Are you debating about visiting Shenandoah Caverns vs Luray Caverns? We can help you make the decision!
When visiting the Shenandoah Valley, you have several cavern tours to choose from. So, which one is the best?
If you search the internet, most people say the two best caverns in Virginia are the Shenandoah Caverns and Luray Caverns. Their gorgeous formations and unique features set them apart from the other caves in the Shenandoah Valley.
We’ve been to both the Shenandoah Caverns and the Luray Caverns, so we can help you decide which cave is best for you and your family.
The guide below shares everything to expect during a cave tour through Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns. So, let’s dive in!
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Caverns in the Shenandoah Valley
Visiting a cave is one of the top things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. And there are a half-dozen to choose from!
These caverns were formed over 450 million years ago from the collision of the North American and African continental plates. As water seeps through the ground, it collects minerals like limestone to form stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations to decorate the large openings under the ground.
And now, we can tour them, enjoy their beauty, and learn more about the formations and how they are made.
Luray Caverns vs Shenandoah Caverns Tickets: What Do They Include?
The price to visit the Luray Caverns vs the Shenandoah Caverns is about the same. But what those tickets include varies greatly.
The Luray Caverns is open every day of the year. The Shenandoah Caverns is closed only on December 25th and open the rest of the year.
What Is Included in a Shenandoah Caverns Ticket
Admission to Shenandoah Caverns includes a guided cave tour (about an hour long) and the Main Street of Yesteryear, a small gallery featuring old window displays from department stores in Washington, DC, and New York.
What Is Included in a Luray Caverns Ticket
Your ticket to Luray Caverns offers more than the Shenandoah Caverns ticket. The ticket includes a self-guided tour of the cave and the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction, which are some of the best things to do in town.
Other Things to Do at Shenandoah Caverns and Luray Caverns
Luray Activities
In addition to the cave and museums, Luray Caverns offers other activities on-site.
Kids and adults can complete the Rope Adventures Course or Garden Maze for an additional fee.
Are you kids interested in mining for gemstones? Luray Caverns lets kids get their hands wet and learn a bit about geology and the pioneer lifestyle.
Shenandoah Activities
Shenandoah Caverns has a separate museum that showcases old parade floats called American Celebration on Parade. If you want to visit, you can add on admission for an additional fee.
They also have gem mining available, like Luray.
Cavern Tour Accessibility
Luray Caverns Accessibility
Luray opened their ramp into the caverns in May 2019. It eliminates the need for stairs and makes it easy for wheelchairs and strollers to access the caverns.
However, the caverns’ paths may not be suitable for wheelchairs as the paths can be steep and narrow in some areas. Strollers should have better success inside the cave.
Shenandoah Caverns Accessibility
To enter the cave, most people have to navigate 79 steps down to the tour. However, there is also an elevator if you need to bring your wheelchair or stroller into the cave.
Once inside the cave, there is a packed gravel pathway. We saw someone pushing a stroller inside. Using a wheelchair might be possible, but tight sections could be challenging to get through.
What to Expect Inside the Caves
Inside the Cavern
Whatever the weather may be outside the cavern, inside, it is cool and damp. The cavern’s temperature maintains a steady 54-56° F. Wearing long sleeves inside is recommended due to temperature and dampness.
In addition, due to the nature of the caverns, the pathways may be wet in some areas. We even stepped through some puddles on the Luray tour. Wearing shoes with slip-resistant soles would be wise.
Rock Formations and Colors
Like most caverns, you will see three different formations: stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
These natural wonders vary throughout the caverns, some taking on a more cone-like shape while others appear flatter. Some of the flatter formations are translucent, making for a beautiful sight.
You will see a few different colors in the caverns as well. White comes from pure calcite, red from iron, and gray from manganese. The colors combine into some beautiful scenery.
Tips and Things to Know Before You Visit Luray Caverns or Shenandoah Caverns
- Bring a sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt, as the caverns are always 54-56°F
- Wear shoes with good soles as the paths may be wet and/or slippery
- The cavern tour lasts about 60 minutes and covers 1-1.5 miles of pathways
What You’ll See On the Luray Caverns Tour
At over 64 acres, Luray Caverns is the largest cave on the eastern side of the United States. In addition, the caverns were formed over 450 million years ago. Due to its size and age, it offers some beautiful and unique features.
Luray Caverns has moved to a self-guided tour that takes about 60-90 minutes and covers just over a mile. A brochure will guide you to points of interest, and there are employees throughout the cave to answer any questions.
Dream Lake
Dream Lake is a bit of an optical illusion. The lake itself is only 18-20 inches deep. However, due to the stalactites hovering over the water, the lake appears to be much deeper.
Saracen’s Tent
Considered one of the best “drapery” formations in the world, Saracen’s Tent is made up of thinner formations. Some are so thin they are translucent!
Titania’s Veil
Made up of pure white calcite drips, Titania’s Veil is one of the more ornate and beautiful formations in the caverns.
Stalacpipe Organ
Built in 1957 by Leland Sprinkle, Sr., the organ is the largest instrument in the world. The organ is a lithophone and uses the vibrations of the stalactites to play music. Mr. Sprinkle search throughout the chamber to “tune” the organ!
Fried Eggs
On your way out of the caverns, you’ll see one of the smallest formations that look like fried eggs, or also an oyster shell. Visitors use to rub the “yolk”, but after years of rubbing, the yellow coloring has disappeared.
What to Expect On a Shenandoah Caverns Tour
Shenandoah Caverns was discovered in 1884 by two young boys. In 1920, construction began to open the tavern for tours. Tons of gravel filled the cave pathways, raising them between 3 and 15 feet above the cave floor. In 1922, the caverns opened for tours.
Setting it apart from other attractions like Luray, Shenandoah Caverns continues to offer guided tours. The cave system here stretches for about 3 miles, but the tour focuses on a one-mile section packed with the most stunning formations. Lasting approximately an hour, the tour provides an unforgettable journey through the cavern’s most captivating sights.
Cave Bacon
Shenandoah Caverns has some of the best “cave bacon” in the world! National Geographic Magazine featured the formations in their June 1964 issue.
Cathedral Hall
Cathedral Hall is one of the largest rooms in any cavern on the east coast. It’s 280 feet long and 70 feet high! Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling at the beautiful formations.
Diamond Cascade
The Diamond Cascade is a large calcite crystal formation that sparkles in the light. On your tour, the guide will change the colors of the lights to showcase the beautiful formation.
Rainbow Lake
Rainbow Lake is the final formation you’ll see on the tour. And they saved the best for last! Multiple colors shine on the drip formations as the reflect off the water below. It’s amazing what they can do with light in the caverns.
Amenities at Luray and Shenandoah Caverns
Both Luray and Shenandoah Caverns have lovely gift shops where you can purchase clothing, souvenirs, and snacks.
If you want a more substantial meal, Shenandoah Caverns has a café with made-to-order burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Luray has two eateries. One is a fast-food-style café (next to Toy Town Junction), and the other is a bistro-style café at the Shenandoah Heritage Village.
FAQs About Shenandoah and Luray Caverns
How long does it take to walk through Shenandoah Caverns?
The tour at Shenandoah Caverns lasts about one hour and covers about one mile.
Which caverns are better Luray or Shenandoah?
Luray Caverns is the most extensive cave system on the eastern side of the United States, but the Shenandoah Caverns showcases some beautiful formations. Both caverns are worth visiting.
If you want a guided tour, go with Shenandoah. Luray Caverns ticket includes more activities, so it might be the best choice for you and your family.
What is the biggest cavern in Virginia?
Covering 64 acres, the Luray Caverns are the biggest caverns in Virginia and also the eastern United States.
Fun Facts About Luray Caverns
- The caverns were formed over 450 million years ago.
- The oldest formation in the cavern is 7 million years old.
- Luray Caverns contains active formations. They grow at a rate of 1 cubic inch every 120-300 years, depending on the formation.
- The chambers inside the cavern range from 30-140 feet in height.
- Luray Caverns covers 64 acres
Fun Facts About Shenandoah Caverns
- It’s the only Virginia caverns with an elevator
- The caverns are about 200 feet below the ground
- The cave system is approximately 3 miles long
- There are 17 “rooms” in the Shenandoah Caverns
- The lobby at Shenandoah Caverns has the smallest post office in America
Other Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley
There are so many fun things to do in the Shenandoah Valley in addition to the many caverns in the area. Some of our favorites include the Massanutten Storybook Trail (a short drive from both Shenandoah Caverns and Luray Caverns), hiking in Shenandoah National Park, and enjoying the small towns.
Luray itself has plenty of things to do in town. Many of those activities are on the Luray Caverns property.
Wrapping Up Shenandoah Caverns vs Luray Caverns
If you can only visit one of the best caverns in the Shenandoah Valley, you honestly can’t go wrong with either Luray or Shenandoah Caverns.
If you’re just interested in the cavern tour and aren’t worried about the additional museums and things to do, go with Shenandoah Caverns. We loved the tour and how open the caverns felt. Plus, you had some time to “explore” on your own.
If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck, the Luray Caverns are the right choice for you. With multiple attractions included in your ticket, it’s an easy way to spend an entire day in Luray.
No matter which one you choose, you’ll enjoy learning about the geology of the Shenandoah Valley and how the caves were formed. They are both great tours!
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