thebabytravels touching the cavern wall
If you find yourself in Virginia trying to decide on an activity to take your family to on a Saturday, especially one that is educational yet exciting enough that your kids won’t realize it, something that your oldest to your littlest and even in between will enjoy, then you really should look into a trip to the Luray Caverns. The caverns are just a few minutes off the scenic Skyline Drive- a breathtaking drive through Shenandoah National Park with amazing views.
I had never been to any other caverns prior so I really didn’t know what to expect. I figured there would be a plethora of stalactites and stalagmites to gaze about at and maybe a few surprises along the way. My expectations were definitely met and exceeded far beyond my imagination. The beauty was indescribable and the formations were unique and so visually appealing so much and every turn and corner offered up a new site and feature to admire.
My favorite part of the caverns was Dream Lake. While it was the largest body of water located in the caverns (even though it’s deepest point was only 18-20 inches), the part that made it so fantastic was that it created a mirror image of the stalactites that hung above it. It was so easy to be fooled by the illusion that you actually believed there were stalagmites and you had to look for the ripples in the water to assure yourself that it truly was a reflection. I think we spent about twenty minutes at Dream Lake and had to pull ourselves away from the magic and illusion it created.
Dream Lake, Luray Caverns
Another one of my favorite parts was the stalacpipe organ. Featured on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not , the organ works by tapping a rubber mallet on stalactites. Beautiful tones and music rang as the organ using stalactites as their pipes resounded through the air. The songs resonated with deep and rich tones with hauntingly beauty- the perfect background music as you take in the surroundings.
We had so much fun exploring the caverns, taking the well done and entertaining self guided audio tour, gazing at the ever-changing formations and breathing in the freshest and cleanest air. It’s a place we look forward to visiting again someday and bringing all our children to see and experience.
Pluto’s Ghost, Luray Caverns
Comments 2
I went to Luray years ago and loved it. There’s also a great set of caves a few hours away in West Virginia, near a town called Cabins if you ever hear out that way.
Pictures are amazing, glad your trip met and exceeded expectations 🙂