1907
The Growing City
Chattanooga was rapidly growing by the turn of the century. Railway service expanded to meet the growing demand and a new train tunnel was built through Lookout Mountain. The new tunnel blocked access to Lookout Mountain Cave; a cave well known through centuries of use, first by Native people, and later followed by visits for clandestine meetings, use as a hospital and shelter during the Civil War, and as a legendary hideout for moonshine runners and thieves.
1916
A Dream Takes Shape
Leo Lambert learned about the rich history and folklore of Lookout Mountain Cave shortly after he married his high school sweetheart, Ruby Losey, in 1916. Determined to open the cave to the public, Leo began a decade-long quest, researching methods to access the long-sealed cave.
1916
1916
1928
1928
An Unconventional Plan Launches
Leo Lambert put his plan in motion after securing $250,000 from investors for his fledgling Lookout Mountain Cave Company. Construction of an elevator shaft descending 420 feet through the solid limestone forming Lookout Mountain began in 1928. The elevator will give access to Lookout Mountain Cave. Excavated limestone will be used to build what becomes known as "the most beautiful cave entrance in the world," a castle!
Progress to reach Lookout Mountain Cave was slow. Working around the clock, the crew removes 5 feet of limestone every 24 hours. Several weeks into the project and at a depth of 260-feet into the mountain, they hit a void in the rock and felt a rush of air escape through the mysterious opening.
Leo Lambert and a small crew crawled through the dark chasm, unsure what they will find. They returned 17-hours later after discovering flowing underground streams, geological formations, and a plunging waterfall. Leo named the waterfall Ruby Falls in honor of his wife.
1929
Grand Opening
Ruby Falls Castle, built with limestone removed during excavation for the elevator shaft, is finished in 1929, and Lookout Mountain Cave opens to the public for tours in December after a grand opening ceremony and much fanfare from local press, city officials and local residents.
Just six months later, in June 1930, Ruby Falls Cave welcomed its first visitors. However, its debut came at a challenging time, as Chattanooga and the rest of the nation were grappling with the effects of the Great Depression.
December 1929
1929
1930
December 1933
Gathering
Ruby Falls Castle quickly became a popular social gathering hub with a fashionable tearoom by day, and at night, an upscale restaurant with live orchestra accompanied dinner dances and “the largest ballroom in the city” according to newspaper descriptions. Social gatherings at the Castle are frequently highlighted in newspapers for the next 20 years, making the Castle beloved by both tourists and locals.
During the Great Depression, the longest and most severe economic downturn in U.S. history, revenue from the restaurant and social events at Ruby Falls Castle played a crucial role in sustaining the business. During the depression, travel was considered a luxury few could afford and the $2 ticket for guided cave tours was out of reach for many families. The social offerings at the Castle and heavily discounted admission tickets helped keep Ruby Falls operational during this challenging era.
1960
Ruby Falls Fallout Shelter
Ruby Falls Cave took on an unusual role as a designated Civil Defense fallout shelter in the 1960s. Food, water, and medical supplies to sustain 720 people for several weeks were stored in the cave. The cave’s unique location made it an ideal public shelter during a tense time in US history.
1985
National Register of Historic Places
Ruby Falls Cave, the waterfall, and iconic Ruby Falls Castle are listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the significant role the park has played in the region’s tourism development.
2009
Sustainable Tourism
Ruby Falls becomes the first attraction in the United States to earn Green Globe certification, the respected worldwide standard for sustainability.
2018
Park Expansion
In June 2018, Ruby Falls opened a picturesque expansion with new venues and enhanced amenities, creating a re-imagined park experience designed to highlight the natural beauty of Lookout Mountain and Chattanooga.
June 2018
2022
Restoration of the Historic Castle
Ruby Falls Castle built in 1929 was restored in 2022, and the Castle Café opens. The project merges the castle’s history as a social gathering place with modern comforts and 21st century sustainability practices.
The popular cafe serves a seasonal menu and local craft beer, which can be enjoyed in the Castle or on the covered front porch with views of the valley.
Castle Cafe
December 2022
2023
Celebrating 95 Years of Wonder
The 95th anniversary of the discovery of Ruby Falls is honored in a year-long celebration. The legacy of Leo Lambert's dream includes millions of memories create by park visitors from around the world.
When Leo Lambert envisioned the park, his dreams may have seemed daringly ambitious, maybe even a dreamer's folly—especially as the park opened at the dawn of the Great Depression. Yet, against the odds, the spirit of the park prevailed, and the historic park became far more than just a destination. Visiting Ruby Falls became a treasured tradition, shared from one generation to the next and the next: timelessly blending the wonder of nature and adventure with southern hospitality and priceless memories.
March 2024
2025
Today at Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls continues to inspire extraordinary connections to nature through wonder and adventure. The park's diverse ecosystem and nature-based activities spark the same joy of discovery Leo Lambert experienced so many years ago.
Today, visitors from around the world enjoy cave adventures, unmatched views of the Cumberland Plateau, gliding ziplines, luxury treehouse lodging, and award-winning special park events. We're honored to be part of 96 years of guests memories.
Never stop exploring!
Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls
Our Story Continues
When Leo Lambert discovered Ruby Falls in 1928, he had big dreams.
Today, the park welcomes over half a million guests from around globe each year. Experiencing the wonder of nature continues to be as timeless and inspiring as it was in 1928.
We’re passionate about our role as careful stewards of Ruby Falls for the next generation to learn from and enjoy. Never stop exploring!
View from historic Lookout Mountain Tower
Discover More
Immerse yourself in nature with breathtaking views, one-of-a-kind adventures, award-winning special events, delightful meals, and luxury treehouse lodging.
