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School Groups

EARTH SCIENCE. GEOLOGY. HISTORY

Melrose School Programs

Melrose Caverns, Virginia's newest show cave, offers experiences highlighting our geology and history. This subterranean wonderland displays stunning geologic formations and naturally formed chambers. The 45-minute tour introduces students and visitors to significant karst features and various unique cave adapted wildlife that utilize the cave throughout the year.

Our Focus

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Earth Science

The Lodge was erected in 1929 by Endless Caverns as a museum from limestone sourced on the property. The beautiful bluestone architecture will take you back to another time while still getting to enjoy all the amenities of modern life.

Geology

Choose from five ceremony sites. The three outdoor sites include: In front of the Lodge, the second at the western corner of fenced in area and third the eastern corner of the fenced in area. Rain, shine or snow the inside of the Lodge is also available for weddings. Lastly, small to medium size ceremonies can take place in the Caverns.

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History

The Melrose Caverns property has been owned by the Harrison family for 10 generations from a pre- Revolutionary land grant. During the Civil War Union soldiers hid in the caverns and etched their names into the walls creating a monument honoring their time here. As caretakers of this piece of history it is our duty to share and teach the rich history that has happened in our area.

Table Centerpiece

Educational Programs

Customizable programs to fit your class.

Click on a package to learn more

Cavern tour

A 60-minute SOL based tour that covers the geology, ecology and biology of the delicate environment underground. Students will observe and learn about a variety of cavern features such as columns, drapery, flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites and as well as important minerals including chert. dolomite and limestone.

Students will also learn about the unique community of cavern wildlife as they interact and struggle to survive.

Gem Mining

A 15–30-minute hands-on fun and educational way to learn about rock identification and gives students something to take home. The cavern's staff assists students in understanding how the rocks are formed while learning which rocks can be found in Virginia.

Local History

Melrose Caverns has ample seating indoors and outdoors for all our guest to sit and enjoy lunch. We can also arrange prepared lunch to be brought in.

Souvenir Shop

Our gift shop is always stocked full of awesome souvenirs, gems and crystals. School groups typically have 15 – 30 minutes of shopping worked into their schedule.

Karst walk n' talk

A 25-30 minute outdoor educational and fun hike along the Homestead Trail to the Natural Entrance of the Cavern. Students will have the unique opportunity to see a variety of elements of karst topography. This program offers students an inquiry-based opportunity to learn about karst features such as caves, sinkholes, sinking streams and freshwater springs and their connection to the cavern below as well as the watershed.

Rock cycle

A 25-minute program that provides students with an in depth and hands on learning experience of the rock cycle. Students will observe and learn using an entertaining educational experiment to better understand the key processes of the rock cycle.

Civil war history

Melrose Caverns has ample seating indoors and outdoors for all our guest to sit and enjoy lunch. We can also arrange prepared lunch to be brought in.

lunch

Melrose Caverns has ample seating indoors and outdoors for all our guest to sit and enjoy lunch. We can also arrange prepared lunch to be brought in.

OUR Package

Customizable packages to bring your dreams to reality.

Click on a package to learn more

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