Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade

by Micaela Williamson

Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade is the perfect place for families to get their fix of Americana.  As the only caverns in Virginia with an elevator service, Shenandoah Caverns has been welcoming people of all ages for over 90 years. After descending into the caverns, visitors are taken on an hour long guided tour through seventeen different chambers. The expert tour guide highlights the history of the caverns and points out special geological formations such as "The Diamond Cascade," "Rainbow room," "The Capitol Dome," the famous "bacon" and many more. 

Diamond Cascade

"The Bacon"

"The Rainbow Room"

The entire tour covers about one-mile underground and about 80% of the tour is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.  However, to see the whole tour, we recommend, if possible,  leaving your stroller in the car. Also be sure to dress appropriately for the temperature.  No matter what the weather is outside, the caverns remain a comfortable 56 degrees year round. 

At the end of the tour, visitors will exit into the "Mainstreet of Yesteryear" exhibit featuring intricate displays of department store windows from the 1940s and 50s. The impressive exhibit, collected and restored by Earl Hargrove, contains more than 100 animated figurines.  There is so much to look at, and the designs will amaze both kids and adults!

If you have a moment, the Shenandoah Caverns gift shop is full of local goodies, retro items, and great souvenirs. It is definitely worth a look.  From June through Labor Day, the Caverns Cafe, an original 1957 soda fountain serves up favorites such as burgers and BLTs. There are also picnic tables with a scenic mountain view located right outside.

Next, head over to American Celebration on Parade, and step into a giant warehouse displaying floats from many famous celebrations, including the Rose Parade, presidential inaugurations, Thanksgiving Day parades and more.  Hargrove, Inc. has been building props and floats for Presidential Inaugurations since Harry Truman was elected in 1949.  At American Celebration on Parade, these amazing floats and decorations are on display and able to be photographed. 

Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration combines natural and manmade wonderments and is a great place for nostalgic, old-fashioned family fun.  There truly is something for every visitor to love!  

Shenandoah Caverns and American Celebration on Parade
261 Caverns Road 
Quicksburg, VA 22847

Admission cost includes a personally guided tour of Shenandoah Caverns and self guided tours of Main Street of Yesteryear and American Celebration on Parade.

Save on admission by checking for coupons and discounts online. 

What's nearby?  Make it a fun trip and check out some of these other attractions and resources near Shenandoah Caverns:

• Route 11 Potato Chip Factory

• Historic Meems Bottom Covered Bridge
  
• Go Blue Ridge Travel and the Shenandoah Valley Kids' Trail