Traveling Virginia --- Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is the next trip I would like to make with my kids. It is just a bit off the path of traveling to visit Grandpa, but somehow our family has not managed to fit it in as part of the trip there or back yet.

I read a news article that the families who own Natural Bridge were trying to sell it. Wouldn't that be an interesting life, to run a natural attraction like that? In researching to see if it was actually sold I found this nifty article from 1882 about it being sold again.

Natural Bridge, Virginia is located on Route 11 between exits 175 and 180 from Interstate 81, which puts it a bit south of where Interstate 64 travels west, away from Interstate 81. This would make it an approximately three hour trip from the DC area. When I say that the bridge is located on Route 11, perhaps the better word would be "under" since Route 11 travels over Natural Bridge.

Nearby is the Natural Bridge Zoo. Since our family loves zoos, even before we had kids, this is a must see on our list. I am a little more intrigued by the Virginia Safari Park since it reminds me of stories my parents told me about Lion Country Safari. At the Virginia Safari Park you can drive your car through the park to see the animals (or take a wagon ride, which apparently fills up quickly); you are in the zoo, not behind bars watching the animals. Melissa's Idea Garden has some photos that give you an idea of how close the animals get.

Part of the Natural Bridge extravaganza includes a hotel, restaurant, cottages, and other sites to visit, including Natural Bridge Caverns, a wax museum, toy museum, and a Haunted Monster House and Dino Kingdom. Personally, I would rather spend time visiting the bridge and the natural wonders of the area than the add on attractions. The wax museum may give a little historical flavor to your trip, however.