Luray Caverns
From LoveToKnow Travel
Luray Caverns is a spectacular underground marvel located near to the Shenandoah National Park. A wide variety of interesting formations and sites can be enjoyed within the caverns. Visitors can, however, find more to do at Luray Caverns than just explore underground. In fact, the caverns offer a variety of activities the family will be sure to enjoy. A stop at Luray Caverns is well worth the visit while exploring Shenandoah National Park.
The Luray Caverns
Luray Caverns is one of the most popular cavern locations in the United States and has been designated as a U.S. Natural Landmark. It contains a wide variety of formations and amazing natural colors that are not commonly seen in caverns. In addition, the walkways are paved and lighted, making the caverns easy to explore – even for children. Many caverns have drop offs that can be scary to parents with small children. Luray Caverns is no exception. But, each of the drop offs at this cavern has been well protected with plexiglass fixtures, making it impossible for children to fall. This provides a fantastic element of relief to parents.
Many of the cave rooms in Luray Caverns are huge. Some even have ceilings that are 10 stories high. Children and adults alike are amazed by the crystal clear pools, which appear to be several feet because they perfectly reflect the stalactites hanging from above. In reality, the pools are only inches deep!
Perhaps the most interesting feature of Luray Caverns is the Stalacpipe Organ. This organ was created by Leland Sprinkle in 1954, who meticulously searched the caverns for stalacpipes that would exactly match the notes on the musical scale when they were tapped with a rubber-tipped mallet. After three years of searching and experimenting, Sprinkle managed to create the world’s largest instrument, the Stalacpipe Organ, which covers a total of 3 ½ acres. Visitors can enjoy listening to the organ as it plays a tune during their visit. The children will love watching one of the rubber-tipped mallets as it gently taps a nearby stalactite.
The Car Museum
After exploring the Luray Caverns, guests can take a tour of the car museum located on the same grounds. Admission to the car museum is free with the purchase of a cave tour ticket. Guests receive a separate ticket to the car museum when purchasing a ticket for the cave tour. At the car museum, families can enjoy looking at over 140 different items related to transportation, including coaches, carriages, costumes and, of course, cars. Included in the exhibit is the 1892 Benz, which is one of the oldest cars in the country that still runs. Children are amazed when they see cars of the best and learn about how they transformed into the vehicles they are today.
Garden Maze at Luray Gardens
Another fun family adventure is the Garden Maze. This attraction is not included in the entrance fee for the Luray Caverns, but the extra cost is money well spent. The Garden Maze, which is one acre in size, is one of the largest mazes in existence in the Mid-Atlantic states. This ornamental garden is filled with twists, turns, and dead ends that the entire family will enjoy exploring and solving together. In addition, the family can search together for special posts where they can add a stamp to their passport. If all of the posts are located, the passport can be turned in later for a discount at the gift shop. Getting all of the stamps will also spell out a secret message!
The Garden Maze is a total of a ½ mile trail. The trail itself is 4 feet wide and the hedges in the maze are eight feet tall. There are a variety of locations within the Garden Maze that include misting foggers that provide a little cool off on hot days. There is also an elevated platform in the middle of the maze for guests who become completely lost.
After completing the maze, families will most likely want a cool drink and treat. Outside the entrance, there are vending machines of water and other cool drinks. There is also a Dippin’ Dots vendor offering a variety of yummy ice cream flavors.
The Singing Tower
Another Luray Cavern attraction is the Singing Tower, which is officially named the Bell Brown Northcott Memorial. This 117 foot tall memorial was built in 1937 and contains 47 bells, the largest of which weights 7,640 pounds and is an amazing six feet in diameter! The smallest bell weighs only 12 ½ pounds. The Singing Tower provides free recitals at regurarly scheduled times in the spring, summer, and fall.
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