Virtual Roadtrip: The Greenbrier Bunker Tour

30 Years of Secrets Hidden in Plain Sight

Stop #22 on our Virtual Road Trip is the Greenbrier Bunker Tour! The luxurious Greenbrier is a destination hotel in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The hotel was built in 1913, with 743 well-appointed rooms and 96 guest estate homes. The resort includes restaurants, unique shops, championship golf, a spa, and more than 55 activities to enjoy during your stay. If that’s not enough, a 103,000 square-foot gaming and entertainment venue opened in 2009 in the lower level of the hotel.

This is a similar description of the property that was published until 1992, when a Washington Post reporter discovered the previously classified “Project Greek Island.” In the 1950’s in the middle of the Cold War, the Greenbrier was chosen by the U.S. government to house a destination for Congress to seek shelter in the event of a nuclear war. Construction on the bunker was finished in 1962. Today, the 90-minute tour takes you 720 feet into the hillside as you explore a maze of underground rooms, including chambers for the House and Senate, dorms, a power plant, clinic, cafeteria, and more.

Did You Know? At the time, only a few people knew of the Greenbrier bunker’s existence— most members of Congress would never have been told until the onset of the emergency.

Travel Tip: Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of your tour at the concierge desk. You may want to leave your cell phone in your room— they are not allowed on the tour and will be collected and stored until you leave the bunker. The tour isn’t cheap, but where else are you going to find a bunker with a 25-ton blast door?

Following the Connection

The bunker was built for 525 members of the government, all of whom have offices at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. The Capitol is an architectural masterpiece and the tours are full of great stories and interesting facts. It’s also free!!

Next Stop: U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.

Detour: The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union lasted for over 40 years. The Cold War Museum is under development in Vint Hill, West Virginia. The Smithsonian Affiliate has raised over $3 million and will include a central hall with exhibits, a small theater, the main gallery, a picture gallery, library and study areas, and gift store. Check the website for updates on their progress and to view the online exhibits.

Plan Your Trip

The Greenbrier is located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, which has been a tourist destination for centuries. Since the late 1700’s, people have traveled to the area to enjoy the “healing” powers of the springs. The Greenbrier is a destination resort, so you really don’t need to leave the property; however, one of our favorite small towns, Lewisburg, West Virginia, is just 10 miles away. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning your trip.

Photo: The Greenbrier Resort