The Luray caverns in Virginia are incredible natural wonders. It is a magnificent art made by stalactite and stalagmites that surpassed all my imagination of what crystalline deposits and time can create. By time, I mean millions of years.
It is a great spot for taking wedding vows, if you are considering some thing like that! There is the world’s largest natural musical instrument that can play symphonic quality music.
The Smithsonian Institute commented – “Here in this studio of nature are reproductions of all those objects…whose multiplicity, variety and splendor would exhaust the whole literature of mythic and fairy lore in providing names of their infinite diversity of beauty”
What are Luray Caverns?
Luray caverns are active caves where new deposits accumulate at the rate of one cubic inch in 120 years. Most caves result from a simple formula that consists of a layer of lime stone, a mildly acidic mixture of water and carbon dioxide and yes, the most important ingredient, time – precisely millions of years.
Therefore, it is very important that we respect that fact, , and not touch any surface of the stalactites and stalagmites that we see there.
Stalactites are formed often in a fluted and unformed fashion from the ceiling down. Stalagmites are built with distinct mounds on their way towards the ceiling.
A massive decoration is formed when the mineral bearing water spreads over the limestone walls and builds its crystalline deposits from a protruding ledge. Then it looks like frozen waterfalls, veils and tents. The Titania Veil, Saracen’s tents or the Frozen Fountain in the Luray caverns are excellent examples.
Experience in the Luray caverns
After you buy the ticket ($23 for adults and there are discounts for AAA members and Senior Citizens) you’ll get an audio set. You’ll have a guide who’ll tell you and show you all the details. You go down about 60 steps with your group and reach the first stop.
There you’ll find numbers near the exhibits that correspond to the audio tour guide. You can hear all about the particular formations and Mother Nature’s art.
The walkways are narrow but lighted dramatically. The temperature is 55 degree F all the time, very comfortable and moist.
There is a nice, earthy smell.
Our tour guide mentioned that lizards and mice do come by sometimes to visit, but have to leave eventually or die, as there is no food in the Luray caverns, down there.
Plants can not survive as there is no natural light.
Therefore, in silence, rather with a very slow dripping and sipping sound Mother Nature continues her work of art taking her sweet time, patiently.
You’ll be amazed when you stand in front of the Pluto’s Chasm or the Redwood Tree that are there in the Luray caverns. You’ll have an exceptional listening experience in the Cathedral.
There is the world’s largest stalactite organ- the world’s largest musical instrument that will play music for you.
These stalactites cover 3 ½ acres of the surrounding caverns that produce tones of symphonic quality when electronically tapped by rubber mallets.
That is why some times weddings happen herein the Luray caverns too.
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Plan your visit to Luray Caverns
Stalactite and stalagmites
