After nearly 5 decades, Alabama’s Sequoyah Caverns is closing its doors at the end of summer.

First opened in 1964, the now 79-year-old owner, John Jones, plans to retire when the cave closes on September 3rd, 2013.

Famous for its “looking glass lakes”, reflecting pools which highlight the cave’s intricate speleothems and rock formations, Sequoyah Caverns is visited by approximately 12,000 people each year.

This summer will be the last chance to see the beautiful ‘looking glass lakes’ of Sequoyah Caverns. We would like to thank everyone for your patronage throughout the years, and we hope to see you this summer. John Jones, Sequoyah Caverns Owner

The cave and property has been in the Jones’ family since 1841.

The news of the closure comes just as 400 kilometers (250 miles) north, Indiana’s newest showcave, Indiana Caverns, opens it doors for it’s inaugural season.

For more information and to find out how to visit Sequoyah Caverns before it closes, visit sequoyahcaverns.com or call 800-843-5098.

Sequoyah Caverns to close its doors Sept. 3 [yourtownalabama.com]