America’s oldest continually operated show cave is Grand Caverns in Grottoes, Virginia. Discovered in 1804 and opened for tours in 1806, it’s a grand experience of historic proportions. However, the attraction goes beyond the obvious.
Quick-Hit History
- Grand Caverns has had multiple names: Weyer’s Cave after the discoverer Bernard Weyer; Amend’s Cave after the landowner; Grottoes of the Shenandoah; and finally, Grand Caverns (1926)
- More than 200 soldiers signed the walls of the cavern during the American Civil War; it was a place of refuge
- Grand Caverns was added to the National Historic Landmark registry in 1973
- At more than 250, Grand Caverns has the most shield formations in the country
- In 2004 the National Speleological Society broke beyond a 7.9” passage and found more than 11,000 feet of additional, never-before-mapped cave
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Beyond the Show Cave
Grand Caverns is one of three caves included in the Cave Hill Natural Area Preserve, a preserve created in 2020 by a partnership that includes the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Cave Conservancy of the Virginias. Of significance in Grand Caverns is the blind cave millipede (Zygonopus weyeriensis).
The second cave – Fountain Cave – was open to the public for a time but shuttered nearly a century ago. Today it’s available for exploration at select times through Grand Caverns. Be warned: it’s serious spelunking.
To Know:
- Dress for the occasion: long pants and shirt sleeves and hiking boots are required. You’ll be outfitted with helmets, a headlight, knee pads and gloves. Coveralls are available as well.
- Must be 12 or older and in good health for climbing and crawling
- Allow two hours for the experience
- Reservations are required. Call 540-249-5705 or book now
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The third cave – Madison’s Saltpetre Cave – is not open to the public.
Pen-and-ink drawing ca. 1787-1826 entitled “Plan of Madison and Amen’s Caverns”
Above Ground
Unquestionably, both cave systems are primary points of interest. However, there are additional finds to be had above ground, like birds and wildlife, though do keep an eye peeled for bats in the caverns.
The Grand Caverns Regional Park is a stop on the Lost Shoe Loop of the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail. Common bird sightings for the fall season include Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, Blackpoll Warbler, and multiple species of raptors, sparrows, and woodpeckers.
Let us see your Grand Caverns or Fountain Cave experience! Tag us on Instagram and we’ll re-share our favorites.
Header image courtesy of Grand Caverns.