SPRINGFIELD GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Under the Old Jail Gates: A Bronze Adventure of Caves, Dinosaurs and Gemstone Panning
A guided experience that combines a geological cave tour, a Dino Trail with over 30 life-sized dinosaurs, Putt Putt, and Prospector gemstone mining — useful for planning a 1‑hour visit or a full 3–4 hour day.
Under the Old Jail Gates: A Bronze Adventure of Caves, Dinosaurs and Gemstone Panning.
Bronze Adventure at Crystal Cave in Springfield unfolds below and along the surface: a guided walk through a naturally preserved cave accessed via the old Springfield jail gates, a leisurely nature trail dotted with life-sized dinosaurs, and hands-on gemstone panning that lets every visitor take home a collection. The package is arranged so you can select a cave tour time and then move at your own pace through the Dino Trail, Putt Putt and mining activities throughout the day.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Cave of Rare Formations
The guided cave tour moves beneath the old Springfield jail gates into a naturally preserved underworld where stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone and the rare helictites are on display; guests wear a provided headlamp and are advised to bring a sweater for the cool interior.
Dino Trail: More Than 30 Life‑Sized Models
A leisurely walk on the nature trail presents over 30 dinosaur displays — from Triceratops to Smilodon and Tyrannosaurus — a family‑friendly route that complements the subterranean portion of the visit.
Gemstone Mining and Prospector Pans
Gemstone panning is offered for all ages: pay dirt comes with an identification card and keeper bag so participants can keep their finds. The Prospector option includes 3+ ounces of gemstone mix, 2 pounds of sand, an educational ID postcard, take‑home collection bag and personalized labels.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The experience begins with a scheduled cave tour through a cool, lamp‑lit cavern, then opens into surface activities you can enjoy at leisure: a meandering Dino Trail, a Putt Putt course, and hands‑on gemstone mining. You can piece together a quick visit of about an hour for the cave portion or linger for the full 3–4 hour day to sample everything.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The cave tour is part of a package that can take about 1 hour for the core underground experience; allow 3–4 hours to complete the Dino Trail, Putt Putt and gemstone mining for the full day.
Bring a sweater for the cool cave environment; a headlamp is provided for the guided cave walk.
Select your cave tour time on arrival and then enjoy the Dino Trail, Putt Putt and Gemstone Mining at your leisure during open hours (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long should I expect to spend?
The cave portion fits into about an hour; plan 3–4 hours to experience the full offering including Dino Trail, Putt Putt and gemstone mining.
Are children allowed?
Yes — the activities are suitable for all ages and the gemstone panning is described as fun for everyone.
What does the Prospector package include?
Prospector pay dirt includes more than 3 ounces of gemstone mix, 2 pounds of sand, an educational gemstone ID postcard, a take‑home collection bag and personalized labels.
When can I visit?
The site is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; select your cave tour time and then explore the surface activities throughout the day.
Is lighting provided in the cave?
Yes — headlamps are provided for the guided cave tour; visitors are also advised to bring a sweater for cooler temperatures underground.