Luray Caverns in Virginia
Table of Contents
Billions of Years in the Making
Stories and photos by Roxie LaFever (unless otherwise indicated)
Discovered in 1878 by five local men exploring in Luray, Virginia, the caverns date back to the Tertiary era (an old geological term), meaning somewhere making them between 66 million and 2.6 million years old. Slow and steady has been the growth as they estimate that a mere inch of new growth for a stalactite takes 120 years. Perfection takes time, and these caverns are a must-see experience!
Compared to outside temperatures, the Caverns are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. They offer larger than life views and underground reflecting pools and range in height from a few feet to a few stories. Whether you visit, come rain, snow, or sleet, it is always 54 degrees inside but humid enough to make a person sweat at 87% humidity. Make sure to dress in layers to accommodate the temperature change.
Luray Caverns is for children of all ages – young and young at heart! As a child who first visited the Caverns decades ago, I can vouch that the memory will last a lifetime. Less than a two-hour drive from the DC Metro Area, this work of underground wonders is all-natural and safe to explore. In fact, due to the reduction in crowds, this might just be the best time to visit. There are no lines, plenty of time to get non-people photos or videos, and time to leisurely stroll and explore.
COVID Safety Precautions
Recent improvements have fully paved the walkways throughout the Caverns, so it is easily accessible by wheelchair or baby stroller. It takes approximately an hour to complete the 1.5-mile tour. In addition, Luray Caverns acted to comply fully with Virginia’s COVID safety rules, including social distancing, masks required for all, a one-way path roped off through the caverns, and the suspension of guided tours for now. High traffic areas like handrails are sanitized with hospital-grade disinfectants.
Each visitor receives a detailed brochure that describes all the highlights for each numbered stop. All will feel safe, secure, and fully informed. Up-to-date information on COVID requirements can be found at their website link, New Safety Measures for Timeless Beauty – Luray Caverns.
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Stalactites (those that hang down from the ceiling) and stalagmites (those that grow from drippings on the floor but reach upwards) are in abundance throughout Luray Caverns. They come in every shape and size, various colors, and in some cases, are easily recognized by their given names.
The Fallen Stalactite – which they estimated fell about 7,000 years ago during a massive earthquake – has become a natural bridge and part of the pathway. The individuals crossing were the next closest visitors – way more than 6 feet of social distance. Seeing them at a distance also gives you an idea of the depth and height of the Caverns.
Other photos are easily identified but use your imagination too!
Music to My Ears
In an area of the Caverns known as the Cathedral, stand in front of the World’s largest musical instrument, as documented in the Guinness Book of World Records. In operation since 1957, a local mathematician and electronics engineer spent three years developing this one-of-a-kind pipe organ. Musical tones are created by using rubber mallets to gently tap the stalactites across the 3.5 acres of Cavern. The vibrations are magnetically collected and transitioned into tones, and directed to the center of the Cathedral.
During non-COVID times, the Cathedral also serves as a Ballroom where local bands perform, and a removable plank floor is installed for dancing.
The Wishing Well
During 2019, more than $200,000 was raised for charities by visitors offering token coinage or dollars in support of silent wishes. In total, they have raised more than a million dollars, so please come prepared to offer up a wish when you visit.
Honoring Those Who Served
Our freedom comes at a cost, so please take a moment to reflect on those from Page County that gave their lives during war times, from the first World War to the Vietnam War. Reflect on their sacrifices, those of their families, and be thankful for each day of peace we live.
Other Activities Around Luray Caverns
When visiting the Caverns, make sure to spend at least one full day, but two days might be better. After walking the Caverns, plan to stop by the Stalactite Café or Heartpine Café for a drink, nosh, and soft seat to catch your breath. There is also a Candy Shop and Fudge Store inside Toy Town.
Price Included with Entrance Ticket to Caverns:
- Toy Town Junction is like stepping back into your childhood. With more than 30 trains and many old toys lovingly restored, please take your time wandering through the years. Say hello to Raggedy Ann and Andy, see miniature villages and train sets, wagons, and baby carriages, just to mention a few.
- Car and Carriage Caravan Museum shows more than 140 wheeled vehicles dating as far back as the 1760s. Some are luxury vehicles like the Mercedes or Rolls Royce. Others are practical, like the milk delivery truck, and some just show the unique styles through the years, including one-off designs that any avid collector would covet.
- Shenandoah Heritage Village is a restored 19th-century village filled with historical items and artifacts from as early as the 1750s. Step back in time as you explore what life used to be like for our ancestors.
- Stonyman Mining Company Gem Sluice offers family members the opportunity to “pan for gold!” Well, maybe not “real gold” but local gems. Also, with your ticket, you receive a coupon for a free piece of Ukanite and $1 off any gem bag (already panned). I treasured a piece of “fool’s gold” from my childhood until I understood what “fool” meant.
For an Additional Cost:
- Rope Adventure Park provides both kids and parents the opportunity to challenge their climbing abilities and conquer their fear of heights on this 3-story course. Not quite zip lining, but equally fun, and makes for some fantastic photos and bonding moments, too.
- The Garden Maze is a hedge garden to explore. Covering an entire acre, it’s an ideal opportunity to get lost, rediscover the joy of play, and time each other to see who can find their way out the fastest.
Downtown Luray – the historic district – offers family-run cafes and knick-knacks, and antique stores to explore. Take a drive across the highway and turn left to explore the town further.
Take Your Time to Explore
Even though it took billions of years to form this natural phenomenon, you can take your time as you explore the fascinating formations and fun activities.
Enjoy your visit to Luray – and have a safe ride home!
Based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Roxie LaFever likes her town but knows she needs to explore the world and search out her own truth. Without creating even an “unofficial bucket list,” she’s been to all 7 continents, seen all 7 Wonders of the World and over 40 countries. With each trip – she tries to identify a way to step out of her comfort zone – and grow. Whether she’s jumping off a mountain in Rio to hang-glide down to the beach, exploring the world’s largest waterfalls by ultra-lite or zodiac, hiking at high altitudes in Bhutan and Peru, or doing the “Walk of Faith” on the world’s longest glass bridge in China, you’ll want to travel along. In addition to freelance travel writing and photography, Roxie manages a lifestyle and travel blog at www.RoamingwithRoxie.com.
For more great stories by Roxie, click on the stories below.