Family Legacy: Boonsboro attraction celebrates 100 years of tours, caves and preservation

Crystal Grottoes Caverns, a cave system attraction in Boonsboro, is celebrating more than 100 years in business. Owner Cassie Downs said the cave keeps her family close as generations of Downses have worked to keep the cave’s formations preserved and protected.

Crystal Grottoes Caverns has more formations per square foot than any known cave and is the most naturally kept cave in the world, according to the company website. The calcium carbonate formations, caused in part by rainwater dripping into the limestone cave, took thousands of years to develop.

The attraction offers 30-minute guided tours through nine rooms of the cave, covering the history and science behind the formations.

What's it like inside Crystal Grottoes Caverns?

Inside the cave are hundreds of formations, some sparkly and some that vaguely resemble coral reefs, statues and long spikes hanging down from the ceiling.

The cave was discovered in 1920 when the area was mined for material to pave nearby roads. The miners suddenly realized that one rock wasn’t like the others when a breeze came through their drill holes, according to long-time tour guide Cecil Seal.

The miners had found a naturally sealed cave. The Hutzel family owned the farmland with the cave and began developing a business that opened in 1922, shortly after the discovery, Downs said.

Downs’s great-grandfather and great-grandmother, Ralph and Roxie Downs, helped the Hutzel family develop the business and land. The pair took over the business in 1966, Cassie Downs said.

Since then, the ownership of Crystal Grottoes Caverns has passed down through Cassie’s family to her grandfather, father and to herself in 2021.

What's it like growing up with a cave system as the family business?

Cassie Downs took her first tour of the caves when she was 9 years old. She would come to the cave after school and on weekends growing up.

Downs said working at the cave makes her feel connected to her father, Jerry Downs, who died in 2021, and the previous generations of owners.

Her favorite memories in the cave are when her father would talk about his father and grandfather and how they would teach visitors about the formations.

“I have a lot of memories of him talking about my grandfather and all the beautiful memories he had with him when he was growing up,” Downs said.

Downs loved watching her dad talk about the cave and admired his dedication and loyalty to the business by showing up every day, no matter what.

“I feel connected to my dad when I’m here,” Downs said.

The 25-year-old says that while the future is unknown, she would like the business to be passed down to her children to continue the family legacy.

The business has been making improvements throughout recent years, Downs said. Next week, a gem milling station will be installed so kids can sift through sand for gemstones. The business is also looking into adding a café in the lobby.

Boonsboro Economic Development Commission to honor Crystal Grottoes

Branden Jones, the manager for the Crystal Grottoes Caverns, said the business is focused on the preservation of the cave. Tour groups are told not to touch the formations, because if oil in human skin touch them, the formation cannot continue to grow.

“The protection of the cave always comes first,” Jones said.

Jones first saw the caves during a school field trip in the 1990s when he became fascinated by the formations. A few years ago, he met Downs while repairing the cavern’s air conditioning system, and applied for the manger position.

“I owe Cassie the greatest gratitude for giving me the opportunity to work for her business and keep the cave going … the protection of this cave is my top priority,” Jones said.

The Boonsboro Economic Development Commission will host a business networking event Thursday night at the cavern to honor and recognize the attraction for its over 100 years in business.

“It means the world to me on a lot of levels, I’m really proud of my team and all of our efforts this year. I think it’s amazing to have people come out and support our small business,” Downs said about the event.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Crystal Grottoes Cavern near Boonsboro celebrates 100 in business