Weird and Wacky Cave Attractions

More Than Just a Grand Spelunking Adventure

Cave diving can be a fun adventure no matter where you go, but these cavernous attractions provide an extra layer of entertainment. Take a tour of unique cave-diving experiences from Plymouth, NH, to Vallecito, CA.

Whether you’ll be visiting your first cave or you’re an accomplished spelunker, the attractions on this list will surely provide you with a fun new experience. Discover what to expect at roadside cave attractions from Plymouth to Vallecito and beyond.

1. Polar Caves Park – Plymouth, NH

Technically, Polar Caves Park is in Rumney, NH, but it’s very close to Plymouth. At this old-school roadside attraction, you’ll find a naturally cooled cave with tight passageways, interesting geological formations, and a petting zoo outside the cave’s entrance. Can’t-miss elements of this attraction include the “King’s Chamber” and the gift shop fudge.

2. Luray Caverns – Luray, VA

Luray Caverns is one of the most famous caves on the East Coast and with good reasons. It has unique cave formations, including tons of stalagmites and stalactites. Luray Caverns is also home to the largest natural instrument in the world, the “Great Stalacpipe Organ.” Yes, you can listen to it play as part of the tour.

3. Lost Sea Adventure – Sweetwater, TN

Most people don’t realize this, but Sweetwater, TN, is home to America’s largest underground lake. The lake is so big that visitors can tour it on a glass-bottom boat ride. Other unique draws to this attraction include Civil War graffiti and the cave’s energetic tour guides.

4. Ruby Falls – Chattanooga, TN

Ruby Falls is all spectacle. The underground waterfall is beautiful on its own, but add rock-concert lighting, cheesy narration, and extra touches of drama, and you get a truly unique cave-diving experience.

5. Meramec Caverns – Stanton, MO

Most people who know about the Meramec Caverns know them as the rumored hideout of Jesse James. What they might not expect at this Route 66 roadside attraction are the colorful lights and dramatic rock formations. There’s also a gift shop that sells by-the-pound rock candy.

6. Blanchard Springs Caverns – Fifty-Six, AR

The Blanchard Springs Caverns are like an underground magical garden. Located deep in the heart of the Ozarks, this cave has a bit more traditional vibe than the others on this list, but it’s worth a look for the sheer beauty of the cavern.

7. Moaning Caverns – Vallecito, CA

Vallecito, CA, is home to one of the largest single-chamber caves in the state, but that’s not Moaning Caverns’ primary claim to fame. In the cavern, you’ll also find a 165-foot spiral staircase created from old mining equipment and rappelling adventures for those who aren’t faint of heart.

See Them All

Which of these impressive, cavernous roadside attractions will you check out? Why not plan a cross-country trip that incorporates all of them? Follow the order given above to see the top seven most interesting caves in America.