Ultimate Guide to Crystal Caverns, Alabama (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
We may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, we are not obligated to give a positive review and always use our own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at DannelleGay@gmail.com
Crystal Caverns is a beautiful cave located on one of the tallest mountains in Jefferson County. It is based on 40 acres of land and is a short distance from the Birmingham metro area. It is also known as the Alabama Caverns or McCluney Cave.
The cave was used as a fallout shelter during the height of the Cold War. There are lights throughout the cave, which allows you to see the beautiful geological formations. The cavern houses many corrugated tin and water canisters that belonged to the old Department of Defense.
The unique feature of the cave is that there is a 110-power outlet around midway to the cave. There is another 220-power outlet at the cave entrance that facilitates heavy equipment such as a welder.
At one point in time, the authorities opened the cave to the public, but it closed in the 1960s. Today, the road leading to the cave is blocked by heavy steel gates.
History of Crystal Caverns
Thomas McCluney discovered Crystal Caverns in 1840 and soon began his career as a Presbyterian minister. The cave was mined for saltpeter between 1861 to 1865. In 1927, the cave was opened to the public as a tourist attraction called the Alabama Caverns.
Unfortunately, the cave was closed the same year. In the 1950s and 1960s, the cave was designated as an official fallout shelter by the US Government. The Office of Civil Defense stored the supplies in the cave so that the survivors could use them in times of a nuclear attack.
In the 1960s, the new owners constructed a souvenir shop and a new entrance to the cave, and it was renamed Crystal Caverns. It was operated as a tourist attraction till the late 1960s, but it was once again closed.
In 1994, Larry Shirley purchased the land and the cave, and she built a gate to keep out the vandals. The inside of the cave was thoroughly cleaned, and the stairs were rebuilt, which was used in the 1960s.
Geological Cave Formations in Crystal Caverns
The cavern is a part of the Chickamauga Limestone that lies approximately 100 ft above the Copper Ridge Dolomite. The major cave formations include onyx crusts, rosettes, stalagmites, stalactites, and a petrified waterfall.
Capitol Dome is a beautiful formation that resembles the US Capitol Dome and Family Loft is a high recess containing two large columns and a few smaller stalagmites. Siliceous Dolomite extrudes from the walls and, at one point forms a bridge.
Wildlife in Crystal Caverns
These caverns have been the only reported site of the Pseudoscorpion described in 1968. The Peck’s Cave snail was also reportedly seen here.
A long time ago, Walter B. Jones had spotted a white salamander in the pool’s cave, but later it was found that the pool was devoid of any life.
It’s assumed that the salamander might have accessed the cave through one of its many cracks.
Is Crystal Caverns haunted?
The caverns were closed to tourists in 1960 and are now privately owned. There has been no evidence of any supernatural activity, suggesting that the cavern is haunted.
How Big is Crystal Caverns?
The cave is 1000 ft long, and, in some places, the cave’s roof is 30 to 50 ft high.
Crystal Caverns Tours
The caves had closed in the 1960s. So, there are no tours available for the cave.
Crystal Caverns Tour Prices and Discounts
No tours were conducted after the closure of the cave in the 1960s.
Is Crystal Caverns Cold?
The Crystal Caverns in Alabama are not particularly cold. It maintains a steady temperature of 58 degrees F throughout the year, making you feel warm during the winter months and comfortable in the sultry summer months.
What to Wear?
One can wear light casual when visiting Crystal Caves region. A light jacket might be necessary during the winter months.
Crystal Caverns Hours
The caverns are closed to the public. So, there are no set hours to visit this cave.
What to Do at Crystal Caverns (Beside Tours)
Crystal Caverns have been closed to the public since the 1960s. There are scant recreational activities on offer in the vicinity of the caverns. You can check out the surroundings as the cave itself is off-limits to the public.
Best Time to Visit Crystal Caverns
It has been a closed cave since the 1960s. You can come here any time of the year, but you can never enter it as it is closed.
How to Get to Crystal Caverns
The caverns are located on 40 acres of land and are just a short drive from the Birmingham Metro Area.
Hotels near Crystal Caverns
There are several hotels nearby where you can rest for the night. Some notable ones include Red Roof Inn Prattville, St James Hotel Selma, and Baymont by Wyndham Selma. Some of these hotels are not too close to the caverns, but they are on this list as they are the best options.
Visiting Crystal Caverns
Do you need more information before visiting? You can call the office at 256-728-8193 for more information about the cave.
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
- Ultimate Guide to Marmes Rockshelter, Washington (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Cave of Munits, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Balconies Cave, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Tyson Spring Cave, Minnesota (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
- Ultimate Guide to Spring Creek Cave, Texas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
