Grand Caverns
Grand Caverns | |
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Weyer's Cave | |
Location | Grottoes, Virginia |
Coordinates | 38°15′37″N 78°50′07″W / 38.26028°N 78.83528°W |
www | |
Designated | 1973 |
Grand Caverns, formerly known as Weyer's Cave, is located in the central Shenandoah Valley in the town of Grottoes, Virginia, United States. A limestone cavern, it claims the distinction of being America's oldest show cave, in operation since 1806.[1]
In 1973, the
History
According to legend, the cavern system was discovered in 1804 by 17-year-old Bernard Weyer, manager of the local distillery, looking for a missing trap. Originally, it was called Amend's cave, named after the land's owner, Matthias Amend. In two years, Amend opened it for the public, one of the first show caves of the United States. The locals, however, preferred to name it after the original discoverer.[3]
During the
From 1974 until October 2009 Grand Caverns was owned by the Upper Valley Regional Park Authority (UVRPA); they also claimed ownership of Natural Chimneys. In October 2009 Grand Caverns and its surrounding parks were given to the Town of Grottoes; the UVRPA has since dissolved.
In 2004, the Grand Caverns management requested that the Virginia Region chapter of the
Grand Caverns is currently open seven days a week. Monday through Friday, tours typically run every hour from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday tours run every 45 minutes starting at 9:30 a.m. and continuing until 5 p.m.
Geology
The cave is developed in
Grounds and events
The caverns are surrounded by a tourist-driven area. Other activities in the park include hiking and biking trails, five picnic shelters for general use, a swimming pool, and a mini-golf course.[7] The caverns also host an annual bluegrass festival.
See also
References
- OCLC 61482791, archived from the originalon 28 July 2011, retrieved 3 January 2010
- ^ "Grand Caverns". National Natural Landmarks. National Park Service. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
- ^ Duckeck, Jochen (12 October 2008). "Weyer's Cave". Show Caves of the World. Jochen Duckeck. Archived from the original on 26 June 2009. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
- ^ UVRPA staff (18 March 2009). "Grand Caverns". Natural Chimneys and Grand Caverns located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Upper Valley Regional Park Authority. Archived from the original on 2 April 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
- ^ Gulden, Bob; NSS Geo2 Committee (15 December 2009). "USA LONGEST CAVES". NSS Geo2 Committee on Long and Deep Caves. Bob Gulden. Archived from the original on 5 April 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
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: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Commonwealth of Virginia staff (2010). "Grand Caverns". Virginia is for Lovers. Virginia Tourism Corporation. Archived from the original on 15 January 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
- ^ "Grand Caverns". America's Amazing Caves. unknown. Archived from the original on 22 June 2008. Retrieved 3 January 2010.