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{{Text hero
|title=Grottoes, Virginia
|subtitle=Virginia local guide
|kind=place
}}
<div class="vw-photo-hero-fallback-source" style="display:none">
{{Place header
|image=
|alt=
|kicker=SHENANDOAH VALLEY TOWN
|name=Grottoes, Virginia
|summary=A small Shenandoah Valley town best known for Grand Caverns, a landmark cave with a visitor history stretching back to 1806.
}}
</div>

{{Place quick facts
|label1=Region
|value1=[[Shenandoah Valley]]
|label2=Type
|value2=Incorporated town
|label3=Counties
|value3=[[Augusta County, Virginia|Augusta]] and [[Rockingham County, Virginia|Rockingham]]
|label4=Known for
|value4=Grand Caverns
}}
<div class="vw-place-intro">
Grottoes is a small town in the Shenandoah Valley, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, spanning parts of Augusta and Rockingham counties. Its defining visitor attraction is [[Grand Caverns]], a National Natural Landmark whose show-cave tours began in 1806. The town’s parks and the nearby South River add outdoor options to a visit centered on the cavern.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://townofgrottoes.com/about-grottoes/
|title=About Grottoes
|website=Town of Grottoes
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/connect-2/about/
|title=About Grand Caverns
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>

The cavern’s long history and the town’s name are closely linked: Grottoes took its current name in 1912, and the cave itself has been known by several names, including Weyers Cave and Grottoes of the Shenandoah. Visitors can choose a standard walking tour or, for a more physically demanding outing, a guided adventure-spelunking tour. Check Grand Caverns’ current tour schedule and requirements before setting out.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://townofgrottoes.com/about-grottoes/
|title=About Grottoes
|website=Town of Grottoes
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/visit/plan-your-visit/
|title=Plan Your Visit
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>
</div>

<div class="vw-commerce-flow">
{{Book destination
|destination=VA-GROTTOES
|name=Grottoes
}}
{{Viator maybe
|destination=VA-GROTTOES
}}
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== Why visit Grottoes? ==
Grottoes makes a natural stop for travelers interested in cave geology, regional history, and low-key outdoor recreation. Grand Caverns is the main draw: it has operated as a show cave since 1806 and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973. The town also offers a quieter small-town setting for exploring the central Shenandoah Valley.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/connect-2/about/
|title=About Grand Caverns
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://townofgrottoes.com/about-grottoes/
|title=About Grottoes
|website=Town of Grottoes
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>

== What to see and do ==
<div class="vw-place-card-grid">
{{Place card
|title=Grand Caverns
|link=Grand Caverns
|text=Take a guided walk through the show cave, or look into the separately offered adventure-spelunking and specialty tours. The surrounding park also has trails and visitor amenities; check the official site for current tour options, reservations, hours, and prices.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/visit/plan-your-visit/
|title=Plan Your Visit
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>
}}
<div class="vw-place-card">
<h3>Grand Caverns Park</h3>
<p>Make time above ground for the park’s riverside walking path, hiking trails, picnic facilities, and other recreation amenities. The park’s official FAQ lists mini golf, river access, and a visitor center among the offerings; confirm what is available on your visit.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/connect-2/frequently-asked-questions/
|title=Frequently Asked Questions
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref></p>
</div>
<div class="vw-place-card">
<h3>History and geology tours</h3>
<p>Grand Caverns offers specialty tours focused on the cave’s history and geology, alongside its standard walking tour. Tour formats and schedules can change, so consult the official planning page before booking.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/visit/plan-your-visit/
|title=Plan Your Visit
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref></p>
</div>
</div>

== History and character ==
The cave now called Grand Caverns was discovered in 1804 by Bernard Weyer, according to the attraction’s history. It opened for tours in 1806 and has been known at different times as Weyers Cave and the Grottoes of the Shenandoah. The name Grand Caverns dates to 1926; the U.S. Department of the Interior designated the site a National Natural Landmark in 1973.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/connect-2/about/
|title=About Grand Caverns
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>

The cavern also preserves traces of the Civil War era. Grand Caverns reports more than 200 verified soldiers’ signatures in the cave, including visitors from both Union and Confederate forces. The Town of Grottoes says the community’s name changed from Shendun to Grottoes by an act of the General Assembly in 1912, reflecting the caves’ importance to the area.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/connect-2/about/
|title=About Grand Caverns
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://townofgrottoes.com/about-grottoes/
|title=About Grottoes
|website=Town of Grottoes
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>

== Planning a visit ==
Grand Caverns is at 5 Grand Caverns Drive in Grottoes. Its standard walking tour lasts about 70 minutes, follows a gravel path, and includes stairs; the attraction recommends checking accessibility information if anyone in your group may have difficulty with stairs or the walk to the cave entrance. The cave remains cool year-round, so a light layer is useful. Confirm current tour availability, hours, prices, and booking requirements directly with Grand Caverns before traveling.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/visit/plan-your-visit/
|title=Plan Your Visit
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/connect-2/frequently-asked-questions/
|title=Frequently Asked Questions
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>

Cave tours are not wheelchair accessible, and strollers and walkers are not permitted inside the cave. The park’s grounds provide access to some amenities, including picnic shelters and riverside walking trails. The attraction asks visitors to avoid touching cave formations to help protect them.<ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/connect-2/frequently-asked-questions/
|title=Frequently Asked Questions
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web
|url=https://grandcaverns.com/visit/plan-your-visit/
|title=Plan Your Visit
|website=Grand Caverns
|access-date=2026-10-23
}}</ref>

== Nearby places and attractions ==
<div class="vw-place-explore-grid">
{{Nearby card
|title=Harrisonburg
|link=Harrisonburg, Virginia
|text=A Shenandoah Valley city to pair with a visit to Grottoes.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Staunton
|link=Staunton, Virginia
|text=A nearby independent city with a historic downtown and cultural attractions.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Waynesboro
|link=Waynesboro, Virginia
|text=A Blue Ridge foothills city and convenient point of departure for exploring the valley and mountains.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Shenandoah National Park
|link=Shenandoah National Park
|text=Explore mountain scenery, trails, and Skyline Drive farther east.
}}
{{Nearby card
|title=Shenandoah Caverns
|link=Shenandoah Caverns
|text=Another Shenandoah Valley cave attraction, located north of Grottoes.
}}
</div>

<div class="vw-amazon-flow">
'''Travel books and maps:''' [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Grottoes%20Virginia%20travel%20guide%20map&tag=virginiawiki-20 Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon]
<div class="vw-affiliate-disclosure">As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.</div>
</div>

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://townofgrottoes.com/about-grottoes/ Town of Grottoes: About Grottoes]
* [https://grandcaverns.com/ Grand Caverns]
* [https://grandcaverns.com/visit/plan-your-visit/ Grand Caverns: Plan Your Visit]
</div>

[[Category:Places in Virginia]]

Grottoes, Virginia - Revision history

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