RUBY FALLS 2018 Fact Sheet
MEDIACONTACT:LaraCaughman [email protected]
423-821-2455ext.135
OVERVIEW DiscoverwonderatRubyFalls!Afavoritedestinationfor88years,RubyFallsishometothetallestanddeepestundergroundwaterfallopentothepublicintheUnitedStates.Descend26-storiesbyelevatorandthenexploreonfootduringaguidedtouralongthescenicpathtothebreathtakingwaterfall,1,120feetunderground.Seestalagmites,stalactites,draperyformationsandflowstonepluslearnaboutthecave’sstoriedhistory.TakeinsweepingviewsoftheTennesseeValleyandTennesseeRiverfromLookoutMountainTower,brand-newBlueHeronOverlook,andtheRubyFallsVillagePlaza.ExtendthevisittoincludeZIPStreamAerialAdventure,featuringsoaringziplines,climbingtower,andobstaclecoursesinthetreetopssurroundedbyspectacularvistas.
NEW IN 2018 DiscovertheNewViewatRubyFalls!
JANUARY2018:NewLightandSoundShowattheWaterfallSUMMER2018: TicketAtrium,BlueHeronOverlook,VillagePlaza,VillageGift Shop, Self-ServeTicketKiosks, Timed-EntryTickets,ShadedOutdoorDining,SeasonalFoodCarts,GuestStorageLockers,BuyNowandPickUpLaterServiceattheVillageGiftShop,Journey360VRExperience,NewLocationforRuby’sKitchen,ExpandedCavernCastleCaféDiningAreaandNewCharacterAmbassadorDECEMBER2018:NewinteractiveactivitiesatChristmasUnderground
CONSERVATION RubyFalls iscommittedtoprotectingandpreservingthenaturalwondersofthecavefortheeducationandenjoymentof
generations to come. As the first attraction in the United States to earn certification from Green Globe, the respectedworldwidestandardforsustainability,RubyFallsisaleaderintourismsustainabilityandenvironmentally-sensitivebusiness
n a t u r a l l y w o n d e r f u l
2practices.Solarpower,electricvehiclechargingstations,LEDlighting,recycling,sourcingsustainablebusinessproducts,andan8,000-gallonrainwatercollectionsystemforirrigationarejustafewofthewayssustainabilityisatthecoreourbusinesspractices.
HOURS Opendaily,364daysayearwithtoursrunningfrom8AM–8PM ClosedDecember25 Extendedhoursonselectsummerevenings.Specialtytoursonselectdatesbyreservation.Privatetoursbyreservation. LOCATION JustminutesfromdowntownChattanooga,Tennessee,RubyFallsisconvenientlylocatedonLookoutMountain. 1720S.ScenicHighwayChattanooga,TN37409ADMISSION ClassicWaterfallTour:$19.95Adults,$11.95ChildrenAges3-12 SpecialtyLanternTour:$29.95Ages5–Adults;keepsakeminershelmetincludedforages5–12 SpecialtyExtendedCavernTour:$29.95Adults,$17.95ChildrenAges3-12 CavernCardAnnualPass:$33.95Adults,$17.95ChildrenAges3-12 VIPFamilyCavernCardAnnualPass:$129.95(2adults&2children)Timed-Entry Toskiptheticketlineandensureyourpreferredtourcheck-intimeisavailable,purchaseticketsonlinebeforeyourvisit.Tickets TicketsmayalsobepurchasedatRubyFallsforthenextavailabletourcheck-intimesfromself-serveticketkiosksinsidethe
TicketAtriumorattheticketdesk.Ticketsarevalidforoneyearfromdateofpurchase.GUEST SERVICES GuestLockerRentals,ComplimentaryBuyNow,PickUpLaterServiceattheVillageGiftShop,ComplimentaryDogKennels,
DiaperChangingFacilities,FamilyRestrooms,ComplimentaryParking,BusandRVParking,Timed-EntryTickets,PhotographyServices,ElectricVehicleChargingStations,Self-ServeTicketingKiosks,andUp-CloseHandicappedParkingAvailable
ACCESSIBILITY Parkingforguestswithdisabilitiesisavailablewithavaliddisabilityparkingpermit.Wheelchairaccessiblevenuesinclude:Blue
HeronOverlook,VillagePlaza,TicketAtrium,VillageGiftShop,Journey360VRExperience,BackPorchDining,Ruby’sKitchen,Restrooms,CavernCastleCaféandDiningArea,CavernCastleFrontPorch,TreeTopEventCenter,andCavernCastleGuestServices on theMain Level.Due to natural formations, narrow passages and small groupings of steps, the cavern is notwheelchair accessible. Historic Lookout Mountain Tower viewing decks built prior to current accessibility standards areaccessedbystairs.AdditionalaccessibilityinformationisavailablebycontactingRubyFallsatinfo1@rubyfalls.com.
3TOURS Discoverancientgeologicalwondersandthemajesticwaterfallhidden1,120feetundergroundonaguidedRubyFallscave
tour. The scenic journey to thewaterfall beginswith a 26-story elevator ride descending into historic LookoutMountainfollowedbyaguide-ledwalkalongthecaverntrailwithup-closeviewsofremarkableformations.Theround-tripwalkisjustunder1-mileandtheyear-round,60-degreecavetemperaturekeepsguestscomfortable.ChoosefromtheClassicWaterfallTour,LanternTourorExtendedCavernExperience.
Classic Waterfall Tour Daily,8AM–8PM DiscoverthehiddentreasuresofRubyFallswithaClassicWaterfallTour.LedbyaknowledgeableRubyFallsguide,visitors
explorethecaverntrailtothetallest,deepestcavewaterfallaccessibletothepublicintheUnitedStates.Learnabouttheaccidentaldiscoveryofthecavernandseestunningrockformationscreatedoverthousandsofyears;asa livecave,manyformationscontinuetobeactive.Soakupbreathtaking,sweepingviewsfromLookoutMountainTower,BlueHeronOverlook(NEWin2018)andrelaxontheVillagePlaza(NEWin2018)orCavernCastleporchduringyourvisit.
ClassicWaterfallToursbegincontinuouslythroughouttheday.
Lantern Tours FridayNights,January–NovemberandbyAdvancedRequestforGroupsof8orMore
Auniquewaytoexplorethefallsandcavernafterhourswithafun,extendedtourfeaturingalaid-backpace,andlimited-sizedgroup.
ExperienceRubyFallsinanewlight!DiscoverthewonderofthecavernlikeLeoLambertin1928.Duringthisspecialtytour,
the cavern and its trail is illuminated only by hand-held lanterns. Rock formations and shadows take on new intriguingdimensionsaseliteguidessharestoriesexclusivetothistour.You’llhearthemightywaterfallbeforeyouseeit!Ahighlightofthetouriswhenthefallsarelitusingasystemofpulleysandlanterns,creatingamomentyou’llalwaysremember!
4Extended Cavern Experience
AvailableSelectDates Presented on select dates year-round, an in-depth, extended-time tour awaits guests opting for an Extended Cavern
Experience.Skipthecrowdwiththisexclusive,guidedtourincludingonlyasmallnumberofparticipants.Senior-leveltourguidessharedetailedinformationaboutthegeologyandhistoryofthecave,invitingcuriositywithplentyoftimetoanswerquestions,extratimetoexploreandtakephotos,plusadditionaltimeatthewaterfall.
Makereservationsearlyforthistour,itsellsoutquickly.
SCENIC VIEWS Scenic viewsareeverywhereatRubyFalls! Thanks to itsprime LookoutMountain location, sweepingviewsof the rolling
Tennessee Valley and meandering Tennessee River delight guests year-round. Take time to indulge your senses in thepanoramicvistas.Timeyourvisittotakeinthepink-huedsunrise,mid-daycloudshadowsontheTennesseeRiver,apricotsunsetsorstar-fillednightsky.SavorthemountainbreezesfromhistoricLookoutMountainTower,BlueHeronOverlookandtheRubyFallsVillagePlaza.
Ruby FallS ListedontheNationalRegisterofHistoricPlaces,thestatelyRubyFallsCavernCastlehaswelcomedgenerationsofguests,CAVern CastlE eagertoexploreLookoutMountain’sundergroundcavernssince1929.Designedtoresemblea15th-centuryIrishcastle,itisa
beloved area landmark built from limestone excavated during the construction of the elevator shaft giving access to thecaverns.
Lookout Mountain Builtin1929withlimestoneexcavatedfromtheRubyFallselevatorshaft,the70+foottalliconicLookoutMountainTower Tower offersunmatchedviewsfromitslowerandupperdecks.Themesmerizing,360-degreepanoramicviewistrulyexceptional. ZIPSTREAM AERIAL Openseasonally,ZIPStreamAerialAdventureofferstheultimateziplineadventurewithobstaclecoursesspanningacrossADVENTURE three-acresoflush,foresttreetopsonLookoutMountain.Featuring700-feetofrushingziplines,a40-footclimbingtower,
suspendedobstaclecoursesandanincredibleviewoftheTennesseeRiverandTennesseeValley.Pickyourlevelof adventurewiththeOrange,Green,andBlueDiamondropescourses.There’sevenacoursejustforyoungadventurers!
ZIPStreamAerialAdventureisaseparatelyticketedactivity.Height,ageandweightrequirementsvarybycourse.DiscountedRubyFalls+ZIPStreamcombinationpackagesareavailable.
5Journey 360 Beginning July 2018, experience the new,mind-blowing virtual reality attraction insideRuby Falls Cavern Castle. Explore
completelyimmersiveexperienceswithfamilyandfriendsorallonyourownthroughthemagicof360video.ChooseyouradventurefromaselectionofVRoptions!Takeanarrated,14-minute,virtualrealityjourneythroughRubyFallscavernandgetup-closeviewsofancientformationsandthethunderingwaterfall.Selecta3-5minute,virtualrideonathrillingrollercoasterandotherexhilaratingamusementparkfavoriteswithactivemotion,dramaticvisualeffects,andstimulatingsound,unlikeanythingyou’veeverexperienced.Thereissomethingforeveryonefromcasualexplorerstoadrenalinejunkies.LaunchyourJourney360experience8AM-8PM,daily.Thisisaseparatelyticketedactivity.CavetouradmissionisnotrequiredforJourney360.
DINING Cavern Castle Café
A quick-serve restaurant with booths and tables in the Ruby Falls Cavern Castle featuring Nathan’s Famous hot dogs,sandwiches,snacks,freshfruit,chips,icecream,coffee,hotchocolateandavarietyofbeverages.RUBY’S KITCHEN Grab and go from Ruby’s Kitchen in the brand-new Village Gift Shop. Snacks, fresh fruit, ice cream, pastries, preparedsandwiches,treatsandrefreshingdrinksarereadytofuelyouradventure.Back Porch - Seasonal Sometimes,aworldfamoushotdogandicy-colddrinkareexactlywhatyouneedduringanepicadventure!ChooseaNathan’sFamoushotdogandrefreshingCoca-ColabeverageorthirstquenchingBill’sLemonadefortheperfectduo,madeevenbetterwhenenjoyedwiththeviewfromtheVillagePlazaorshadedtablesontheBackPorch.
Shopping Findtheperfectkeepsakeandgiftsatthebrand-newRubyFallsVillageGiftShop.Discoveranextensivecollectionofquartz,
agate,geodes,andgiftsdesignedtoencouragecuriosityincavesandgeology.Tried-and-truefavorites,newclassics,andawonderfulchildren’scorner,makethisshopadelighttoexplore.Theholidaypop-upshopinNovemberandDecemberwithenchanting,beautifullydecorated,themedChristmastreesandselectionofChristmasornamentsavailableforpurchaseisanabsolutemust-see.Openyear-round,cavetouradmissionisnotrequiredtoaccessthiscarefullycuratedshop.
Ruby FallS Agatheringplaceandcrossroadstoadventure,thenewRubyFallsVillagePlazaistheperfectspottorelax,takeintheview,VILLAGE PLAZA mountainbreezeandabundantbeautyonLookoutMountain.Enjoyoutdoorseasonaldining,andsavortimewithfriendsand
family while creating memories that last a lifetime from this central hub. The Village Plaza hosts festivities and eventprogramingthroughouttheyear.
6 2018 EVENTS Thereisalwayssomethingnewtolearn,seeandexperienceatRubyFallswitheventsthroughouttheyear.
Romance at Ruby February9-17,SelectNights
CelebrateValentine’sDaywitharomanticeveningatRubyFallswithyoursweetie.ThisdatenightincludesaspecialLanternTour,professionalsouvenirphotoandgift.You’llheartalesoflocallegendaryromancesincludingthelovestoryofLeoLambertandhiswife,Ruby,thatledtothediscoveryofthemagnificentRubyFalls.Reservationsrequiredforthisseparatelyticketedevent.
Spring Break Safari Cave Explorer
Friday,March9-Sunday,April8,ages3-12Enjoyakids’springbreaksafariinChattanoogawithastopatRubyFallsonyourquestforthebigfive–FUN,ADVENTURE,MYSTERY,NATUREandMEMORIES.LocatetheRubyFallsscavengerhuntinthechildren’ssafariguideattheticketdeskbeforeventuringunderground.Asacaveexplorer,you’lljourneydeepinsidethecaverntolearnaboutcavesandgeology,andviewmysteriouschambersandamazingrockformations!TakeyourcompletedscavengerhunttotheVillageGiftShopandreceiveafreegeode–we’llcrackitopenforyoutorevealthecrystalsinside.
Kid’sSpringBreakSafariisincludedwithregularchildren’sadmissionandincludes:
SpringBreakSafariGuide&GeodeClassicWaterfallTourofRubyFalls10%offretailandfoodpurchaseswiththecouponinyoursafariguidebook
ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT April20Chattanoogaareahighschoolstudentsgathertopresenttheirsolutionsforthepreservationandprotectionoflocalnaturalresources.TheSummitgivesstudentstheopportunitytoworkwithconservationexpertsandencouragestheadvancementofenvironmentally-sustainablebusinesspracticesintomorrow’sleaders.
7 100 Million Steps in March March1–31We'resupportingthemissionoftheAmericanHeartAssociationGoRedforWomeninabigwaybyacceptingthechallengetowalk100millionstepsatRubyFallsinMarch!Comegetactivebywalkingthecaverntrailandshowyourparticipationinthe100millionstepgoalbysigningthe100MillionStepsbanner.Takehomeacomplimentaryspecial-editionsouvenirrecipecardandenteradrawing towin somegreatprizes.Together,wecan takesteps tohaveahealthierheartandcreateamazingmemoriesalongtheway.100MillionStepsinMarchactivitiesareincludedwithRubyFallsadmission. National Day of Caves and Karst June6AlongwiththeNationalCavesAssociation,RubyFallscelebratesNationalDayofCavesandKarst!VisitRubyFallsduringthisannualeventandtakepartineducationalactivities,meetspecialguests,andtakehomeacomplimentarykeepsake.Theseactivitiesareincludedinregularadmissionandincreaseawarenessoftheimportantrolecavesandkarstplayinourlivesandenvironment.
Battle Below the Clouds August25,6am-5pm,JudgingBeginsat5pmCompetitorCheck-inAugust24,5pm-7pmComejoinusatRubyFallsforour4thannualBattleBelowtheClouds!ThisamateurbarbequecompetitionbenefitsLana’sLoveFoundation.TwentyteamsofamateurgrillersandsmokersareinvitedtocompeteforbraggingrightsasthebestbackyardcooksinChattanooga.IndependentjudgesselectthewinningteamsforBestPulledPork,BestRibs,andGrandChampion.Testyourgrillskills,learnsomenewtipsorjustcomeoutandcheeronyourfavoriteteamwhileenjoyinglivebluegrassmusic,BBQ,prizes,andgiveaways.
Thiseventraisesfundstoprovidefun,year-roundactivitiesforkidswithpediatriccancerandtheirfamiliesthroughtheLana’sLove Foundation. Team registration opens online, Summer 2018. For rules and signup, go to www.lanaslove.com orwww.rubyfalls.com/bbqbattle
8 Ruby Falls Christmas Underground – A Journey to the North Pole
December1–16,ThursdaysthroughSundays December17–23,DailyDiscoverthewonderofRubyFallsChristmasUndergroundonamagicaljourneytovisitSanta!TravelasecretpassagetotheNorthPolewhereSanta’sJoystoneminersarepreparingfortheholidays.Discoveraglitteringicecave,seeSugarPlumFairyVillage,andfindyourownsparklingJoystoneonthisheartwarmingadventure!ExperienceRubyFallsChristmasUndergroundasitreturnsforitsfifthyear.PerfectforSantabelieversandkids-at-heart,thisseparately-ticketedeventwasselectedasa2017Top20EventbytheSoutheastTourismSociety!
Ruby Falls Discovery Day Sunday,December308am-8pmCelebratethe90thanniversaryofthediscoveryofRubyFalls!Thefirst90gueststoarriveatRubyFallswillreceivetheoriginal$2 admission rate, a souvenir postcard, and discover some lesser known facts and legends about the cavern as wecommemoratetheincrediblejourneyofLeoLambert.
