Stalactite Caves in the State of Virginia
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Southwest of the capital city of Washington DC, adjacent to Shenandoah National Park, there are three interesting stalactite caves located not far from each other.
Recommended hotels in the caves area
You can take a day trip to the caves from Washington DC and stay in Washington
Or if you are going on a trip to Shenandoah National Park near the caves, it is recommended to stay in the town of Front Royal or in the town of Luray adjacent to the caves:
Near Luray Caverns:
A 5-star hotel with family rooms, in the town of Luray, near the caves, with free internet and parking.
A Bed and Breakfast in Luray near the caves. Includes full free breakfast, internet, and parking.
Recommended accommodation in Front Royal:
♦ Hampton Inn Front Royal A 3-star hotel belonging to the Hilton chain with 75 spacious rooms. Each room has a refrigerator and microwave. Free breakfast, internet, and parking. The hotel has a gym.
♦ TownePlace Suites by Marriott Front Royal
An excellent 3-star suite hotel near the north entrance of the park. Pool, gym, free internet, and parking.
Luray Caverns Luray Caverns
These are the most beautiful and impressive caves on the entire East Coast. Located about 140 km from Washington, near Shenandoah Park, on Route 211.
The caves are located 17 km west of the entrance to Shenandoah Park via Route 211. The caves are accessible throughout their length. The ticket to these caves also includes entrance to a very impressive antique car museum with many car models, as well as entrance to a toy museum and an ancient open museum. The site also has a hedge maze and a ropes park for an additional fee.
Address in Google Maps: Luray Caverns, 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835
This is a labyrinth of stalactite caves, some particularly large, containing thousands of stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of colors. In one of the caves, called the "Cathedral Room," organ concerts are held which, thanks to the special resonance in the cave, sound with symphonic quality.
Skyline Caverns
The cave closest to Washington (about an hour's drive away) is Skyline Caverns, located near a town called Front Royal on US340. The special thing about this cave is the formation of mineral clusters in the shape of delicate flowers and stars on the ceiling of the cave.
The cave also has underground waterfalls and streams illuminated by hidden spotlights. The temperature in the cave is always constant: about 12 degrees Celsius. The cave is open throughout the year and guided tours of about 45 minutes take place every few minutes.
Address in Google Maps: Skyline Caverns, 10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Front Royal, VA 22630
SHENANDOAH Caverns
Nearby are the SHENANDOAH Caverns, reached via highway I-81. In addition to the colorful stalactites and stalagmites within them, a recommended animation show for children is held there featuring classic characters from well-known children's stories.
Address in Google Maps: Shenandoah Caverns, Virginia 22847