The Cave Guide
Travertine flowstone inside Shenandoah Caverns, VirginiaPhoto: James St. John, CC BY 2.0

Shenandoah Caverns

Quicksburg, VA
56°F
inside, all year
1 hr
on the main tour
$34.00
adult ticket

A cave in Quicksburg, Virginia with hour-long guided tours at 56°F; wheelchairs can reach about 80% of the route with a helper.

The story

In 1884, the Southern Railway was built through Shenandoah County, and a local farmer named Abraham Neff granted the railway permission to quarry limestone from his property. Neff's sons were playing in the quarry and found a hole with cool air and mist, then climbed down a 275-foot winding shaft into a large dark room with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. A local man named Hunter Chapman bought the Neff property and the caverns, built stairs and a gravel pathway through the caverns, and constructed a three-story building with a lobby and hotel. The Shenandoah Caverns opened to the public in May of 1922. In 1931 Chapman installed an elevator running from the third floor down into the caverns, and in 1957 a fire destroyed the upper floors of the hotel, which was not rebuilt.

Found
1884
Open to visitors since
1922

History source: shenandoahcaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • Grotto of the Gods
  • Cathedral Hall
  • Rainbow Lake

Tickets and timing

Adults
$34.00 (adults)
Kids
$16.00 (children 6-12); children 5 and under are free
How long it takes
1 hour
Hours
Memorial Day–Labor Day 9am–6pm (last tour 5pm). Rest of the year 9am–5pm (last tour 4pm).
Booking
Buy online in advance or on arrival. Tickets are non-refundable.

Getting around underground

The walk
Crushed-gravel path with inclines and declines, plus two ramps with handrails.
Wheelchairs
Not ADA accessible, but wheelchairs can reach about 80% of the cave with a strong helper. No rentals.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
Only ADA service animals.
Temperature
56°F year-round

Good to know

Best time to go
All caverns tours are built as guests arrive; the longest wait time is approximately 1 hour, but often less.
Elevator
Yes, there is an elevator; it runs from the third floor down into the caverns. It is the only cavern in Virginia with an elevator.
Food and drink
Caverns Cafe serves hamburgers, French fries, BLTs and other items, with indoor dining and an outdoor patio; picnic tables are located around the grounds. The cafe is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
On site
Large gift shop, Caverns Cafe, Gemstone Mining Sluice, Children's playground, Picnic tables, Main Street of Yesteryear, American Celebration on Parade, Airbnb onsite

Special tours and events

American Fright Night in October, Christmas at the Celebration in December.

Getting there

Washington, DCBaltimoreRichmondRoanoke

261 Caverns Rd, Quicksburg, VA 22847

Parking: Free parking in a large lot; tour buses are welcome.

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Shenandoah Caverns take?

1 hour

How cold is it inside Shenandoah Caverns?

56°F year-round.

Can you visit Shenandoah Caverns in a wheelchair?

Not ADA accessible, but wheelchairs can reach about 80% of the cave with a strong helper. No rentals.

Are dogs allowed at Shenandoah Caverns?

Only ADA service animals.

Do you need to book Shenandoah Caverns in advance?

Buy online in advance or on arrival. Tickets are non-refundable.

When was Shenandoah Caverns discovered?

1884, according to the cave's own history.

Where is Shenandoah Caverns?

261 Caverns Rd, Quicksburg, VA 22847

Listed in: wheelchair-accessible caves, caves with an elevator

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

Other caves in Virginia

See all 8 caves in Virginia