The Luray Caverns started forming 400 million years ago. A tinsmith and a photographer co-discovered the caverns on August 13, 1878. People flocked to see the caverns, and Luray became an unlikely tourist destination. The 1977 movie "The Other Side of Midnight" that starred Susan Sarandon was filmed at the caverns. Television shows such as "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" and "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" have featured the caverns. A highlight of the caverns is the Great Stalacpipe Organ, known as the "world's largest musical instrument." The stalactites hanging in the cavern make noises that sound like a symphony when tapped electronically by rubber-tipped mallets.
Luray Caverns
970 U.S. Hwy. 211 West
Luray, VA 22835
540-743-6551
luraycaverns.com
Zoos usually aren't found in small towns like Luray. The Luray Zoo, however, is a rescue zoo that features a range of animals, birds and reptiles. You can see a Bengal tiger, king cobras, wedged caped capuchin monkeys, eagle owls and Harris hawks. A petting zoo features less aggressive animals like pet fallow deer, goats, Tibetan yaks, a potbelly pig and a Sicilian donkey. The Luray Zoo also has shows like an alligator feeding and a venomous snake show.
Luray Zoo
1087 U.S. 211
Luray, VA 22835
540-743-4113
lurayzoo.com
The 105-mile long Shenandoah National Park has its headquarters in Luray. The 196,000-acre park includes hiking trails that cover over 500 miles, backcountry camping, bike riding, birdwatching, horseback riding, fishing and nature viewing like observing waterfalls. You can drive through the park on Skyline Drive. Highlights include overlook areas and picnic facilities. Stops near Luray include the Pass Mountain Overlook, the Jewell Hollow Overlook and the Pinnacles Overlook and picnic area.
Shenandoah National Park
3655 Hwy 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
540-999-3500
nps.gov
