Coudersport Ice Mine is a unique phenomenon in the geological world. The mine stays empty in the winter—the coldest months of the year—yet somehow fills with ice during the summer.
It’s a small tourist spot, but if you are traveling in northern Pennsylvania (about 4 hours from Lancaster), we recommend checking it out!
The temperature in the mine has been monitored every hour since April 29, 2014—8,760 times per year! In the winter, the ice mine gets as cold as the coldest air temperature outside. The accumulated ice keeps the air temperature int he mine cool in summer and fall. In 2015, more ice remained in the mine than in 2014, enough to keep the mine much colder than the year before.
Temperature data loggers are placed near the bottom of the mine shaft and outside of the mine. Temperature and light intensity are measured and recorded every hour. The loggers can collect date for up to two years before they need battery replacement.
The mine itself is pretty small, but its more for the history and the experience. The attendant does give you a lot of history about the mine and what it was used for in the past. Then when he opens the door for you, you feel a rush of freezing cold air as you enter the mine area.
Scientists have tried to figure out why this mine has ice in the summer but not the winter, and while a number of theories have been suggested, nothing has ever been proven. It’s a mystery of nature!
The cost is $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids, PLUS kids get a FREE gem mining experience included with their ticket!
Where is Coudersport Ice Mine?
Coudersport is in northern Pennsylvania about 4 hours north of Lancaster County, in the heart of elk country and near Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. It could be a stop you make if you’re on your way to the Finger Lakes. See the map below.
Parking is pretty limited on the premises, so if you happen to visit during a peak time you might need to wait for a parking spot or turn around and come back. Everything is well labeled with signage that helps you to easily navigate.
There is a nice deck with picnic table overlooking some of the forest near the mine—we used this as a place to eat a quick packed lunch in the middle of our trip. 🙂
More about the Ice Mine
If you’re interested in geology and phenomenons like this, you might want to check out some of these other sites I found explaining more of the science behind the ice mine.
- Coudersport Ice Mine Geology – understanding the region.
- The Coolest Place in the Pennsylvania Wilds explains more of the history.
- Wikipedia has some good diagrams showing air flow.
More Lancaster County Science Field Trip Ideas:
- Garden of 5 Senses (Lancaster)
- Fossil Hunting (Centralia, PA)
- Sharks Teeth Hunting (Colts Creek, NJ)
- That Fish Place, That Pet Place (Centerville)
