Underground in Luray, VA

Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern U.S. I remember visiting as a child, an unearthly experience that stuck with me. With summer 2019 vacation just beginning, I took my daughters and two of their friends to Luray, VA to explore the underground.

The cave you fear holds the treasure you seek.

Joseph Campbell

The drive from Frederick County, MD offers a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, eventually arriving arrive at the intersection for a roadside attraction called Dinosaur Land in White Post, VA. We didn’t have any dinosaur lovers in our group that day so we didn’t opt to stop, but we did take a few photos. It’s hard to pass up the opportunity for a photo with a dinosaur.

Luray Caverns looks like it was placed in the middle of nowhere. A large campus-like attraction, we spotted a garden maze adjacent to the entrance of the caverns but we were anxious to start our underground tour.

Many of the rock formations have interesting names, such as Pluto’s Ghost and Dream Lake, which is ironic since the caverns were once an ancient sea. Luray Caverns are perhaps best known for the great Stalacpipe Organ, an electric church organ that was installed to produce different tones against the stalagmites and stalactites. The Organ was our favorite.

This trip was a great stop for all ages and we rounded out the day with dinner in Winchester, VA before heading home.

1-Day Itinierary With Kids

To	From	Mode	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Trip Notes
Dinosaur Land, White Post, VA	FredCo, MD	Car	12:00PM	1:00PM	Open for over 50 years, Dinosaur Land features over 50 dinosaur statues and a large gift shop for dino lovers.
Luray Caverns, Luray, VA	Dinosaur Land	Car	1:15PM	2:30PM	There are extras included with your ticket such as the Car & Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction. The Garden Maze and Rope Adventure Park onsite are extra.
Pizzoco Pizza Parlor, Winchester, VA	Luray Caverns	Car	4:30PM	5:15PM	Located in a 1920s gas station! Highly rated, amazing pizza, and a kid favorite.
Home	Pizzoco Pizza Parlor	Car	6:00PM	7:00PM