Luray Caverns: An Accessible Attraction for All

Home » What's New » Luray Caverns: An Accessible Attraction for All
Luray Caverns

Something you may not know is that Virginia’s famed Luray Caverns has step-free wheelchair access all the way through. It’s but one of several amazing features of this subterranean marvel of the Shenandoah Valley.

Quickly, A Brief History

On August 13, 1878 a trio of men noticed a cold rush of air seeming to come from a sinkhole. Upon further inspection, they gained entrance to an enormous cave system. Little did they know, it would be the largest on the East Coast of the United States.

  • 1881 – Electricity was added to the caverns, making it the first illuminated cavern in the United States
  • 1950 – Paved walkways replaced plank walkways
  • 1957 – The Great Stalacpipe Organ was invented and dedicated – it’s the largest instrument in the world
  • 1957 – The Car and Carriage Caravan Museum opened
  • 1974 – Luray Caverns became a Registered Natural Landmark
  • 1998 – The Garden Maze – the largest in the mid-Atlantic – was created by John Schneider
  • 2009 – Shenandoah Heritage Village opened
  • 2012 – The Rope Adventure Park opened
  • 2019 – Luray Caverns’ new step-free entrance was completed
  • 2025 – THIS SPRING: Phase One Completion for a new Visitor Center

Touring Luray Caverns

You take the reigns at Luray Caverns with a self-guided tour along the 1.25-mile paved path. Armed with a brochure and map to point out the discoveries along the way, your adventure will likely take you a little more than an hour. Remember to admire with your eyes and not your hands.

For a narrated experience, snag a spot on the once-daily 1870s tour. Your guide is a costumed storyteller who presents the caverns in a way reminiscent of its original discovery. This exclusive tour is limited to 30 people and includes a special souvenir ticket and a copy of “Story of Luray Caverns” booklet.

Luray Caverns is open every day of the year, but one special day is Discovery Day. Discovery Day is an annual event celebrating the day the caverns were discovered. In 2025, the 147th Discovery Day will be held August 16 and will feature plenty of live music, a Grand Illumination Tour of the caverns featuring costumed guides and candlelight, and a fireworks display at dusk. Add it to your calendar as a reminder.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Luray Caverns (@luraycaverns)

Included with Your Tour Ticket …

Luray Caverns is a collection of what you tour below ground plus several attractions above – the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction. Take your time enjoying each in your own time. The only attractions requiring separate tickets are The Garden Maze, Rope Adventure Park, and Stonyman Mining Co. Gem Sluice.

Accessibility Considerations

Back to where we started, Luray Caverns is wheelchair accessible from beginning to end. However, some grades may require assistance, depending on a guests’ equipment and needs. Note that Luray Caverns is not listed as a handicapped accessible attraction. Accessible parking is located near the entrance.

Read More About Accessibility

Plan your trip to experience the full array of things to do at Luray Caverns at LurayCaverns.com.

X