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We have seen plenty of stalagmites and stalactites in caverns and caves all over the world, but none can compare to the Luray Caverns in Virginia, known as the largest cavern in the Eastern United States.
They are also one of the most visited caverns in the USA, so I was worried how its popularity may have diminished its value.
I did not need to worry; it’s popular for a reason. The Luray Caverns are cathedral-sized caverns, with some chambers reaching ten stories high, with warm lighting carefully placed to illuminate the most astounding of its formations. Of all the caverns I’ve seen, Luray is possibly the best I’ve ever seen.
I was stunned by the pristine condition and the abundance of stalagmites and stalactites formations, full-length draperies, huge columns, and dazzling mirror pools that this ancient caved has formed over millions of years.
If you’re thinking this sounds like something you’d like to explore, this guide has everything you need to know about visiting Luray Caverns…
A Brief History of The Luray Caverns
We were on our way to explore Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, but we turned in to visit Luray Caverns not for its sights, but it’s history. It was the discovery of these caves that grabbed my attention.
Imagine being the first to stumble upon them?
Well, that happened to the local men who discovered the Luray Caverns on August 13, 1878 – Andrew Campbell, William Campbell, and Benton Stebbins.
They had an inkling that caverns were in the area due to the karst topography (limestone and dolomite sedimentary rock deposits).
After feeling an odd, cool breeze originating from a depression on the hillside, they began digging at it.
Five hours later, Andrew, William, and Benton entered the caverns by sliding down into it.
Their first sight was what would be dubbed the Washington Column, named after the first president of the United States.
Little did they know the rest of the beauty they were about to discover.
Such beauty that has received world-class recognition and dubbed, “Geology’s Fall of Fame.”
The Smithsonian Institution report of July 13 and 14, 1880, concluded: “It is safe to say that there is probably no other cave in the world more completely and profusely decorated with stalactite and stalagmite ornamentation than that of Luray.”
And National Geographic once said the draperies found at Luray Caverns are some of the “best in the world.”
Luray Caverns was designated a Registered Natural Landmark in 1974.
This designation offers protection to this natural wonder forbidding the creation of any further embellishments (like the Fried Eggs and Organ created before this protection).
It also means it can’t have any colored lights, and visitors can only explore on designated paths, which wind through only a third of the cave system (what must lie beyond here?).
The first Grand Illumination of Luray Caverns occurred on November 9, 1878.
It has been open every day since and attracts 500,000 people each year.
How to tour The Luray Caverns
There are two ways you can explore Luray Caverns – on a guided tour (Special Discovery Tour) of a self-guided tour (Standard Tour).
If you opt for self-guided, then you can do so during regular opening hours, and it takes about an hour to walk through the caves.
The other way is to book onto a Guided Discovery Tour, which comes with a knowledgeable tour guide, who will share more history about the discovery, as well as give you a copy of the “Story of Luray Caverns” booklet. You also get to enter the caverns 30 minutes before general admission, so you can beat the crowds.
Guided tours are about an hour long, but you are free to explore the caverns by yourself afterwards if you want to return to take photos.
Our Self-Guided Tour Experience
We decided to explore the Luray Caverns on a self-guided tour as we visited during the pandemic when guided tours were closed, but we would have loved to have joined one to learn more about the discovery story.
What we discovered for ourselves was a magical, secret underground world of draping flowstones, jaw-dropping formations, towering columns, massive chambers, calcite pools and so much more.
Paved and well-lit pathways lead you throughout the caverns which extends for 60 acres, and reach heights of 10 stories high.
The easy trail is 1.25 miles and took us about an hour with all our gawking stops.
With the self-guided tour, you are given a booklet with your ticket that lists the various “attractions” in Luray Caves and has a small amount of information about each one.
Savannah stopped at every self-guided number to enthusiastically read each description.
She was mesmerized by the magic of these formations that take 120 years to form just a cubic inch.
Luray Cavern Highlights
There are 19 stops on the self-guided tour – each are incredible and worth spending time looking at.
Here are just a few of the Luray Cavern Highlights for us:
Dream Lake
Dream Lake is the most exquisite attraction in Luray Caverns. It’s the most stunning optical illusion and one you’ll never forget.
The stalactites on the ceiling are mirrored perfectly onto the flat surface below, creating the illusion of thousands of stalagmites rising up from the floor to reach to reach up to them.
It’s an illusion so real that you cannot see the real bottom of the lake, even though it’s only about 20 inches at its deepest point.
It’s one of the first stops on the tour and the point where I said, “Okay, well seeing this has made this tour worth it alone.”
Giant Redwood
The Giant Redwood is the oldest and biggest formation in the caverns. This huge piece of flowstone is 40 feet high and 120 feet in circumference.
As flowstone takes 300 years to form one inch, it is estimated to be over 7 million years old!
It’s just as magnificent as the trees it is named after.
Saracen’s Tent
This is where we find National Geographic’s best example of draperies in the world. It’s definitely the best example I have seen of these flowing delicate curtain formations.
Double Column
The Giant’s Hall is the deepest part of the caverns (164 ft below the surface of the earth) and has the largest airspace of any room in the caverns.
My favorite formation in here was the Double Column, the tallest formation in the cavern at 47ft high. On the front side is a stalactite reaching all the way to the floor from the ceiling.
Beside it, on the back side, is a stalagmite formed from the floor reaching almost to the ceiling. They do not meet but are joined side by side.
The Fallen Stalactite
I was fascinated by the Fallen Stalactite shaken off the ceiling by an earthquake 7,000 years ago.
It was gigantic and sent a little nervous shiver through me thinking of earthquakes shaking up this cave. Don’t fear, this was the last disturbance of this magnitude!
Wishing Well
I found the Wishing Well fascinating, although I’m unsure of any damage it may do to the caves. I asked the ranger who said it doesn’t and is protected to ensure this.
It’s a beautiful crystal clear green pond – the deepest body of water in the caverns with a depth of six feet.
It’s popular for wish seekers to throw money in the pond. At the end of the year, two to three feet of coins will cover the pool. We saw plenty of notes as well, including $100 bills.
One positive is that the money is collected annually and donated to environmental and educational organizations. Over a million dollars has been collected over the years.
The Cathedral and Great Stalacpipe Organ
I loved envisioning the occasional dances that were held in the huge chamber called the Cathedral, (once known as the ballroom.)
It is here you’ll also find the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the largest musical instrument in the world, which uses the stalactites as tone sources. It’s meant to play at various times throughout the day, but I never heard it.
I was a bit nonplussed about this part of the tour, whereas for others it will be a highlight.
Other Things to Do at Luray Caverns
In addition to the Luray Caverns tour, your ticket entitles you to several other perks.
The Shenandoah Heritage Village and Luray Valley Museum
This museum shares more about the Shenandoah Valley with artifacts dating from the 1750s up to the 1920s. TI’s a gateway to how life was lived o the frontier’s edge.
Car & Carriage Museum
Car lovers will enjoy the vehicle exhibits that range a pre-Civil War bicycle, the oldest carriage on the continent and an 1897 Mercedes-Benz, one of the oldest cars in the country still in operating condition.
Toy Town Junction
This is a toy museum that displays thousands of historic toys and trains making it a favorite for kids.
Luray Caverns Store
The tour finishes in the Luray Caverns Store, which has locally produced products such as jams, candies, and Virginia wine.
The Garden Maze and Rope Adventure Park
There are two separately ticketed attractions the kids will love.
The Rope Adventure Park consists of three levels so the children can climb according to their ability, comfort, and confidence.
The Garden Maze is where the whole family will enjoy getting lost together!
Luray Caverns Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
Luray Caverns is open 365 days a year, rain or shine. Opening hours vary depending on the season.
From April 1st to June 14th, the Luray Caverns are open from 9:00am – 6:00pm, and from Juen 15th to Labor Day, 9:00am – 7:00pm.
From Labor Day to October 31st, they are open from 9:00am – 6:00pm, and from November 1st to March 31st they are open from 9:00am – 4:00pm on weekdays and 9:00am – 5:00pm on weekends.
Standard Self-Guided Admission costs $34 for adults and $17 for children aged 6-12, and $32 for ages 62+.
For Special Discovery Tours, tickets cost $65 per adult, and $35 per child.
There are discounts available for students, Giant or Martin’s BonusCard holders, and military personel.
Aged 5 and under can enter free with a paying adult.
How to get to Luray Caverns, Virginia
Luray Caverns are located in Shenandoah Valley, sandwiched between the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Alleghenies to the West.
The closest airport is Washington D.C., located two hours east. From here, you will need to pick up a car rental, and drive or take the Virginia Breeze bus to Harrisonburg.
You can also book onto a day tour from Washington D.C. Click here to see day tours of Luray Caverns from Washington D.C.
From here, drive north along the I-81 N and US-211 E to Luray, where the entrance to the caverns are located just on the edge of town.
FAQs About Visiting Luray Caverns
What should I wear to Luray Caverns?
The temperature in the caverns is around 54 degrees Fahrenheit year round, regardless of the temperature outside. We visited in summer, so with the humidity, it felt warmer. I had a tank top on and didn’t feel cold once. I’m sure winter is a different, so come prepared with warm clothes.
Do you need to book ahead for Luray Caverns?
Despite their popularity, the caverns say that they never run out of space. So, therefore it is not necessary to book ahead for Luray Caverns. There are no timed entries and you can enter as soon as you get your ticket.
How long does it take to walk through Luray Caverns?
It took us an hour to walk through with stopping to take photos and admire the formations. Self-guided and guided tours are estimated to take an hour, but you can stay longer if you want to.
Things to do near Luray Caverns
Walk the greenway trail through town
The hilly mountain town will take you back to 19th century charm with detailed brick architecture and storefronts housing local boutiques, antique stores, restaurants, wine bars and breweries.
More Virginia Travel Tips
Need more inspiration for a trip to Virginia? Here are some other helpful guides…
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