7.27.25 9:00
Places To Go
Cool places in Virginia ✈️
📍Location:
Shenandoah Caverns
261 Caverns Rd Quicksburg, VA 22847
Located less than 2 hours from Washington DC and less than a mile off Interstate 81.
📝Description&Context:
Shenandoah Caverns was created millions of years ago by underground rivers and earth movements.
As water flowed through the soil above, the droplets picked up minerals and deposited them on the ceilings, floors and walls of the open space, creating stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline formations.
Different types of formations grow depending upon the minerals and the speed of the water as it drips, as well as the rock onto which it is dripping.
Since 1922, Shenandoah Caverns has been a premier tourist destination in Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Visitors from around the world marvel at our breathtaking natural wonders, incredible geology and extraordinary crystalline formations found 200 feet below ground level.
All tours are personally led by knowledgeable guides who will highlight the wonders of our underground world and answer questions as you walk through 17 spectacular rooms and passageways. Tours take one hour in a year-round 56-degree temperature.
Good Part:
Some of my favorite parts/ rooms include the, Wishing Well, Beyond the Veil, Cathedral Hall, Diamond Cascade, and Rainbow Lake.
Need To Note:
Shenandoah Caverns is the only Virginia caverns with an elevator to access the caverns, however, since the caverns are a natural wonder, they cannot be made 100% ADA accessible without destroying their natural qualities
💵 Price:
Tickets can be purchased in our lobby or online.
Adults: $32
Seniors (62+): $28
Children (6-12): $15
Children (5 and under): Free
We booked our tour with Groupon and they had a deal going on so we got a tour for two at $48 with tax.
⭐️Overall rating: 10/10
We went on a Sunday Morning right when they opened so we got to be the first tour in a very small group of maybe 8 people so it made the experience so much better.
Hours of Operation:
Shenandoah Caverns is open 7 days a week,
except for December 25th
Lobby doors & Gift Shop open at 9:00 AM
First tour begins at 10:00 AM
No reservations required
Caverns Tour Hours:
Lobby & Gift Shop: Lobby opens at 9:00 AM
Summer Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day
No tours after 5:00 PM
Winter Hours: Labor Day to Memorial Day
No tours after 4:00 PM
Additional Tips:
Caverns tours cover one mile on a crushed gravel pathway, with some inclines and declines. Bring a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
All Shenandoah Caverns tours are fully guided. You may not tour on your own.
It is against Virginia State Law to touch caverns formations. Doing so prohibits future growth and damages the delicate formations. Our tour guides ensure that these regulations are followed to preserve the caverns for future generations.
About 80% of our caverns is still active and growing, so you may experience water dripping, but it will not be “raining.” If you experience a drop, it is called a “cave kiss” and is supposed to bring good luck.
They hold weddings in the caverns and in several location throughout our grounds and attractions, have dining and Airbnb on site.
Shenandoah Caverns, located in Virginia just under two hours from Washington DC and near Interstate 81, is a unique geological wonder formed millions of years ago by underground rivers and natural earth movements. This premier tourist destination offers visitors a glimpse into an extraordinary underground world approximately 200 feet below the surface, with formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline deposits that create a visually stunning cave environment. The caverns span 17 rooms and passageways, including notable highlights like the Wishing Well, Beyond the Veil, Cathedral Hall, Diamond Cascade, and Rainbow Lake. Each tour is personally guided by knowledgeable experts who provide fascinating insights into the formation processes and geological context, enriching the visitor experience. One distinctive feature of Shenandoah Caverns is its accessibility; it is the only Virginia cavern equipped with an elevator, making access easier while preserving the natural integrity of the caverns. However, due to their delicate and natural state, the caverns cannot be made fully ADA accessible without compromising their preservation. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, as the cavern maintains a steady temperature around 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The one-mile crushed gravel pathway includes some inclines and declines, so physical preparedness is important for an enjoyable tour. Respect for the environment is paramount in Shenandoah Caverns. Virginia law prohibits touching cave formations to prevent damage and support continued growth, which currently occurs in about 80% of the caverns. If you experience a drop of water known as a “cave kiss,” it is considered a symbol of good luck. Beyond the natural beauty of the caverns themselves, the site offers additional amenities such as dining options, gift shops, and even Airbnb accommodations. Remarkably, Shenandoah Caverns also serve as a unique wedding venue, offering couples a memorable setting deep underground or throughout the surrounding grounds. Tickets are reasonably priced with options for adults, seniors, children, and free admission for very young kids. Purchasing tickets online or directly at the lobby is straightforward, and special deals through platforms like Groupon can provide added value. Operating year-round except for December 25th, the cavern opens its gift shop at 9:00 AM with tours starting at 10:00 AM. Longer summer hours run from Memorial Day to Labor Day with no tours after 5:00 PM, and shorter winter hours from Labor Day to Memorial Day with tours ending by 4:00 PM. Shenandoah Caverns is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking an awe-inspiring experience within Virginia’s scenic Shenandoah Valley. Its rich history, geological marvels, and excellent visitor services contribute to a top-rated attraction praised by visitors worldwide.
