Exciting New Updates & Events at Luray Caverns

One of Virginia’s most famous, underground landmarks has some exciting new changes and a special, one-of-a-kind tour coming up in celebration of its discovery over 140 years ago!

The world renowned Luray Caverns is located in the city of Luray, within Page County, Virginia. This happens to be the largest and most visited cavern system in eastern America and has been a major attraction and natural landmark for generations.

However, over the years the management team of the caverns wanted to make it even more accessible to the public. In fact, former Luray Caverns Chairman of the Board, Ted Graves, had a goal nearly 70 years ago to eliminate all steps within the caverns, making it easier for guests to participate in tours and traverse the caverns.

Almost all steps were effectively eliminated by 1975, with the exception of the 70 steps from the entrance building down into the caverns. Obstacles to getting rid of these remaining steps included funding challenges as well as concerns regarding safety and environmental preservation of the cavern.

New step-free entrance for Luray Caverns

As technological progress was made in decades to come, a plan was made to eliminate the remaining steps and excavation began the summer of 2017. The new step-free, paved entryway is now open in 2019, making it even more accessible to visitors.

If you have never visited Luray Caverns or have not visited recently, you need to check out the new entryway, (re)discover the natural beauty and wonders underground, and attend their special Discovery Day event!

Discovery Day at Luray Caverns

Discovery Day marks the anniversary of the discovery of the caverns by Andrew Campbell, William Campbell, and Benton Stebbins in 1878. Coming up this Saturday, August 17 is the annual Discovery Day celebration in which you can embark through the new entrance and enjoy a special Grand Illumination Tour led by guides in period-costumes along special candlelit sections of the caverns. Additionally there will be evening fireworks and a recital by Jess Ratcliff from Luray Singing Tower, a 47-bell carillon located on the event’s perimeter.

What: Luray Caverns Discovery Day
Where: Luray Caverns, 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835
When: Saturday, August 17, 2019

Tickets are free for children 5 years and younger. Admission prices are $28 for adults and teenagers, and $15 for children 6-12 years old. Tours take place often between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

There are so many reasons to visit Luray Caverns. Here are just a few of mine:

7 Reasons to Visit Luray Caverns

1. It ranks as eastern America’s largest and most visited caverns
2. Conveniently located less than 100 miles away from our nation’s capital
3. New accessible entryway just opened in 2019
4. Music in the caverns — see and hear the Stalecpipe organ, a musical marvel
5. So many amazing formations and look-alikes your tour guide will point out! Fun finds include: Fried eggs, ice cream, Disney princess castles, and so much more
6. Your Luray Caverns ticket grants you free admission into three other museums:
   The Luray Valley Museum — “A collection of local, restored historic buildings creating a small 19th century farming community including the Stonyman, a museum showcasing Shenandoah Valley artifacts from the 1750s to the 1920s.”
   The Car & Carriage Caravan — “Featuring over 140 transportation specimens including antique cars, carriages, coaches, and costumes dating from 1725.”
   Toy Town Junction — “Dr. Richard Worden’s massive train and toy collection that will thrill both children and adults of all ages”
7. There is so much to discover within this natural landmark. What will you discover?

Take in an awe-inspiring view of our world hundreds of feet below the earth’s surface and see amazing formations that were centuries in the making. Discover the difference between stalactites and stalagmites and explore the natural wonders in this mighty cavern. Be sure to ask your tour guide any questions you have. That’s how my daughter and I discovered that blind salamanders live in the caverns!

Enjoy the sites and attractions of the surrounding Shenandoah Valley and make it a weekend adventure! Visit GoShenandoah.com for more tips and accommodations or visit LurayCaverns.com/lodging

A special thanks to Luray Caverns for inviting my daughter and I to attend a media preview to see the new entrance and take a tour!