Skip to Main Content

Natural Bridge, Virginia: George Washington's Initials and Light Show

The Father of Our Country tagged Natural Bridge with a hammer and chisel. See the vandalism by day, then be dazzled at night with the "Drama of Creation" light show -- which, due to separation of church and state, can only be shown after business hours.

Natural Bridge State Park

Address:
15 Appledore Lane, Natural Bridge, VA
Directions:
Natural Bridge State Park. Just south of US Hwy 11 on Rockbridge Rd/Hwy 130/Wert Faulkner Hwy.
Phone:
540-291-2121
Admission:
Adults $8.
Save to My Sights

Visitor Tips and News About George Washington's Initials and Light Show

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Natural Bridge.

Natural Bridge, George Washington's Initials

This is such an impressive natural bridge! Well worth the stairs up and down to see in person.

[Liz, 05/28/2021]

Natural Bridge.

Natural Bridge State Park

You walk through the gift shop to get to the entrance of the Natural Bridge. Then you have quite a few stairs to go down before the pathway begins. It's not a very long walk to see the bridge. It is an amazing sight! If you continue down along the path, there are a couple of places where you can get down to the water if you are traveling with your dog. At the end of the pathway is a waterfall. It's not a very big one but it is a beautiful walk to get there.

[Dona Costlow, 08/27/2019]

Natural Bridge.

George Washington's Initials and Light Show

Nice hike. We only went as far as the salt peter cavern. The natural bridge is worth the short hike down, very nice scenery. The hotel was okay, the food was 8/10 in the tavern area. There is literally nothing around that area to eat, so kinda stuck with the hotel. There is a wonderful drive-through safari around the corner. A lot of big antique shops, too.

[Miss Liz, 05/31/2015]
George Washington's Initials and Light Show

We stayed for the light show. Move along folks, don't waste your time. The light show is based on one from 1927. There are no lasers, just some flood lights, some music, and a few verses from the book of Genesis.

[NomadRider, 08/17/2012]
GW Clarification, Laser No-Show

We were just there July 23, 1998. George Washington did not discover the bridge. He surveyed it. That's why his initials are on the side. Also, Thomas Jefferson purchased the bridge for $2.40 from King George III. He also built a cabin there while he was president.

We didn't see the laser show either, but it looked like it would be neat.

[mlbevers, 08/02/1998]
Roadside Presidents
Roadside Presidents App for iPhone. Find this attraction and more: museums, birthplaces, graves of the Chief Execs, first ladies, pets, assassins and wannabes. Prez bios and oddball trivia. Available on the App Store.

Nearby Offbeat Places

Natural Bridge Zoo Elephant RidesNatural Bridge Zoo Elephant Rides, Natural Bridge, VA - 1 mi.
King Kong Crushing AirplaneKing Kong Crushing Airplane, Natural Bridge, VA - 1 mi.
Enchanted Castle StudiosEnchanted Castle Studios, Natural Bridge, VA - 3 mi.
In the region:
Mini-Graceland, Elvis City, Roanoke, VA - 33 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Virginia Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings