Mercer Caverns

Discovered on Sept. 1, 1885, by Walter J. Mercer, Mercer Caverns is one of the oldest continuously operating show caves in California. Designated as a California Point of Historical Interest on August 2, 1985, Mercer Caverns is nestled in the heart of the California Gold Country near the historic gold mining town of Murphys. Mercer Caverns is a subterranean showplace containing some of Nature's most beautiful artistry. As one descends into Mercer Caverns you will behold a wide variety of speleothems including, cave coral, flowstone, a vast array of stalactites and stalagmites including delicate soda straws, large draperies over 9 feet long and 2 feet wide called Angels Wings, and the world famous Aragonite Flos Ferri for which Mercer Caverns was awarded a Grand Prize from the 1900 Paris World's Fair. A tour of Mercer Caverns will take one down 160 feet below the earth's surface by way of lighted walkways and stairs through several chambers the largest of which is the Gothic Chamber at 200 feet long by 60 feet wide and 58 feet high.