Lehman Cave

The natural entrance to Lehman Cave was discovered in 1885 by Absalom Lehman (NPS, [2010b]). Mr. Lehman started leading tours at the cave, and continued to lead tours there for the rest of his life. Early visitors had a much different experience than visitors today. Early visitors had to carry lanterns, climb ladders, hold ropes, or duck or crawl through tight spots. Early visitors were also allowed to collect pieces of the speleothems throughout the cave, and in some rooms visitors left their names and other graffiti. Today, the passage trails are easy paths and the cave is well lit. The cavern is also protected and visitors may not touch the natural formations or leave the trails.