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Places of interest #1 in Lewisburg, West Virginia

Lost World Caverns

4.8 · 2,218 reviews
Cool, damp, and quiet with dramatic natural lighting
Lost World Caverns, 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, United States
Interesting facts
1

The cavern is home to the 'War Club,' one of the largest stalactites in the United States.

2

Prehistoric bones of a flat-headed peccary were discovered inside the cave and are now part of the on-site exhibit.

3

The cavern is designated as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

4

The temperature inside the cavern remains at a consistent 52°F (11°C) regardless of the season.

5

The cave was opened to the public for commercial tours in 1973.

6

The entrance area includes a gift shop that operates within the repurposed original structure.

7

The cave contains rare formations such as cave popcorn and delicate draperies.

Overview

Lost World Caverns is a National Natural Landmark located in the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia, featuring a subterranean room approximately 1,000 feet long and 300 feet wide. The cave system is formed in limestone and is renowned for the 'War Club,' a massive 28-ton stalactite formation. Visitors follow a self-guided concrete pathway that descends 120 feet below the surface. The cavern maintains a constant internal temperature of approximately 52 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It features extensive displays of flowstone, stalactites, and stalagmites, some of which are illuminated for educational viewing. In addition to the caverns, the site includes a natural history museum containing prehistoric fossils discovered within the cave system. The cavern was first explored in 1942 by Virgil C. Arbogast and others. It remains one of the most significant karst systems open to the public in the eastern United States.

Photo spot

The central cavern floor near the base of the main stalactite formations, where the scale of the room is most evident.

Insider tips

Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cavern is cool even in mid-summer.

Wear closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes with good grip for the damp concrete path.

Allow extra time to browse the natural history museum included with your entry.

What to avoid

Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, as the pathway can be slippery in humid conditions.

Good to know

Open daily year-round, except for major holidays.

Etiquette

Do not touch the formations, as oils from skin can halt their growth; stay on the designated path at all times.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Summer or early fall to coincide with the mild weather in the surrounding Greenbrier Valley.
Address
Lost World Caverns, 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, United States
37.833, -80.447
Get directions
Details
Key geological featuresWar Club stalactite, flowstone curtains, and cave popcorn
Museum exhibitsPrehistoric peccary fossils and regional mineral collection

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Summer or early fall to coincide with the mild weather in the surrounding Greenbrier Valley..

The central cavern floor near the base of the main stalactite formations, where the scale of the room is most evident.

Close by you'll find Dorie Miller Park, Carnegie Hall, Greenbrier Valley Theatre.

United States of America

About Lewisburg, West Virginia