Attractions of Interest in the Valley :
Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is one of Virginia‘s most cherished natural wonders. Rockbridge County derives its name from the formation. George Washington surveyed the area for Lord Fairfax and Thomas Jefferson purchased from King George III the "rock bridge" for twenty shillings on July 4, 1774 to ensure it was available to the public. Natural Bridge has enormous proportions. It is described as being 90 feet long, 150 feet wide at one end and 50 feet wide at another. The span contains 450,000 cubic feet of rock; if possible to weigh, the scales would show about 36,000 tons. The Bridge is a compelling reason for visitors to come to the area. The magnitude of the structure, the history of the bridge and the surrounding area, and the natural beauty of the nearby region are all enticing reasons for visitors to stop over and experience an unforgettable moment. And do not forget to come back to the Bridge on the evening of your visit for the "Drama of Creation" sound and light show. The show begins at dark and the fee is included with admission to the Bridge.
Foamhenge
Stonehenge has inspired awe and mystery from visitors for over 5000 years. This megalithic ruin has withstood the tests of time and captivated our imagination.
Mark Cline of the Enchanted Castle Studios has sculpted a full size replica of Stonehenge on the property of the Natural Bridge of Virginia made entirely of foam.
It is located on the west side of Rt. 11 near the Natural Bridge Zoo, 1 mile north of Natural Bridge. Foamhenge is be open to the public. There is no admission charge.
Natural Bridge Caverns
Natural Bridge Caverns opened in July 1978 and is operated annually from mid-March until the winter weather dictates it to be closed. The constant temperature of the cave is a refreshing 54 degrees. The guided tour through the cave takes visitors 347 feet into the earth and lasts about 45 minutes. Hanging gardens, totem poles, flowstone cascades, stalactites and stalagmites are just a few of the glorious treasures that can be seen in the cave. Guided tours leave every 30 minutes and walking shoes are suggested.
Virginia Safari Park
The Virginia Safari Park opened in the spring of 2000 because we felt there was a need and desire for people to be able to see wild animals in a much more natural environment than had previously been available.
At VSP you'll be able to see animals run and frolic with abandon ... or block your path ... or lay flat-out in the sun ... the choice will be theirs; they are free to roam—no pacing back and forth in front of a barred exhibit! Our staff is dedicated to helping our guests appreciate the beauty of our animals in the beautiful and natural setting of the Shenandoah Valley. We encourage interaction by allowing visitors to feed the animals with our specialty grain. The experience of having a huge bull elk or bison only inches away, feeding from your bucket, is virtually impossible to describe. This unique animal encounter park appeals to all ages and is becoming one of the region's top attractions. Come see why people keep returning again and again—and bringing their friends!
In 2005, we introduced a giraffe feeding station in our Safari Village petting area. Climb up and feed the giraffes—on their level! Be sure to purchase your giraffe crackers at our Safari Village Trading Post.
In 2006, we introduced the World of Birds Free-Flight Aviary. Walk through the aviary and see birds from several continents, all flying freely in this exciting new habitat!
Natural Bridge Zoo
The largest and most complete collection of birds and animals in the state of Virginia is found at the Natural Bridge Zoo. Enjoy the friendly animal petting area, fun-filled elephant rides and free picnic grounds or browse through the Safari Shop. Special group rates are available for schools, organizations, clubs and senior citizen groups.
Haunting Tales - Lexington's Ghost Tour
Experience the eerie transformation of the charming little city of Lexington after the sun goes down. Take a guided candlelight walk through the back streets and alleyways to the venues of Lexington‘s long since departed residents who supposedly still occupy them. Tours last 1½ hours.
Wades Mill
Historic Wade's Mill Wade's Mill is a working flour mill, c. 1750, built by Captain Joseph Kennedy. Captain Kennedy was a Scotsman who was one of the earlier settlers in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He settled in the area between Staunton and Lexington Virginia. This was the frontier of the United States between 1740 and 1770. The Kennedy family owned the flour mill in the Shenandoah Valley for about 100 years. In 1882, James F. Wade bought the flour mill and his family operated it for the next four generations. The interior and workings of the flour mill are much like they were when Mr. Wade bought it.
The mill is powered by a 21-foot water wheel that is fed by a nearby stream (known originally as Captain Joseph Kennedy's Mill Creek). Wade's Mill is one of the few remaining flour mills that still produces a wide variety of flours exclusively on mill stones. The Shenandoah Valley flour mill is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wade’s Mill Visitors Hours Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday: 1 to 5 PM. We are open April 4 through December 16 in 2007. Please note: We are closed on Sundays during June, July and August. and we will be closed on the fourth of July and Thanksgiving Day.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us 800-290-1400
Hull's Drive In Theater
A blast from the past! Hull's Drive-In Theater has been serving up movies and memories since 1950. Featuring two first-run movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday April-October.
Escape from Dinosaur Kingdom
Famed sculptor Mark Cline has created a humorous alternate world where Yankee soldiers take on dinosaurs in this truly unique walk through the woods. Full size dinosaurs, animation.
Haunted Monster Museum
Professor Cline‘s work has been seen in Alice Cooper‘s stage shows, Six Flags Theme Park, and on NBC‘s Today Show. His work continues to be popular in haunted attractions all over the United States. At the Haunted Monster Museum you will experience his work housed in an old Victorian Manor to bring you the very best of this type of fun family entertainment. Bizarre and unique, it's like Scooby Doo meets the Twilight Zone.
Natural Bridge Wax Museum
Take a three dimensional trip through Shenandoah Valley history at the Natural Bridge Wax Museum. Featuring life replicas in scenes that will delight, amaze and inspire. Be entertained through the use of sound, light and animation. Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, confederate soldiers, General Lee, Daniel Boone and 170 other life-like figures in narrated historical scenes. Enjoy a theatrical presentation of Leonardo da Vinci‘s masterpiece, "The Last Supper". The tour also includes a trip through the wax museum factory to see how these figures are made.
Monocan Indian Village
A blast from the past! Hull's Drive-In Theater has been serving up movies and memories since 1950. Featuring two first-run movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday April-October.
