greenbrier bunker visit

The Greenbrier Bunker Tour: Essential Tips to Know Before You Go!

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-10-25

Hidden beneath a luxury resort in the mountains of West Virginia lies one of the best kept government secrets of the Cold War: a nuclear fallout shelter for Congress!

This top secret facility remained updated and ready, and completely hidden from the public, for decades until a Washington Post journalist exposed it in the 1990s.

Today, you can visit The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV and take the Bunker Tour to learn all about this crazy-but-true story!

We added it to an Eastern US road trip, but it’s also a good day trip option from New River Gorge National Park.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go on The Greenbrier Bunker Tour.

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Table of Contents

A Secret Bunker Hidden Beneath a Luxury Resort…

The Cold War was dominated by uncertainty, and the US government decided it needed a backup plan to ensure the smooth continuation of running the country in the event of a nuclear attack.

So, they built a secret bunker for Congress under a popular luxury resort in West Virginia.

The Greenbrier has been around since 1788, tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains . It’s been a favorite luxury resort for the rich and famous for centuries.

When President Eisenhower approached the resort about disguising the development of a secret bunker under the construction for the resort’s new West Virginia wing in 1958 , the owners were only too happy to oblige.

Construction and maintenance was done in such a way to limit the number of people that knew of the bunker’s existence. Most of The Greenbrier staff had no idea it was there.

The Greenbrier Bunker was maintained and updated in secret for more than 30 years until an enterprising Washington Post journalist uncovered the secret in the 1990s and exposed it to the world.

With the location revealed, the bunker had to be decommissioned.

Today, it’s a unique historical landmark, a rare physical reminder of the unseen dread that permeated society and dictated serious decisions during the Cold War.

Getting to The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier Resort is located in White Sulphur Springs, WV, just off of I-64, very close to the West Virginia/Virginia state line.

There’s no way around it: you have to drive to get to here. You won’t find any urban centers with convenient airports close by.

It’s a 4 hour drive from Washington, DC or Charlotte, NC. The closest cities of any size are Roanoke, VA or Charleston, WV, a 1.5 hour or 2 hour drive, respectively.

Most visitors come to The Greenbrier to escape cities for a relaxed, outdoor setting. One thing this area is great at is outdoor recreation.

The resort is about 2 hours from the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park or an hour and a half from the New River Gorge Bridge and the northern end of that national park and preserve.

We highly recommend adding The Greenbrier Bunker Tour as a stop on a broader road trip through the region. Try our 7 Day Eastern USA Road Trip or make your own!

What to Expect on The Greenbrier Bunker Tour

The Bunker Tour at The Greenbrier is a 90 minute, guided group tour through the once top secret area built to shelter both houses of Congress in the event of an emergency.

The tour begins in one of the front lobbies at the hotel, reveals one of the hidden entrances inside the resort, and then continues through the secret bunker’s spaces, like the blast door, decontamination chambers, living spaces, and working spaces.

They even purposely made some of the resort décor a bit nauseating near the secret entrance to the bunker, so resort guests would feel uncomfortable and leave the area.

History fanatic or not, this is a fascinating tour straight out of a dystopian novel , except it was a real emergency measure implemented during the Cold War.

Many alive today can still remember the hint of doom lingering over everyday life, but the younger generations that didn’t live it can better appreciate the preparedness that went into assuming you could be hit by a nuclear weapon at any moment.

Rather than spoil the tour with a room-by-room account of what you’ll see, we’ve instead included some important things to know before you go on The Bunker Tour .

The Greenbrier Resort is fancy !

Prepare to be blown away by the resort itself before you even get to your tour. This is a luxury, upscale resort with all the fancy trimmings.

The entire resort is walled off and private. The front entrance is gated. They’re all about privacy, which comes in handy when you’re also concealing a bunker that can house the entirety of Congress.

The drive up to the lobby is immaculately landscaped . Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll be greeted by either an impressive blooming flower display or a giant, decked out Christmas tree.

You’re greeted by valets and doormen when the shuttle drops you off at the front door. Inside, every square inch has been thought out and decorated.

The bright colors of Dorothy Draper’s designs are a bit much for some people, but take a moment to appreciate the marble floors and plush carpet you’re walking on, the paintings you’re casually walking past, and the little touches like writing tables.

Is There a Dress Code for the Greenbrier Bunker Tour?

You don’t have to wear anything super fancy for the tour. In fact, comfortable walking shoes are encouraged for the Bunker Tour.

The Greenbrier does have a dress code , but it’s not as ominous as it sounds. It’s mostly for dining and evenings, and so guests don’t walk around in nothing but swimsuits.

Resort casual usually means a collared polo shirt for men, blouses for women, and bermuda shorts or pants for all. No ripped, torn, or cut-off clothes. Steer clear of political or offensive apparel. No ballcaps.

We visited in November and wore dark jeans (no holes or rips), tennis shoes, and t-shirts under lightweight jackets.

We don’t normally stay in places this luxurious, so we were impressed by the attention to detail. We also felt a bit underdressed at first.

But once we met the other guests on the tour, that feeling went away. At least half of our group were dressed in similar, relaxed clothing like us. There were some in impeccable resort casual, too, so either way is fine.

No electronics, bags, or photos allowed.

The Bunker has been decommissioned and declassified, but that doesn’t mean it’s giving away all its secrets just yet.

There’s a very strict no bags, no electronics, and no photos policy.

They have lockers at the beginning of the tour where you store your cell phone, purses, etc. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving these items in a locker, then don’t bring them with you to the tour.

Some of the space in the former bunker is now rented by private companies for server storage, among other things, I’m sure.

This is the primary reason for the security measures. It’s not just another government cover up!

Lots of walking but not a lot of stairs

The Bunker Tour information page specifically calls out the dress code as “comfortable shoes” because you’re on your feet and walking for the majority of the 90 minute tour.

The good news is there aren’t many stairs! A few spots throughout the tour provide a chance to sit down while your guide explains more about the room you’re visiting.

Greenbrier Bunker Tour: Practical Info & FAQs

• Cost: $40 per adult, $20 per kid ages 10-18
• Duration: about 1.5 hours
• Reservations required: Call ahead to reserve your spot. Tour times vary by day and guide availability. No online tour reservations.

>> Can I Do the Bunker Tour If I’m Not Staying at The Greenbrier Resort?

Yes, absolutely! Call ahead to reserve your spot. (No online reservations unfortunately.) Then, the resort will send you directions for where to park, how to get to the resort, and where to meet up.

When we day tripped here as part of our bigger eastern US road trip , we parked at the train depot, a resort shuttle bus took us to the front entrance, and we rendezvoused with the tour group in one of the front lobbies.

>> Are Private Bunker Tours Available?

Yes, at a price. You’re essentially buying out a timeslot to book a private tour.

Therefore, the cheapest private tour option is $900 for a tour time before 5PM. After 5PM, the price and mandatory gratuity increase.

You’re still allowed up to 25 people on a private tour, so costs could be split amongst yourselves if you’re trying to guarantee your whole group is on one tour time.

>> Can Kids Come on the Greenbrier Bunker Tour?

Yes, ages 10+ are welcome.

>> Will Kids Get Bored on the Bunker Tour?

Depends on age and interests. I haven’t met a kid yet that thought moving an enormous blast door by themselves was boring.

The history might go over younger kids’ heads, but the guides try to make it interesting for them nonetheless. Tweens and teens will get a kick out of the “latest technology” displayed in the bunker.

The Greenbrier Bunker Tour: A Fun Road Trip Stop Worth Your While

If you’re in the area of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia or you’re passing within detour distance on a road trip, we highly recommend this unique stop!

The Greenbrier’s Bunker Tour reveals a fascinating piece of American history, perfect for breaking up a long drive as a stepping stone to your next destination.

Here are some more resources for an epic Eastern USA Road Trip that can easily accommodate a stop at The Greenbrier.

• 7 Day Eastern USA Road Trip Itinerary – Six States in 7 Days!
• 9 Useful Tips & Tricks for Driving Blue Ridge Parkway
• Is Visiting The Blowing Rock Worth It?
• Fun Things to Do in Little Switzerland, NC: A Blue Ridge Parkway Town
• How to Spend One Day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• A Gettysburg Self-Guided Driving Tour: Tips, Tricks, & Hacks!
• Exploring Antietam National Battlefield in an Afternoon
• Fun Things to Do in Harpers Ferry, WV
• 7 Short & Easy Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
• Touring Appomattox Court House – See Where the Civil War Ended!

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 38 US states and 17 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

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Bunker Tour at The Greenbrier Resort

Did you know the U.S. Government sought The Greenbrier resort’s help in preparing for a Cold War attack on the nation’s capital?

Sure, The Greenbrier is best known for decadence and a certain joie de vivre, but it also ranks high on the list of favorite destinations of historians and biographers. Known as America’s Resort™, its history has paralleled our nation’s history as far back as 1778. But some of those parallels remained clandestine until relatively recently.

Yes, there are secrets hidden just behind The Greenbrier’s grand walls! We’re talking real secrets, as in classified government ops that stayed secret until 1992 when a Washington Post journalist unearthed the truth.

PROJECT GREEK ISLAND

It sounds like the stuff of movies, but it’s true. In 1958 during the Cold War at the height of nuclear panic across the United States, Project Greek Island was underway at The Greenbrier in quiet, little White Sulphur Springs, WV. At the behest of the Eisenhower Administration, a U.S. Government Relocation Facility was being built beneath what the public thought was simply an addition to the hotel proper. The addition, the West Virginia wing, was a cover-up. In reality, a concrete-encased fallout shelter was being buried 720 feet underground. It was intended to withstand an indirect nuclear attack and house all the members of Congress as well as a support staff of hundreds.

For more than 30 years, the bunker beneath the hotel remained the best-kept secret in West Virginia. That is until reporter Ted Gup broke the story to the world. Immediately the location was decommissioned, and over the next three years, the U.S. Government disentangled itself from The Greenbrier resort.

What’s a resort to do with a declassified bunker buried beneath its guest rooms and tennis courts? Give tours, of course!

THE BUNKER TOUR

Today, the story of how the bunker was constructed and maintained is preserved behind the 25-ton steel and concrete blast doors that for decades remained hidden by a façade of Dorothy Draper wallpaper. Whether you’ve booked a stay at The Greenbrier or you’re just spending the day, you can schedule a 90-minute underground tour of this former U.S. Government Relocation Facility we simply call “The Bunker.”

The tour covers details of the facility’s clandestine construction including secret communications between the U.S. Government and Greenbrier executives. You’ll learn about the cover company, Forsythe Associates, a TV repair business, operated by Pentagon experts poised to take command in the event of a nuclear attack.

Astonishingly, the bunker was outfitted and prepared for activation at a moment’s notice. Everything from food, clothing, medical care, and outside communications were kept at the ready from 1961 until 1992. Your tour guide explains how all this was accomplished. During the tour, you also have an opportunity to peruse a museum of artifacts leftover from the active site. The bunkrooms lined with metal-framed bunk beds are a shocking departure from the luxurious suites 60-feet above. It’s unsettling and amazing all at once.

Gup may have put it best in the last line of his story that ran in the Washington Post on Sunday, May 31, 1992: “For 30 years, [The Greenbrier’s] guests have come to play golf, to be massaged, to bathe in the restorative waters of the mineral baths, while some of the men who repaired their televisions and brought them movies made all things ready for a darker world after this world.”

BUNKER TOURS

To learn the rest of the story -- and believe us, you'll want to -- reserve your spot on the tour. Tickets are $47 for adults and $24 for youth 10 – 18. Keep in mind the minimum age is 10.

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Hidden in Plain Sight: The Cold War Bunker Tour at the Greenbrier

“I hope you’re ready for a relaxing vacation,” our tour guide said with a grin as he swiped his badge, unlocking a heavy door. “Welcome to the Greek Islands!”

As the door swung open, we weren’t facing a week of rest and relaxation on the shores of some sun soaked beach. Instead, we were staring down a long, sterile corridor once built exclusively to protect and maintain governmental continuity during the Cold War. 5,000 miles from Santorini and Mykanos, we were starting a tour of the famous bunker at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Our tour of the Greenbrier’s bunker began with a bit of a walk through the hotel, through bustling crowds that dissipated as we reached elevators that took us into its West Virginia wing. This is also where present day begins to fade into Cold War-era America. In the late 1950s, with growing concern that a nuclear war might be eminent, the U.S. government identified White Sulphur Springs as a solid contender to house a bunker for congress. The idea was that an attack on Washington would necessitate a safe place to relocate congress, including all 435 representatives and 100 senators, so government would not shut down during a time when we would desperately need leadership. Between 1959 and 1962, the bunker was built underground at the same time a well-publicized addition to the Greenbrier was built in the form of the West Virginia wing—effectively hiding the bunker in plain sight. The construction received the code name Project Greek Island to ensure its secrecy wasn’t compromised—hence our guide’s somewhat unconventional welcome.

While the bunker was in service, visitors to the Greenbrier would almost certainly miss it. One of the four entrances to the bunker is located where our tour got underway, in a large exhibition hall. Today, you can plainly see the huge, heavy blast door that would have closed to contain congress once they arrived by train from DC, but during the three decades that the bunker was active the door was hidden behind a screen that made it look like it was part of the wall.

Life inside of the bunker looked like it would have been bearable but unpleasant. In the dormitory, rows of bunk beds lined the walls, providing sensible accommodations for every member of congress as well as one aide or staff member per elected official. Health facilities stocked with medicine boasted the latest technology. Meals were served in a cafeteria, which to me was one of the more fascinating spaces; because it wasn’t large enough to seat everyone at once, the floors featured a black and white checkerboard tile that was supposed to be slightly disorienting, hopefully discouraging people from sitting too long at tables in order to have a steady rotation of people coming and going during meal times.

For thirty years, the bunker sat ready but empty, as workers regularly tested water quality and communications systems. Because its intended inhabitants could arrive at any moment, refrigerators and pantries were constantly stocked with fresh food. Every few days, the food would rotate up to the Greenbrier’s kitchen to make room for a new delivery, thus ensuring nothing was wasted. These processes stayed in place until 1992, when a Washington Post article by Ted Gup threw open the bunker’s doors to the public and revealed the secret location and purpose to the world. Once the article was published, it no longer made sense to keep the bunker operational; it was decommissioned soon after.

History is full of secrets and surprises, and touring the bunker at the Greenbrier places you right inside of a very interesting chapter in American history.

Having taken the tour twice, each experience was unique because each tour was peppered with different stories and accounts of how the bunker came to be and stayed at the ready in case it was needed. If you haven’t heard of the Greenbrier bunker tour—or the Greenbrier Hotel—it’s a terrific trip to make and well worth the drive.

Greenbrier Bunker Tour: Take This Trip

• As of February 2017, tours are $34 for adults and $17 for kids (ages 10-17) excluding taxes. Children under 10 can’t take the tour (it’s a lot of walking and talking, so most kids wouldn’t enjoy it, anyway).
• The tour is very popular with hotel guests and visitors alike, so make reservations in advance! Popular times, especially during warmer months, are likely to sell out!
• Cameras are not allowed on the tour, so be prepared to surrender both cameras and cell phones when you check in for the tour. Your belongings will be locked away and safely monitored, but you won’t leave with any pictures of your experience.
• The Greenbrier is a fully functioning hotel and resort, so take advantage of one of the onsite restaurants for lunch before or after your tour. Away from hotel grounds, your dining options will be a bit more sparse, so plan accordingly.
• The bunker is, at points, thirty feet underground, and it can get a bit chilly. Take a sweater to ensure you stay comfortable.
• Get an early start and add a winery or two to your itinerary! Coming from DC, you’ll pass by some great wineries as you drive on Interstate 81. Consider taking a morning tour of the bunker and spending your afternoon debriefing all your learned over a glass of wine. If you’re looking for recommendations, a few of our favorite Virginia Wineries won’t be too far off your path!
• One of our favorite “hidden gems” in Virginia is on the way to the Greenbrier! Stop by Covington, Virginia to see the Humpback Covered Bridge . Built in 1857, it’s the oldest covered bridge in Virginia and it makes a great place for a brief stop on your way to the Greenbrier.

More Information: Greenbrier.com/Bunker-Tours

Are you planning a visit to see the Greenbrier Cold War Bunker? The Greenbrier Resort has plenty of rooms, but they are a little higher priced than most hotels. For good reason, it’s a beautiful resort full of amenities and fun activities for visitors.

If you are looking for something a little more affordable, the town of Lewisburg, West Virginia is only 10 minutes west of the Greenbrier and you’ll find plenty of hotels to choose from. Here are a few deals to consider.

Want to learn more?

Here is a short video with additional footage and stories about this fascinating Cold War-era bunker under the Greenbrier.

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