The Cave Guide
Stalactites and columns inside Luray Caverns, VirginiaPhoto: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0

Luray Caverns

Luray, VA
54°F
inside, all year
1 hr
on the main tour
$36
adult ticket

A large show cave in the Shenandoah Valley with a self-guided route on 1.25 miles of paved, step-free walkways — one of the few big caves you can visit in a wheelchair.

The story

Luray Caverns was discovered on August 13, 1878, when Andrew Campbell, William Campbell, and Benton Stebbins felt cold air coming from a limestone sinkhole. Andrew, three other men, and his 13-year-old nephew Quint dug away loose rocks and sticks for four hours before Andrew and Quint slid down by a rope into the cave with candles. In 1881, thirteen arc lights were installed in the cave, described as the first instance on record in the United States that a cave was lighted by electricity. In 1901, T.C. Northcott purchased Luray Caverns and built a sanatorium house named "Limair" for his wife, connecting a shaft to the caverns so underground air filled every room. In 1974, Luray Caverns was designated a Registered Natural National Landmark.

Found
August 13, 1878

History source: luraycaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • Totem Poles
  • Saracen's Tent
  • Giant's Hall
  • Dream Lake
  • Great Stalacpipe Organ
  • Wishing Well

Tickets and timing

Adults
$36 general admission (includes on-site museums)
Kids
$18 (ages 6–12), free under 6
How long it takes
A little over 1 hour self-guided; 2–3 hours with the other attractions
Hours
Open every day. Apr 1–Jun 14: 9am–6pm · Jun 15–Labor Day: 9am–7pm · to Oct 31: 9am–6pm · Nov–Mar: weekdays 9am–4pm, weekends 9am–5pm
Booking
Tickets online or at the gate.

Getting around underground

The walk
1.25 miles of paved walkways with a step-free entrance; some moderate grades.
Wheelchairs
Yes — step-free access (some grades may need assistance).
Strollers
Allowed; a small stroller works best.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Small pets may be carried on the tour; leashed pets allowed on the grounds.
When it rains
Open rain or shine.
Temperature
54°F / 12°C, very humid

Good to know

Food and drink
Heartpine Café is part of the Shenandoah Heritage Village; group packages can include food.
On site
Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, Toy Town Junction, Gem Sluice, Garden Maze, Rope Adventure Park, Singing Tower, Luray Valley Museum, Heartpine Café, Luray Fudge Company, souvenir photos

Special tours and events

Special Discovery Tour daily at 8:30am ($65 adults, $35 children).

Getting there

Washington, DCBaltimoreRichmondRoanoke

101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA 22835

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Before you go

  • One of the few major show caves you can visit in a wheelchair.
  • Admission also covers the car museum and heritage village.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Luray Caverns take?

A little over 1 hour self-guided; 2–3 hours with the other attractions

How cold is it inside Luray Caverns?

54°F / 12°C, very humid.

Can you visit Luray Caverns in a wheelchair?

Yes — step-free access (some grades may need assistance).

Are dogs allowed at Luray Caverns?

Small pets may be carried on the tour; leashed pets allowed on the grounds.

Do you need to book Luray Caverns in advance?

Tickets online or at the gate.

When was Luray Caverns discovered?

August 13, 1878, according to the cave's own history.

Where is Luray Caverns?

101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA 22835

Listed in: dog-friendly caves, wheelchair-accessible caves, self-guided caves

Checked on 2026-10-22 against luraycaverns.com (home and FAQ). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

Other caves in Virginia

See all 8 caves in Virginia