Grand Happenings at Grand Caverns in 2023

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Photo by DV Entertainment.

America’s oldest continuously operating show cave – Grand Caverns in Grottoes – has new educational offerings this year, including spelunking tours, which are believed to be the only such tours available in the Shenandoah Valley.

The dark, damp caves below the Shenandoah Valley are accessible to all by way of relatively easy walking tours. However, longer versions that reveal forgotten history, dive nose-deep into nerdy geology, require crawling to get to the good stuff, and test your physical strength are all available.

For Adults Only

The 120-minute candlelight History Tour at Grand Caverns is offered the first Monday of each month. Trust that the Senior Staff Historian will tell you plenty that you do not know of Grand Caverns in the 1800s.

Put on a helmet and geek out over the 120-minute Geology Specialty Tour. The second Friday of each month is an expedition with Dr. Angel A. Garcia, Jr., an Assistant Professor of Geology and Environmental Science at James Madison University. He and his students continually research Grand Caverns and are working on 3D mapping of the cave system.

Bring the Kids

Ages 12 and older can participate in the two-hour Rock Bottom Adventure Tour which guarantees dirt and exhaustion as you spelunk through Fountain Cave. Headlamps and other equipment is provided as there are no lights to rely on. Long sleeves and pants are required; boots are recommended.

Sixteen means more than a driver’s license. It’s also the key age at which kids can really get into the thick of things at Grand Caverns.

The Grottoes Crawl is three hours long and explores the nooks and crannies of previous Grand Caverns pathways. It’s a cool way to go farther and deeper into the caverns than the everyday tour. Strenuous climbing and crawling are to be expected. Guests are outfitted with helmets, headlights, knee pads, and gloves. Dress to cover your arms and legs and consider wearing boots.

The king of spelunking tours is The Gauntlet Adventure Tour. Taking three to four hours, this Fountain Cave experience is the most challenging offered by Grand Caverns. Expect to not only crawl and climb, but also squeeze, twist, and roll your way into all of the amazing hidden rooms that await. Take a cue from the name: The Gauntlet is meant for the brave and athletic. Are you ready?

Book a Tour

Grand Caverns are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 1 through October 31, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 1 through March 31. They are closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

Header image by DV Entertainment. Watch for their Grand Caverns video debuting Summer 2023.

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