a large farm and wildlife park. It is home to native North American animals such as bison, elk, wolves, and bears, as well as exotic species. Guided bus tours take visitors across the property, where they can see animals living in large open spaces designed to look like their natural homes. The property also has a working private airstrip measuring 2,600 feet, known as Penn’s Cave Airport. It provides direct air access to the site. Other visitor attractions include a visitor centre, gift shop, gem-panning stations, a large plant maze, and off-road mountain jeep trails across the 1,400-acre property.
State park evaluation and property future
News of the sale attracted immediate attention across Pennsylvania. State officials have also started discussing whether the property could become part of the public conservation system. According to reports published by the Centre Daily Times, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that state officials are looking into whether buying Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park would be a suitable addition to the state park system. State Representative Kerry Benninghoff had earlier supported state involvement. He described the possible loss of public access as a major concern for the local community and its heritage. Despite the planned sale, the Campbell family confirmed that public tours, animal care, and visitor programmes will continue as usual. The family said keeping the business running without disruption is its main priority during the change in ownership. “Continuing the experience we’re known for is our greatest priority throughout this transition,” the Campbell family stated in a joint press release. The family also explained that the decision to sell is focused on “preserving the business and finding the next steward of the land who can see the immense potential of the property and continue the legacy.”