Luray Caverns Virginia
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Nestled in a valley below Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns is a spectacular must-see US Natural Landmark. At the caverns, walk a 1.5-mile paved path through an astonishing array of hanging stalactites, delicate stone shawls, and limestone draperies. Read our Luray Caverns – Virginia guide to learn how to spend a day at this geological wonder.
Also located on the Luray Caverns campus is a variety of other things to do including a Car and Carriage Museum, Garden Maze, Rope Adventure Park, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. A trip to Luray Caverns is one of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park.
WHERE ARE THE LURAY CAVERNS
The Luray Caverns are a connected network of caves that were formed over a period of four million years. For an entry fee, visitors can tour the caverns and other onsite attractions.
Luray Caverns are located at 101 Cave Hill Road in the town of Luray, Virginia. Although not technically within the national park, we consider Luray Caverns to be a must-visit site when visiting Shenandoah National Park.
LURAY CAVERNS HISTORY & GEOLOGY
In the summer of 1878, Luray Caverns were discovered by some local men who felt a cool breeze flowing from a limestone sinkhole. Deciding to investigate, their search led to the discovery of the largest system of caverns in the eastern USA.
Formed over millions of years, the caverns were created when rainwater dissolved limestone beneath the earth’s crust. Over time, small caves became interconnected chambers filled with mineral stalactites (hanging ceiling formations), stalagmites (rising formations with rounded tops), calcite columns, and other geological formations.
Today, visitors can explore Luray Caverns on a self-guided tour. On the circuit, a lighted walkway winds through enormous chambers (some 10-stories high) that are filled with dramatic stone formations and crystal clear pools of water. Shimmering, colorful, and other-worldly, the caverns are a sensational phenomenon.
THINGS TO DO IN VIRGINIA USA
LURAY CAVERNS TICKETS
Tickets to Luray Caverns can be purchased online in-advance, or at the ticket office. Timed reservations are not necessary. General admission tickets include entrance to Luray Caverns, the Car & Carriage Museum, Toy Town Junction, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village.
For an extra charge, guests can visit the Gem Sluice, Garden Maze, Rope Adventure Park, and Singing Tower.
Admission prices vary according to age and discount categories. For reference; in 2024 an adult ticket cost $34; a children’s ticket (6-12) cost $17.
Parking is free.
LURAY CAVERNS HOURS
Luray Caverns are open every day of the year. The park opens at 9am. The park closes between 4pm and 7pm depending on the season (with longer opening hours in the summer).
LURAY CAVERNS ACCESSIBILITY
The 1.5-mile pathway that snakes through the caverns is stair-free. The path is well-lit with hand rails in most areas. The pathway is mostly brick with some rippled concrete.
On our self-guided tour, Randy and I experienced some wet patches of walkway (water dripping off of stone) and dark areas along the route. While accessibility is generally good, we would suggest companions for: 1) vision-impaired guests to assist through areas of dim lighting; and 2) wheelchair-bound guests to assist over bumpy, steeper sections.
LURAY CAVERNS TRIP PLANNING
Plan to spend around an hour on the self-guided Luray Caverns tour. Allow another 2-3 hours to visit the Toy Museum, Car & Carriage Museum, and Shenandoah Heritage Village.
For an extra fee ($65 per adult in 2024), Guided Discovery Tours are available. Tours offer an in-depth history of the caverns. Tours leave at 8:30am and are limited to 30 people.
The caves are about 10’ cooler than surface temperatures (bring a sweater).
Luray Caverns are located a short distance from Luray, Virginia’s charming downtown – making it easy to see both in one day.
Most visitors will arrive at Luray Caverns in a personal vehicle (public transportation is sparse). Click on this link for information about car rentals in Virginia.
Luray, Virginia is located about 14 minutes from Shenandoah National Park via US Route 211 E. Luray has a number of restaurants and hotels that make it a good base for trips to Shenandoah National Park. Consider these well-reviewed Luray Hotels for your stay in the area:
TOURING THE LURAY CAVERNS VIRGINIA
Stay on the walkway as you tour the caverns (and don’t touch anything). As you wonder, be on the lookout for these stand-out points along the tour:
Saracen’s Tent: This stone formation is considered to be one of the best examples of a calcite drapery in the world.
Giant’s Hall: Enormous Giant’s Hall is home to the impressive Double Column. Reaching 47 feet, the limestone column was formed when a massive stalactite met a stalagmite to form a pillar.
Dream Lake: The lake is the largest pool of water in the caverns. Its mirror-like images provide drama along the tour. Its depth is around 18-20 inches.
Titania’s Veil: This formation is an example of the calcite crystalline limestone formations found in the cavern. The purest form of calcite is white (like Titania’s Veil).
The Stalacpipe Organ: Billed as the world’s largest instrument, the Stalacpipe Organ is said to make “stalctites sing.” There are often musical performances occurring around the organ.
Cathedral Room: The gigantic chamber where the Stalacpipe Organ resides, and many concerts and ceremonies are held.
OTHER THINGS TO DO AT LURAY CAVERNS
Shenandoah Heritage Village
(Included in General Admission)
After the caverns, this was Randy and my favorite part of the Luray Caverns campus. The 7-acre village is a recreation of a Shenandoah Valley 19th century farming community.
Visitors can tour small museum buildings, restored historic villages, gardens, and a vineyard against a gorgeous backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Car & Carriage Museum
(Included in General Admission)
Randy and I really enjoyed walking through this attraction. The museum features a collection of 140 items including wagons, coaches, and 50 meticulously restored motor vehicles. See a milk wagon, 1908 Baker Electric, 1925 Rolls Royce, and more.
Toy Town Junction
(Included in General Admission)
Lovers of kitsch and toy memorabilia will enjoy a stroll through the Toy Town Junction. There are pirates, knights, baby dolls, farm animals, and around 20 model trains to enjoy.
Gem Sluice
(Extra fee)
Garden Maze
(Extra fee)
Rope Adventure Park
(Extra fee)
We hope you enjoy touring the stalactites and stalagmites, Laura and Randy
For more information on traveling to Shenandoah National Park Virginia, read our travel blog posts on:
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