Your Complete Guide to Luray Caverns
A gem in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, Luray Caverns is the most popular and the largest caverns in Eastern America. The tours here are supposed to educate the visitors about the wonders of the underground. Besides the enlightening cave tours, there are other attractions that you can enjoy in this park. Get to know more here.
Luray Caverns: The Basic Facts
Luray Caverns was discovered in 1874. Scientists predict that this caverns system is 4 million years old. This landmark is recognized as a U.S. National Natural Landmark. It is 64 acres in size and it features towering rock formations of up to 10 stories high, folded stone formations, intricate calcite pools, and deposits, large champers, and more! No wonder why 500,000 visitors come here annually.
It is located at 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA. When you arrive here, parking is free for all. It is open year-round. Tickets range from $15 to $28 per person. Children below 5 years old are free to enter the park. Once you get a ticket for the cave tour, you can also enter the other attractions, such as The Luray Valley Museum, Toy Town Junction, and the Car & Carriage Museum.
The Luray Caverns Tour
The Luray Caverns is a developed caverns system that includes paved and well-lighted walkways that lead you to jaw-dropping formations, towering columns, and massive chambers.
Inside the caverns, whatever the weather outside, the temperature remains to be around 54 degrees Fahrenheit. That is why it is best to wear long sleeves. Also, there may be puddles in some areas so make sure that your shoes are slip-resistant.
Some of the special features inside Luray Caverns are:
Saracen’s Tent – This is considered as one of the best drapery formations worldwide. Some are so thin that they are almost translucent.
Giant’s Hall – This column has a height of 47 feet. It is the tallest in the caverns too.
Dream Lake – The lake is 18 to 20 inches deep that offers a beautiful optical illusion. The mirror illusion of the stalactites is just amazing!
Stalactite Organ – This organ was built in 1957 and it uses the vibrations of the stalactites to play music. For each tour, it automatically plays music.
Titania’s Veil – This is an ornate formation in the Luray Caverns made of pure white calcite drips.
Other Must-See Attractions
The Luray Caverns has other attractions that you should include on your adventure and you will surely love to see. Because these are part of your general ticket to see the Luray Caverns, it would be best to take some time to discover these places.
1. The Luray Valley Museum
You will learn more about the Shenandoah Valley where Luray Caverns is located if you visit this museum. There are artifacts here that date back from the 1750s up to the 1920s. It would be great to know more about the community when you visit the caverns system.
2. Car & Carriage Museum
If you fancy cars, you should come by to see the collection of the best cars of all time here. The exhibits here range from classic vehicles from 1725 to the 1950s.
3. Toy Town Junction
This is a toy museum that displays thousands of historic toys. Your kids will surely love this attraction!
Traveling from Massanutten to Luray Caverns
Journeying from Massanutten Resort to the enchanting Luray Caverns provides a delightful adventure through Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. The route, which is approximately a 1-hour drive, unfolds a picturesque landscape that is especially breathtaking during the fall when the foliage is ablaze with color.
Visitors often embark on this trip to transition from the recreational activities available at Massanutten, such as skiing, waterpark fun, and golfing, to explore the underground wonders of Luray Caverns. The caverns, discovered in 1874 and estimated to be 4 million years old, boast an array of spectacular formations, including the delicate Saracen’s Tent, the towering Giant’s Hall, and the reflective Dream Lake.
Combining the outdoor and leisure pursuits of Massanutten with the subterranean marvels of Luray Caverns creates a varied and fulfilling Virginian adventure.
