American Celebration on Parade
Step into a patriotic fever dream of massive, animated parade floats from America's most iconic celebrations. A truly unique roadside attraction!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
American Celebration on Parade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a patriotic fever dream of massive, animated parade floats from America's most iconic celebrations. A truly unique roadside attraction!
"Absolutely mind-blowing! The history, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the incredible float designs were just unforgettable."
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the guided tour. :clock1:
Don't Miss the Guided Tour
The stories and history shared by guides make the floats truly come alive. :microphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Massive Parade Floats
Main Exhibition Hall
Wander through a 44,000 sq ft space filled with stunning, larger-than-life floats from iconic parades.
Animated Displays
Exhibition Hall
See some of the incredible floats and displays come back to life with the push of a button!
Patriotic and Quirky Exhibits
Throughout the venue
Experience a 'patriotic fever dream' with a unique collection of red, white, and weird Americana.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Donations Welcome
Guided Tours Enhance the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the guided tour. :clock1:
Don't Miss the Guided Tour
The stories and history shared by guides make the floats truly come alive. :microphone:
Free Admission, Donate Generously
Support this unique attraction by leaving a donation to help preserve the floats.
Combine with Shenandoah Caverns
Located right next door, making it a perfect combo for a day of exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Enough Time
Plan for at least 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the guided tour. :clock1:
Don't Miss the Guided Tour
The stories and history shared by guides make the floats truly come alive. :microphone:
Free Admission, Donate Generously
Support this unique attraction by leaving a donation to help preserve the floats.
Combine with Shenandoah Caverns
Located right next door, making it a perfect combo for a day of exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and fascinating collection of parade floats, with many highlighting the informative and engaging guided tours. The animated displays are a particular crowd-pleaser, bringing the history to life. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few guests have noted less-than-ideal interactions with some staff members.
"AMAZING! The tour far exceeded expectations. The floats were amazing to see up close. And the stories and explanations from Robert made it absolutely fascinating. If you’re in the area this is a unique, must see attraction."
Greg Steinberger
"An amazing place to visit. They have a huge facility with tons of parade floats that would have been destroyed if they wouldn’t have preserved them. Book a tour and enjoy some of americas amazing history."
B G (BG)
"Absolutely mind-blowing! The history, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the incredible float designs were just unforgettable. It’s such an inspiring family-run business, started by founder Earl C. Hargrove and continuing strong to this day. Our tour guide, Robert, was fantastic, he shared so many fascinating details about the float creation process. After the 45-minute guided tour, you’re free to explore the rest of the exhibits at your own pace. Highly recommend for all ages!"
Wanyu Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
American Celebration on Parade is located at 261 Caverns Rd, Shenandoah Caverns, VA 22847, right next to Shenandoah Caverns. It's a well-known roadside stop in the Shenandoah Valley, easily accessible by car.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available, including disabled parking, making it accessible for all visitors.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic 'roadside stop' and a 'hidden gem' for travelers exploring the Shenandoah Valley.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the American Celebration on Parade is free! However, donations are greatly appreciated to help preserve the collection.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can typically walk in, but guided tours may have specific timings.
Operating hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information, especially if you plan to visit during holidays or off-season.
While admission is free, the guided tours are highly recommended and may have a separate, small fee or be included with a donation. It's worth inquiring upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a vast collection of over 44,000 square feet of incredible parade floats, many of which are animated and spring to life. It's a unique look at American history and entertainment.
Most visitors spend around 2 hours exploring the exhibits and enjoying the guided tour, which adds significant historical context.
Yes, many of the floats and displays are animated and can be activated by pushing buttons, bringing them to life with movement and sound.
Absolutely! Children are often fascinated by the large, colorful, and animated floats. It's an inspiring experience for all ages.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the unique exhibits. Be sure to check for any specific restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the focus is on the exhibits, there might be snack options or a small cafe. Visitors also have the option to picnic on the grounds.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic on the premises, making it a great stop for a meal break during a road trip.
📸 📸 Photography
The massive, colorful parade floats themselves are the main attraction for photos. Don't miss the animated displays and the unique, quirky roadside elements.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. It's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any posted signage regarding photo policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With free admission and the option to picnic, it's an affordable outing. The guided tours offer engaging stories that can keep even younger attention spans interested, and the opportunity to press buttons to activate animations adds an element of interactive fun. It’s a unique and memorable stop that sparks imagination and provides plenty of photo opportunities.
🚗 Road Trippers & Quirky Finders
It offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that stands out from typical roadside attractions. The sheer scale and unusual nature of a museum dedicated to parade floats, especially with animated elements, make it a memorable detour. Plus, the free admission and picnic-friendly environment make it an easy and enjoyable break on a long journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Earl C. Hargrove
The venue is described as a 'patriotic fever dream,' filled with 'red, white & weird' elements, reflecting Hargrove's unique approach to celebrating American heritage. The collection spans floats from prestigious events like the Rose Parade, Thanksgiving parades, and even Presidential Inaugurations, offering a diverse glimpse into national celebrations.
This family-run business continues to operate with the same spirit, with guides like Robert sharing intimate details about the float creation process and the history behind each piece. It's more than just a museum; it's a living tribute to American ingenuity and celebratory spirit.
Experiencing the Animated Wonders
These animated elements are not just for show; they represent incredible engineering and artistic skill. The guides often share insights into how these complex mechanisms were designed and maintained, adding another layer of appreciation for the craftsmanship involved. Visitors frequently highlight the 'mind-blowing' nature of these interactive exhibits, making the visit unforgettable for all ages.
While the static floats are impressive on their own, the animated features elevate the experience from a simple viewing to an engaging journey through the history of parade artistry. It’s a unique opportunity to witness these retired giants perform once more, offering a dynamic and memorable encounter with American celebratory culture.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit