Escape from the smoldering summer heat, if only for a few minutes, by visiting a modern phenomenon where ice forms in a small cave only in the summer months and melts, as if on cue, when winter with its snow and frigid temperatures appear. This natural phenomenon inside this cave in Pennsylvania will likely baffle you as it has generations of Pennsylvanians:
Hidden in a compact mine in the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania, the Coudersport Ice Mine measures 10 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 40 feet deep. As the summer heats up, large icicles begin to form within the mine. The ice all but disappears in the winter months.
Scientists have their own theories of why the ice only forms during the summer. The most popular theory is that the cold mountain air seeps into the mine during the summer months, forcing any warm air out. The mountain’s crevices are interconnected in a way that all of the cold air settles into the cave in which the ice mine resides and, as a result, ice forms.
Explorers initially discovered the ice mine in 1894 and used it for storing fresh food, such as meat, during the hot summer months.
But, the cave was destined for far more than prolonging the lifespan of fresh food and, as people began to hear about the strange phenomenon within, the Coudersport Ice Mine became a popular tourist attraction at the turn of the 20th century.
Tourists flocked to the unique cave until it closed in 1989, leaving only memories behind.
Coudersport Ice Mine recently reopened in 2014, after more than a two decade hiatus, beckoning curious visitors interested in seeing the phenomenon for themselves.
Visitors view the stunning ice formations from a small building above the ice.
Even though you stand above the mine, you can move around the platform to get various spectacular views of the ice below.
Visits don't take exceptionally long but be sure to make time for a stop in the gift shop and to lounge on the wooden deck with a snack.
Plan to visit the ice mine soon because it, like the ice, will be gone for the season when Labor Day arrives. The Coudersport Ice Mine is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The popular attraction only has hours on a Monday or a Tuesday if there is a holiday.
Adults pay a $5 admission fee. Children between six and 12 cost $2.50 while kids five and under are free.
This natural phenomenon in Pennsylvania is but one of the state's natural wonders. Interested in discovering more natural and man made wonders in Pennsylvania? Click here to read about the 10 marvels in Pennsylvania that must be seen to be believed.
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