Lantern Tours
"With the flip of a switch, one of Chattanooga’s oldest and best known attractions takes on a new face.”
This intimate experience allows visitors a rarely seen view deep within Lookout Mountain. Limited sized tours begin with a 260-foot elevator ride into the mountain. Upon arrival, there will be no staged lighting in the cave. Select members of the group will be equipped with a small hand-held electric lantern and the tour guide will have a fueled inspector’s lantern. As your eyes adjust to the low light, you will begin to see remarkable sites, dancing shadows, and feel a sense of mystery looking into the darkened path ahead.
The Ruby Falls Lantern Tour is not only a visually stimulating experience but it also a storytelling trip. As mysterious shadows dance on underground walls, your guide will share tales of folklore, stories of unexplained phenomena, as well as details on the rich history and geology of the Ruby Falls Cave.
The highlight of the tour is the thundering waterfall illuminated through the use of a lantern and pulley system. For ages 5 and up.
Availability
Lantern Tours are available by reservation only and have limited space available. For ages 5 and up.
Dates Available:
| January | Not Available |
| February 1, 8 & 22 | Friday Nights |
| March – November | Friday Nights |
| December | Not available |
Group and off-night bookings are available with reservation 2 weeks in advance and a minimum of 8 participants.
Tour Time
Check-in time for the Lantern Tours is 7:30 - 8:00pm Eastern Time. Tours typically depart just after 8:00pm.
Pricing
| Adult | $32.95 |
| Children (ages 5-12) | $32.95 price includes a miner's helmet for children |
*Children under 5 years of age are not permitted on the Lantern Tour. Prices are subject to applicable sales tax.
Reservations
To make Tour Reservations, please book online.
For questions regarding last minute availability on the weekends, check with the Ruby Falls Ticket desk either in person or by phone at 423-821-2544.