The Endless Caverns in Virginia

Endless Caverns Sign in Virginia - The Endless Cavern's sign, is  on the side of the Massanutten Mountain. 
In New Market, VA.

It has been completely refurbished and lit for the first time in 30 years!

This sign is the largest lighted sign in the United States.
@mellbrb (250)
United States
November 18, 2006 10:29pm CST
The Endless Caverns were discovered on October 1, 1879, by two boys and their dog while rabbit hunting on Ruben Zirkel's mountainside farm. The rabbit ran down into a dark hole. The boys peaking in, trying to see the rabbit. Felt cold air blowing out of the hole. Gathering up some ropes and candles they entered the hole.To discover the beautiful "Endless Caverns of Virginia." One of the young boys was a distant relative on our father's, mother's side of the family. The cave was first shown privately to people by Ruben Zirkle, the owner of the land. Then in 1920 electric lights were installed and it started as a commercial operation, continuing to the present. The beautiful Virginia Massanutten Mountains, holds the "Endless Caverns." No end to the caverns has yet to be found. A Mammoths tooth was also discovered there. The caverns have changed hands throughout the years. A few years back it was really let go. The campground they had was over grown. It was just so sad to see. Our family use to hold the family reunion there chance they could. New owners have taken it over now. And they have announced details of their plan to renovate. They plan on spending $8 million. The improvements could draw one million visitors to the New Market, VA area each year. Plans include expanding the campsite to a five-star RV park with 450 sites. And have plans to expand the campground to hold 400 campers. But the best thing I've seen so far is with their renovating, is the "Endless Caverns" sign. It is on the side of the Massanutten Mountain. In New Market, VA. It has been completely refurbished and lit for the first time in 30 years! This sign is the largest lighted sign in the United States. I was 13, when it was last used. It was the saddest thing to see the dark sign as you drove by. They have alot of other goals as well with the place. Iam so glad to see the place back in the swing~ For more info visit: http://www.endlesscaverns.com
2 responses
• United States
19 Nov 06
I still find myself quite lucky to have this be a part of our families history. I just wish that I could actually go into the caverns sometime. I've never been! I've been in the parking lot, several times, but that's as far as anyone ever wants to take me. lol I went to the the other caverns back in school on a field trip sometime, and I had really, really, really liked that a lot. So I think being able to go to the Endless Caverns, and knowing the history as I do would be even better than the others. o.o Yep, I really do.
@mellbrb (250)
• United States
19 Nov 06
I have not been in them since I was 8 yrs old. That would have been 1972! lol I have been to the gift shope since then. That was in 2003 I believe. I'd like to go again. But it is $16.00 a person. So guess it will be awhile.
6 Nov 12
I used to live just just down the road from Endless Caverns back in 82/83 i was 13 and used to ride my motorbike round that area Me and my older brother used to go into the caverns when it was abandoned, but it wouldn't be long before we'd be running out with the snakes that were down there,they must of done a good job clearing the place up, unfortunately i had to move back to Britain but will one day will Hopefully go back and visit there again
@claudia413 (4280)
• United States
24 Nov 06
Thanks for the info. That's a place I might like to visit one day after we retire next year. Glad you posted about it.