FORT PAYNE, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama tourist attraction that’s been in operation for nearly 50 years is closing.
Tourism officials say Sequoyah Caverns and Ellis Homestead will close Sept. 3.
Sequoyah Caverns has attracted thousands of families, school groups and travelers over the years. The attraction, known for its “looking glass lakes,” is at the foot of Sand Mountain in northeast Alabama.
The lakes reflect thousands of intricate rock formations in the cave, The Fort Payne Times-Journal reported. The cave also features towering stalagmites, waterfalls and writings on the walls dating back to the early 1800s.
“I’m 79 years old, and I’m retiring from active business,” owner John Jones told The Chattanooga Times Free Press.
The privately owned property has been in the Jones family since 1841.
The attraction, named after Chief Sequoyah, who created the Cherokee alphabet, is a much-beloved and popular tourist destination.
“It’s an interesting story, and it’s a beautiful property,” said John Dersham, executive director of DeKalb County Tourism. “It’s very photogenic.”
In 1841, James Ellis moved his family to the homestead and continued to acquire and cultivate hundreds of acres of woodlands. Ellis’ direct descendants still live on the remaining 58 acres.
Dersham said the Jones family wanted to give tourists all summer to see the caves before Jones retired.
“As far as we know right now, it’ll be closed permanently,” Dersham said.
