From its rolling hills, to its mountains, rivers, and beaches, Virginia is an extraordinary state. So beautiful, in fact, that even what lies below ground will take your breath away. You’ll want to make plans to see these 7 sites as soon as possible. And the best part? The temperature below ground is a consistent 56 degrees, which makes these locations ideal any time of year.
- Shenandoah Caverns (Quicksburg, Va.)
Donnie Gladfelter/flickr The Shenandoah caverns are the only ones in Virginia that offer an elevator service. A one hour tour can take you through the 17 fascinating rooms.
Donnie Gladfelter/flickr Colored lights emphasize the other-worldy formations that grow below ground.
Boston Public Library One of Shenandoah’s most noteworthy features is the Rainbow Lake and its iridescent drips of bright colors.
- Luray Caverns
wikimedia There’s some serious hype about Luray, and for good reason. Luray Caverns are the largest in the eastern part of the country and are considered a National Landmark.
Chad Holt/flickr. The gold columns that are characteristic of Luray Caverns come from iron and clay soils that combine with calcium carbonate.
wikimedia You won’t want to miss the Stalacpipe organ. This regular-sized organ is amplified to epic proportions because its pipes are the stalactites themselves. You’ll have to hear it to believe it.
- Endless Caverns (New Market, Va.)
ellenm1/flickr A complex network extending over 5 miles, these caverns are aptly named. Endless Caverns were discovered by two young explorers and their dog in 1879. A fossilized wooly mammoth’s tooth was also discovered here.
ellenm1/flickr
- Skyline Caverns (Warren County, Va.)
valkrye131/flickr Skyline Caverns is one of the only places on earth where these tiny and spectacular formations known as Anthodites can be seen.
Boston Public Library Looking for a unique wedding spot? Many couples have exchanged vows at the Shrine at Skyline Caverns.
- Dixie Caverns (Salem, Va.)
Mark Plummer Dixie Caverns opened to the public in 1923. Some of its unique rooms include Fairy Land and the Turkey Wing. The names will make more since once you’ve seen the unique formations growing in each space.
- Gap Caverns (Ewing, Va.)
Warren Flick/flickr There’s a reason this photo looks a little eerie…Gap Caverns is the only lantern-led cavern tour in the state. This special lighting will make you feel like an early explorer.
Warren Flick/flickr Gap Caverns is part of the Cumberland Gap National Park, where there is plenty of above ground exploration offered as well.
- Grand Caverns (Grottoes, Va.)
wikimedia Originally known as Weyers Cave, the Grand Caverns hold the largest rooms in the East. Cathedral Hall, for instance, is 280 feet long and 70 feet high.
yuan2003/flickr Don’t miss the Rainbow Room displayed with beautiful colored lights.
Venturing below ground will reveal an entire world of its own. Stalactites, stalagmites, and so much more. Be prepared for a memorable adventure where you’ll discover the spaces that exist right below our feet. Have you visited any of these sites? Share your stories in the comments below!
Donnie Gladfelter/flickr
The Shenandoah caverns are the only ones in Virginia that offer an elevator service. A one hour tour can take you through the 17 fascinating rooms.
Colored lights emphasize the other-worldy formations that grow below ground.
Boston Public Library
One of Shenandoah’s most noteworthy features is the Rainbow Lake and its iridescent drips of bright colors.
wikimedia
There’s some serious hype about Luray, and for good reason. Luray Caverns are the largest in the eastern part of the country and are considered a National Landmark.
Chad Holt/flickr.
The gold columns that are characteristic of Luray Caverns come from iron and clay soils that combine with calcium carbonate.
You won’t want to miss the Stalacpipe organ. This regular-sized organ is amplified to epic proportions because its pipes are the stalactites themselves. You’ll have to hear it to believe it.
ellenm1/flickr
A complex network extending over 5 miles, these caverns are aptly named. Endless Caverns were discovered by two young explorers and their dog in 1879. A fossilized wooly mammoth’s tooth was also discovered here.
valkrye131/flickr
Skyline Caverns is one of the only places on earth where these tiny and spectacular formations known as Anthodites can be seen.
Looking for a unique wedding spot? Many couples have exchanged vows at the Shrine at Skyline Caverns.
Mark Plummer
Dixie Caverns opened to the public in 1923. Some of its unique rooms include Fairy Land and the Turkey Wing. The names will make more since once you’ve seen the unique formations growing in each space.
Warren Flick/flickr
There’s a reason this photo looks a little eerie…Gap Caverns is the only lantern-led cavern tour in the state. This special lighting will make you feel like an early explorer.
Gap Caverns is part of the Cumberland Gap National Park, where there is plenty of above ground exploration offered as well.
Originally known as Weyers Cave, the Grand Caverns hold the largest rooms in the East. Cathedral Hall, for instance, is 280 feet long and 70 feet high.
yuan2003/flickr
Don’t miss the Rainbow Room displayed with beautiful colored lights.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
