The Bunker at The Greenbrier
Explore a secret Cold War bunker beneath the historic Greenbrier Resort, a fascinating glimpse into government continuity plans.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
The Bunker at The Greenbrier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a secret Cold War bunker beneath the historic Greenbrier Resort, a fascinating glimpse into government continuity plans.
"A mind-blowing look at a secret bunker, though be ready to leave your phone behind!"
🎯 Book Your Spot Early
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot on this popular tour.
📱 Leave Your Phone Behind
No phones, cameras, or bags allowed inside. Lockers are provided.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Secret Congressional Bunker
Under The Greenbrier Resort
Explore the fascinating Cold War-era bunker designed to house Congress during an emergency. A truly unique historical experience.
Decommissioned Cold War History
Inside The Bunker
Learn about the bunker's construction, its secret operation, and why it was eventually decommissioned. A deep dive into a hidden piece of American history.
The Greenbrier Resort's Grandeur
The Greenbrier Resort Lobby
Experience the opulent atmosphere of The Greenbrier itself, a historic luxury hotel that served as the cover for the bunker's existence.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead & Pack Light
Accessibility & Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I visited the real-life Whitespring resort (The Greenbrier) and took a tour of the congressional bunker
🎯 Book Your Spot Early
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot on this popular tour.
📱 Leave Your Phone Behind
No phones, cameras, or bags allowed inside. Lockers are provided.
I'll be visiting the Lewisburg/White Sulfur Springs area next week. Please check out my itinerary and feel free to offer suggestions!
The Greenbrier Resort's Project Greek Island
🚶♀️ Arrive 10-15 Mins Early
Check in at the lobby bar and be ready for your tour to start promptly.
🎧 Listen to Your Guide
Guides are knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Ask questions!
A Stay at the Greenbrier Hotel, White Sulphur Springs, WEST VIRGINIA (1960's?)
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Spot Early
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot on this popular tour.
📱 Leave Your Phone Behind
No phones, cameras, or bags allowed inside. Lockers are provided.
🚶♀️ Arrive 10-15 Mins Early
Check in at the lobby bar and be ready for your tour to start promptly.
🎧 Listen to Your Guide
Guides are knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Ask questions!
♿️ Note Accessibility Limits
Some areas are not wheelchair accessible; check in advance if this is a concern.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Bunker at The Greenbrier a fascinating historical site, particularly for its Cold War significance and the intrigue of its secret construction. While the tour is generally informative and guides are praised for their knowledge, some guests feel the experience is less extensive than in the past and note the high price point. The strict no-phone policy is a common point of discussion.
"Photos are not allowed inside the bunker. Phones have to be left in a provided locker outside the bunker tour. The tour started on time near the lobby bar. There was plenty of comfortable seating in the waiting area.
Caden was our guide. He was knowledgeable and spoke clearly and had excellent volume. The members of our group who are hearing impaired had no issues whatsoever with understanding him.
The lasted a bit over 90 minutes.
There are several areas off limits as the facility is used by CSXIP, but you get a good idea of what the bunker would have been like. It decommissioned after all.
The price was a little high for what the tour is but we felt that we had good experience.
Reservations are recommended"
Bruce & Tawnee Untethered
"The bunker tour is fascinating! Unfortunately, I cannot share photos because they don’t allow you to bring your phone into the tour.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us so much information about the history and details of the bunker.
This tour is a must see if you visit the resort. It’s truly mind blowing to see how it was built and to learn about how it was kept secret for so long.
I highly recommend."
joseph mattera
"You check in at one of the lobbies in the resort. We got there about 10 mins early, and we still waited about 25 mins. My wife and I took the tour maybe 15-16 years ago, and you got to see a lot more. They have really knocked out a lot of the cool things you can see and how you even enter now. Used to enter outside, and no, you get walked through the hotel and explained why. The tour guide was great, but basically, they show you a couple of hallways. There is a nice museum inside during the tour, but they could have had that anywhere. Maybe because I did it a long time ago, and it was definitely different, I'm a little cynical now. It is owned by a company that does data storage, so no phones, cameras, backpacks, purses, etc. are allowed. I'm not sure why they don't take you by anything that is sensitive, but those are the rules. They have everyone put it all in a locker. Takes about 90 minutes. You also get to see a couple of old movies, like documentaries.. The Greenbriar and its secret! Dun, Dun Dunnnnn. If you have about 90 minutes to kill and have never done it, it may be worth the price. If you did it years ago, you will be disappointed. You do get some postcards at the end as a souvenir."
Anthony Couillard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bunker is located beneath The Greenbrier, a historic hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. You'll check in at the resort's lobby bar for your tour.
Yes, parking is available at The Greenbrier Resort. Visitors can typically park and then proceed to the designated check-in area for the bunker tour.
Yes, you can book a tour of The Bunker even if you are not a guest at The Greenbrier Resort. Reservations are essential.
The tour typically starts in the West Virginia Wing of the hotel. It's best to ask resort staff for directions upon arrival.
While The Greenbrier is a luxury hotel, many visitors report that casual attire is acceptable for the bunker tour, and staff are friendly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The tour price is considered a bit high by some, but many find the experience worthwhile. It's recommended to check the official Greenbrier website for current pricing.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended and often required for the bunker tour at The Greenbrier Resort to ensure availability.
The bunker tours typically run on a schedule throughout the day. It's best to check The Greenbrier's official website for the most up-to-date tour times and operating hours.
Some visitors have noted that payment options might be limited to charging to a room or using a credit card, rather than cash.
Policies can vary, so it's advisable to review the cancellation terms when booking your tickets on The Greenbrier's official platform.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour generally lasts a little over 90 minutes, providing a comprehensive look at the bunker's history and features.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the bunker. Phones and cameras must be left in provided lockers.
You'll see parts of the bunker, including blast doors and hallways, and learn about its history. Some areas are off-limits due to current use.
The tour covers historical and political topics. While children can attend, parents should consider if the content is appropriate for their age group.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. While The Greenbrier is elegant, casual attire is generally acceptable for the tour itself.
📸 📸 Photography
You can take photos outside the bunker's main entrance before the tour begins. Inside the bunker, photography is not permitted.
The restriction on phones and cameras is due to the bunker's current use for secure data storage by a company called CSXIP.
Yes, The Greenbrier Resort is a historic and grand hotel, offering many beautiful architectural and interior spaces for photography outside of the bunker tour.
Some visitors have mentioned receiving postcards at the end of the tour as a souvenir.
Yes, you can photograph the exterior blast door and the hidden wall of the bunker, typically located in the West Virginia Wing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to note the strict no-phone policy, which might be challenging for younger visitors accustomed to documenting experiences. Also, some areas are not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs, so planning accordingly is advised. The tour's length of about 90 minutes is manageable, but ensuring children are comfortable with the historical context is key.
🏛️ History Buffs & Cold War Enthusiasts
Discussions on Reddit often highlight the historical significance and the intriguing backstory of the bunker. While some reviews mention that the tour might not cover as much as it used to, the core narrative of its existence and purpose remains compelling. It's an opportunity to connect with a tangible piece of history that was once hidden from the world.
🎮 Fallout 76 Fans
Many visitors, including those who play Fallout 76, express excitement about experiencing the real-life location that inspired parts of the game. The tour provides a unique perspective on the history and atmosphere that developers might have drawn from, making it a pilgrimage of sorts for dedicated fans.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of The Greenbrier Bunker
The bunker's story is a fascinating blend of political intrigue and architectural marvel. While it was never activated for its intended purpose, its construction represents a significant chapter in American defense strategy during a period of intense global tension. The tour offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and understand the scale of these Cold War preparations.
Today, parts of the bunker are used by CSXIP for secure data storage, which is why strict rules about electronics are in place. This dual use adds another layer to the bunker's modern narrative, showcasing how historical sites can adapt to contemporary needs while preserving their past.
Navigating The Bunker Tour Experience
A crucial aspect of the tour is the strict policy against phones, cameras, and bags, which must be stored in provided lockers. This is a direct result of the bunker's current use for data storage. While this can be inconvenient for those who like to document their travels, it ensures the security of the facility.
Accessibility can be a concern for some, as certain sections, like decontamination showers and water/diesel tank rooms, are not wheelchair accessible. However, the staff are generally friendly, and the resort itself is explorable. Despite some criticisms about the tour's scope or price, many still consider it a unique and worthwhile historical excursion, especially for those interested in Cold War history or fans of the game Fallout 76.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit