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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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Untold Stories of American History

Explore the lives of little-known changemakers who left their mark on the country

History | April 9, 2024

The Town That Kept Its Nuclear Bunker a Secret for Three Decades

The people of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, helped keep the Greenbrier resort’s bunker—designed to hold the entirety of Congress—hidden from 1958 to 1992

Emily Matchar

Innovation Correspondent

West Virginia’s opulent Greenbrier resort has been a playground for princes and politicians since its opening in 1778. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountain town of White Sulphur Springs , the Greenbrier has expanded over the centuries, growing from a series of summer cottages to a palatial hotel surrounded by gardens and golf courses. So, when the resort broke ground on a new wing in late 1958 , no one was surprised.

But observant locals soon noticed something odd about the project. The hole dug for the foundation was enormous, and vast amounts of concrete arrived every day on trucks, along with puzzling items: 110 urinals, huge steel doors. Guards were stationed outside.

Within weeks of the groundbreaking, it was clear to many that the new West Virginia Wing held far more than just guest rooms and conference facilities. But locals kept their suspicions private.

“Everyone just agreed to be in on the secret,” says Ann Tate Bell, who grew up nearby.

Thanks to this discretion, nearly 35 years passed before the rest of the country learned the truth: The Greenbrier’s West Virginia Wing sat atop a nuclear bunker  buried 720 feet underground. Inside, behind a 25-ton blast door, stood a living and working space equipped to hold every single member of the United States Congress. The hideout boasted more than 1,000 bunk beds, a 400-seat cafeteria, individual auditoriums for both the Senate and the House of Representatives, vast water tanks, and a trash incinerator that could serve as a crematorium.

Government officials chose the resort as the bunker site because of its isolated location, long relationship with the nation’s political elite and proximity to Washington, D.C. (about a four-hour drive away). The Greenbrier was, in the words of the Washington Post , “the ultimate congressional hideaway.”

Trish Parker, a lifelong resident of western Greenbrier County, says the bunker was the definition of an open secret. “People wondered about it to their husband, their wife, their brother—but they weren’t going to wonder about it to anyone else,” she says. “They just didn’t talk about it to outsiders.”

It’s hard to imagine such a secret being kept today, but the late 1950s were a very different time. Construction of the bunker—code-named Project Greek Island —began during the Cold War and was completed in 1962, the year of the Cuban missile crisis . At this point in the conflict, ordinary Americans viscerally feared the threat of a Soviet attack. People built bomb shelters in their backyards and stockpiled Spam and Geiger counters. Elementary school students practiced “ duck and cover ” drills. (“What are you supposed to do when you see the flash?” asked Bert the Turtle in a popular civil defense filmstrip. “Duck and cover!” the children shouted, curled up turtle-like under their desks.) World War II, with its “Loose Lips Sink Ships” posters, wasn’t long in the rearview mirror .

“People were afraid,” says Trish, who now works part-time at the Greenbrier, giving public tours of the bunker facility. “They didn’t want to know too much.”

In Greenbrier County, this secrecy runs deeper than the Cold War. The Greenbrier was (and still is) by far the biggest employer in the area. Multiple generations of families worked there, often for life. This bred a sense of loyalty—and fear of losing the only good job you could likely get nearby.

“Their father worked there, their grandfather worked there, they worked there, their children were going to work there,” says Trish. “There was the feeling that what was good for the Greenbrier was good for Greenbrier County.”

“It was a family thing,” says Christy Parker (no relation to Trish), whose great-grandmother started working at the Greenbrier as a young widow in the late 1800s. Christy grew up in White Sulphur Springs and became a fourth-generation employee after college, eventually working her way up to conference services manager, organizing massive corporate expos at the resort. “I never went past that magical door,” she says, referring to the blast door that divided the Greenbrier’s public area from the bunker, which was hidden in plain sight behind floral wallpaper.

Peggy Boso, a retired teacher from White Sulphur Springs, used to babysit at the hotel. One night, just after the bunker was revealed in 1992, she babysat a senator’s children. The senator asked her if everyone in town had known the secret.

“I said, basically, ‘Yes, but nobody ever talked about it because it was a way of putting food on the table,’” Boso recalls.

Loyalty and discretion didn’t always keep children from talking, though. Margaret Clay Hambrick, secretary of the Greenbrier Historical Society , grew up in Greenbrier County in the 1950s and 1960s and heard rumors about the bunker at school. “I remember thinking, ‘OK, that’s great for them, but if a nuclear bomb explodes on top of the bunker, all of us here are toast,’” she says.

Local parents were quick to warn their children against loose talk. Bell’s father ran the Greenbrier Valley Airport, a few miles from the resort. The airport was extended when the bunker was built, using dirt dug from the enormous foundation hole. Bell’s father had a government security clearance, which he took very seriously. One day, during construction, Bell’s brother, who was 8 or 9 at the time, was riding bikes with his friends around the building site. They spotted a fancy new elevator being put in, and their eyes widened. One of the construction workers noted their excited faces and offered them an elevator ride. The boys were thrilled.

“At dinner that night, my brother was telling us, and my father was horrified,” Bell recalls. “Finally, he said, ‘This is top secret—you should call your friends in, and I will give them the same lecture I’m giving you. This must never be mentioned.’”

Robert Conte has spent some four decades as the Greenbrier’s official historian, arriving at the resort in 1978. He immediately sensed that something was off about the West Virginia Wing.

“When I got there, reading about it, I remember thinking, ‘Why did it take them three years to build a three-story building?’” he says. “The whole thing seemed odd.”

Conte became close friends with Fritz Bugas , manager of Forsythe Associates, the audiovisual company that serviced the resort’s televisions. It was strange, Conte thought, that while all other Greenbrier workers, from electricians to cooks to plumbers, were employees, the Forsythe staff were contractors. He was right to be suspicious: Forsythe was a dummy company, and the workers’ real job was maintaining the bunker over the years.

In early 1992, a Washington Post reporter named Ted Gup stopped by the Greenbrier. Gup had received an anonymous tip about the bunker and was looking for answers.

“One of the most memorable moments of my life was [Gup] coming and putting a tape recorder on my desk and saying, ‘I’m here to talk about what’s under the West Virginia Wing,’” Conte says.

Conte, who still didn’t know the truth himself, gave Gup the official line: Rumors had always circulated about the Greenbrier, but they were just that—rumors.

“Of course, Gup didn’t believe a word I said,” Conte recalls, laughing.

The Washington Times scooped the Post , publishing a story about the bunker on May 29, 1992. Gup’s exposé appeared two days later in the Post magazine. “The Greenbrier was different in that it relied more on the element of secrecy than on any mountain of rock to shield it from incoming bombs,” Gup wrote . “Yet despite the discretion of the resort staff, the existence of some kind of hidden government installation there was widely known.”

When the truth came out, few people in the area were surprised at the bunker’s existence, Conte says. But they were surprised to discover that it was intended for Congress. Most had believed it was for the president. (John F. Kennedy, for his part, had two bunkers : one on the island of Nantucket in Massachusetts, near the Kennedy compound , and the other on Peanut Island , close to the president’s vacation home in Palm Beach, Florida.) This had given the Greenbrier convenient cover over the years: Staff could simply deny that the resort was home to a secret presidential facility.

“That was a secret within a secret,” Conte says. “Nobody thought it was for 1,100 people. That was the real jaw-dropper.”

Many locals were angry, even furious , with Gup and the Post .

“It was a point of pride to have it there, to have that little bit of mystery that no one else in the country knew about,” says Trish. “And then when someone who they considered an outsider came in and revealed it, they felt very betrayed.”

In a statement , congressional leadership expressed “regret” at the Post ’s decision to publish the piece. “It was always clear that if the secret of the facility’s location were to be compromised, the effectiveness and security of the program would be jeopardized, if not terminated,” the leaders said.

The anonymous tipster who first alerted Gup to the bunker’s existence has never been publicly identified. But Conte understands them to be a person in the federal government, who didn’t like that money was being spent to maintain a nuclear bunker in the post-Cold War era. When the story came out, politicians did indeed come under fire, not only for spending taxpayer dollars on an outmoded bunker but also for the very idea of saving Congress while ordinary citizens were left out in the cold.

Declassified shortly after the exposé, the bunker opened for tours in 1995. The first people to tour it were Greenbrier employees, who received the opportunity as a quiet thank you for their discretion. More than 30 years later, tours of the site—now overseen by the Greenbrier’s owners rather than the government—remain incredibly popular with the public.

When Trish leads tours, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether more remains hidden: a new bunker, a deeper room, something yet unrevealed.

“It would be lovely if there was,” she says, “a little mystery. But there’s not.”

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Emily Matchar | | READ MORE

Emily Matchar is a writer from North Carolina. She's contributed to many publications, including the New York Times , the Washington Post , the Atlantic  and many others. She's the author of the novel In the Shadow of the Greenbrier . 

THE GREENBRIER RESORT BUNKER TOUR

Monday, November 28th & Wednesday, November 30th

2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, & 4:00 PM 

The declassified Bunker at The Greenbrier is a must-see experience that takes you behind the scenes and walks you through a fascinating period in the resort's history. Carved deep into the mountainside beneath the West Virginia Wing is an emergency Cold War fallout shelter. Once a top-secret U.S. government relocation facility for Congress, The Bunker is now open to anyone interested in reliving a legendary piece of The Greenbrier history. It has been featured on  NBC, FOX, Discovery Channel, History Channel, VICE, ABC  and top publications from around the world. Bunker Tours provide a unique and in-depth look behind the hidden doors and let you explore an aspect of The Greenbrier that no other resort can claim.

• Approximately 90 minutes in length
• 25 spaces/tour
• No one under the age of 10 will be permitted
• No cameras, electronic equipment or cell phones are permitted
• No items of concealment; backpacks, tote bags, purses, etc.
• Weapons of any kind are not permitted

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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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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.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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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The Greenbrier’s Bunker Tour

in 1962, a top-secret government bunker was completed deep underneath this White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia , resort. Today, visitors can tour the 12,000-square-foot facility. 

Since 1778, The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, has been known as one of the nation’s pre-eminent luxury resorts, a place where both U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries have gathered to enjoy the landmark’s elegant public spaces and experience epicurean dining.

What’s not so well known is that in 1962, a top-secret government bunker was completed deep underneath the resort’s West Virginia Wing, a huge 112,000-square-foot facility that was intended to be used as a fallout shelter for members of the U.S. Congress in the event of a nuclear war. It was maintained in readiness until 1992, when it was decommissioned after an article in The Washington Post revealed its existence to the world.

Now members of the general public, not just those staying at the resort, can take a 90-minute tour of this sobering Cold War relic. Entering through one of the massive doors built to protect against a nuclear blast, visitors 10 years and older can view the rows of metal bunk beds where members of Congress would have slept, the spartan cafeteria where they would have dined and auditoriums where the Senate and House of Representatives would have carried on their duties. The bunker’s hospital facilities, broadcast center and huge power plant can also be seen as part of the tour.

Perhaps most sobering are the decontamination chambers, where arriving Congress members would have been scrubbed down before being issued military-style fatigues, and an incinerator that would have disposed of garbage, classified documents and even human bodies had that gruesome eventuality arisen.

Be advised that the highly popular bunker tours frequently sell out many days in advance, making a three-week advance reservation highly recommended. After the tour, head upstairs to enjoy a carriage ride on the resort grounds or happy hour at the luxurious Twelve Oaks cocktail lounge. 101 Main St. W., White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia 24986, 855/453-4858, greenbrier.com

Story: Rich Warren Issue: Fall/Winter 2023

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Have you been to the secret bunker at the Greenbrier? The ‘Today’ Show has!

Did you know that carved deep into the mountainside of West Virginia is an emergency Cold War fallout shelter?

A behind the scenes look at the bunker beneath the Greenbrier Resort with The ‘Today’ Show on NBC.

Housed under the West Virginia Wing of  The Greenbrier Resort,   the top-secret, super-sized bunker was built for all 535 members of Congress. Construction of the bunker began in 1958, and this was an idea conceived by Dwight D. Eisenhower. Construction was completed in 1961. The mistake is indeed on our end and will be corrected.The Greenbrier, which has been welcoming guests from around the world since 1778, including 26 presidents and countless celebrities, recently welcomed a new guest to check out this bunker: The ‘Today’ Show .

The morning show broadcasted live from the  112,544-square-foot bunker.  The NBC show traveled south, camera crew in tow, to get exclusive access to the bunker and the people who had have been instrumental in the success of the bunker. Watch the Today Show’s visit to the Greenbrier to learn more.

The ‘Today’ Show crew chatted with Greenbrier Ambassador Frank Mosley, who has been with at the resort for about 60 years, to see how the place has evolved over time. Greenbrier Historian Bob Conte described to ‘Today’ Show producers how the bunker was able to stay a secret for so long and how effective it could be at holding all of Congress.

Kerry Sanders and ‘Today’ Show crews were granted access to portions of the bunker where no other cameras have gone! They were able to capture on video for the first time that shows the bunker in its original state and all the elements that made it possible for hundreds of people to live and work here.

Once a top secret U.S. government relocation facility for Congress, The Greenbrier Bunker is now open to visitors interested in learning about the history of this bunker! You can get your very own  Greenbrier bunker tour – just like the ‘Today’ Show! Experience a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes tour of the bunker that walks you through a fascinating period in the resort’s history. Tours provide a unique and in-depth look behind the hidden doors – including dormitories, meeting areas and more. This must-see experience is open to all!

Construction on the bunker began in 1958, which was built 720 feet into the hillside under The Greenbrier. Once it was completed in 1961, the facility was constantly maintained by a small group of government employees working undercover as audio and video technicians.

The Greenbrier, or “America’s Resort”, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

The bunker provided the following:

• Four entrances; three to The Greenbrier’s grounds and one to the main building
• 25-ton blast door that opens with only 50 lbs. of pressure
• Decontamination chambers
• 18 dormitories, designed to accommodate more than 1,100 people
• Power plant with purification equipment and three 25,000-gallon water tanks
• Three 14,000-gallon diesel fuel tanks
• Communications area, including television production area and audio recording booths
• Clinic with 12 hospital beds, medical and dental operating rooms
• Laboratory, pharmacy and intensive care unit
• Meeting rooms for the House and Senate, the Governor’s Hall and Mountaineer room

Over the 30 years that it was an active facility, technology was constantly updated so that the bunker was always ready in case of emergency. The location of the facility, critical to its effectiveness, remained a secret for more than three decades.

On May 31, 1992, The Washington Post published an article, “The Last Resort,” which exposed the facility. In 1995, the US government ended the lease agreement with The Greenbrier, and later that year, the resort began offering tours of the historic facility.

This post was last updated on July 24, 2024

January 17th, 2023 • 5 min

Explore the Greenbrier Hotel's Secret Bunker

The five-star Greenbrier Resort has become one of America’s premier hotel resorts after a long and luxurious history. Set in the natural mineral springs of the Allegheny Mountains, the Greenbrier in West Virginia is a National Historic Landmark.

But hidden behind its grand white pillars and sweeping vistas was once one of America’s longest kept secrets. Some 400 kilometres from Washington DC, the Greenbrier hotel was also the top-secret location of a government nuclear bunker during the Cold War.

Discover the extraordinary details of the declassified Greenbrier hotel bunker and how to pay a visit. Surrounded by national parks and preserves, don’t miss this stop on your next West Virginia road trip.

• All about the Greenbrier resort
• History of the Greenbrier hotel bunker

What to expect when you visit the Greenbrier shelter

How to get to the greenbrier resort from greensboro, nc, more things to do at the greenbrier resort, frequently asked questions, all about the greenbrier resort.

The Greenbrier Resort was a hugely historic place long before the classified bunker was revealed to the world. Set in the valleys of White Sulphur Springs, the natural hot spring destination is a popular retreat going back to the late 1700s. However, the magic of the mineral springs was first appreciated by indigenous Americans, who took to the water for its healing properties.

By the 1830s, the resort and its cottages became favored by America’s most influential and powerful families, presidents, politicians and other members of high society. Soon enough, the prestigious resort constructed its first hotel in 1858, where it would later become a hospital and headquarters during the Civil War.

In 1922, the original hotel was demolished to make room for the majestic, pillared building you’ll recognize today – doubling the number of guest rooms to more than 500.

The modern Greenbrier Resort offers more than 700 rooms, 55 activities, a renowned mineral spa and a 103,000-square-foot entertainment venue.

Visitors can explore the 11,000-acre luxury retreat by bike, segway, horse-drawn carriage, and even by sleigh during the holiday season. Meanwhile, the charming amenities of White Sulphur Springs are just a five-minute drive away along Route 60.

History of the Greenbrier bunker

During the height of the Cold War when the nation was rife with tension and anxiety, American citizens dug nuclear bomb shelters in their backyards. At the White House, the US government had the same idea for the pristine gardens of the Greenbrier Resort.

Set against the mountains, the Greenbrier was known for providing solace to America’s elite. It was the perfect place for a top-secret government fortress. The 112,000 square-foot nuclear bunker was built between 1958 and 1961, concealed by the new West Virginia Wing, which was raised at the same time.

In the event of a nuclear war, the bunker was designed to accommodate the US Congress, their families and their staff. Buried 720 feet into the hillside, it could house up to 1,000 people with enough food to last 60 days.

Shrouded in secrecy for over 30 years, many of the Greenbrier hotel staff heard rumors about what lay beneath the West Virginia Wing. The government workers who maintained the Greenbrier’s bunker supplies flew under the radar, dedicating a portion of their time to fixing TVs at the hotel as a disguise.

After the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Cold War came to an end and the existence of the Greenbrier bunker was finally debunked. The Washington Post revealed the whereabouts of the nuclear shelter in 1992, and the bunker was decommissioned.

Three years later, the hotel started offering tours of the once-restricted bunker to guests, later extending the invitation to the public.

Visitors can book a guided tour of the Greenbrier hotel bunker. The tour will take you through the 25-ton steel blast door to explore the ginormous bunker nestled at the foot of the mountains.

Once the bunk was sealed, there would be no way to enter from the outside. Thankfully, the tour is only 90-minutes. But walking along the vast concrete corridor to the shelter will give you an idea of how fortified this underground structure really was.

We recommend wearing sensible shoes, as your guide will walk you through the main areas of the secret shelter. The bunker is complete with a preserved 1960s hospital, decontamination showers, dormitories, a crematorium and a 470-seat auditorium for Congress to meet in. You’ll also find a museum to find out more about the history of the bunker.

How to book a tour at the Greenbrier nuclear bunker

To visit this eerie snapshot of the past, you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of the tour.

• Adult ticket – $47 each
• Youth ticket (age 10-18) – $24 each
• Private tours are also available at a premium price.

Ticket prices may change, so check the official Greenbrier website for the latest pricing information.

To find the start of your tour, head to the Trellis Lobby near the Lobby Bar. Be sure to check in for the tour at the Trellis Lobby at least 15 minutes before it starts.

It takes just over three hours to drive the 179 miles to the Greenbrier Resort hotel from our Piedmont Triad International Airport rental location. Just follow these directions:

• Take the I-73 North from PTI Drive and Ted Johnson Parkway.
• Continue on to US-220 North toward Roanoke.
• Merge on to US-58 West, then continue on to US-220 North.
• Take Exit 1N to merge on to I-81 North/US-220 North toward Lexington.
• Take Exit 150 B on to US-220 North toward Fincastle.
• Follow signs for US-60/US-220 North/Covington/Lexington.
• Turn left to merge on to I-64 West and take Exit 181 for US-60.
• Turn right on to US-60 West, through White Sulphur Springs and another right on to Springhouse Lane to the Greenbrier hotel.

With 20 restaurants, lounges and bars at your fingertips and lots of exciting activities to fill your stay, the Greenbrier Resort is the perfect getaway destination. Here are just a few of our favorite things to do.

Presidents’ Cottage Museum

The luxurious Greenbrier Resort has a long and prestigious guest list, including 28 US presidents. Built in 1835, many presidents have stayed in what is now the Presidents’ Cottage Museum. Each room captures part of the Greenbrier’s fascinating history, with memorabilia and archive photos dating back more than two centuries.

You can visit the Presidents’ Cottage Museum for free with your daily resort admission fee. Entry is complementary for all overnight guests, too. Perfect for exploring after breakfast.

Greenbrier Resort Spa

The revitalizing waters of White Sulphur Springs continue to draw visitors to the Greenbrier, just as they did almost 250 years ago. Conde Nast voted the Greenbrier's spectacular mineral spa as one of the best in the world in 2021.

Take a dip in the natural sulfur spring baths in a private soaking room. Or why not enjoy the fresh and sweeping views of the mountains in the outdoor infinity pool? The Greenbrier Spa offers a wide range of rejuvenating treatments, from hot stone massages to customized facials and full body therapies.

Golf course

Practice your winning swing at one of the renowned golf courses at the Greenbrier. The Old White course is Greenbrier’s first 18-hole golf course, dating back to 1914 and named after the original hotel.

Take your pick from three stunning resort courses, a nine-hole par-three walking course and lessons from the Greenbrier golf instructors. There’s even a selection of dedicated spa treatments available to treat sore muscles after a day on the green.

Aerial adventure courses

Get to know the many acres of the Greenbrier Resort up close and personal with an aerial adventure course. Step up to the challenge of climbing 50 feet in the trees with 12 different courses to choose from, rewarding you with fantastic views of the Allegheny landscape.

If that’s not enough excitement for you, buckle up and tackle the treetop alpine tower and canopy tours for even more adventurous fun.

Debunked Escape Room

Can’t get enough of the Greenbrier Resort bunker? Head back in time to 1992 as you become an undercover government employee who’s discovered a breech in Greenbrier’s secret bunker. Will you stop the intruders in time before they expose the classified government bunker?

Inspired by the real Greenbrier nuclear bunker, this escape room is the perfect challenge for friends and family visiting the resort. Make sure to reserve your booking ahead of schedule to avoid disappointment!

Explore the local scenery along the Greenbrier and Jackson Rivers with a guided kayaking tour. You and your friends and family will be shown the essentials of river safety, though the water is mild and relaxing.

Feel free to fly solo along the river or choose a two-person kayak for double the fun. The kayaking adventure lasts two and a half hours, so remember to bring weather appropriate clothing and swimwear. Transportation to the kayaking clinic is included. Just head to Greenbrier Outfitters near the outdoor pool at the resort.

Lost World Caverns

If you’re staying at the Greenbrier for a few days, there’s plenty to visit in the local area too. The New River Gorge National Park is just an hour’s drive from the hotel. Even closer is the Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg, just 20 minutes away.

The Lost World Caverns of West Virginia are a natural marvel found 120 feet below ground. Unearthed in 1942, the caverns reveal half a mile of incredible rock formations and stalagmites. Take a guided tour, adventure tour, or admire the rocks at your own pace with a self-led tour of the caves.

Ready to explore the Greenbrier bunker?

Who leaked the greenbrier bunker.

The Washington Post leaked the location of the Greenbrier bunker (formally known as ‘Project Greek Island’) in 1992. The once-restricted details of the nuclear shelter were published in an article titled ‘The Ultimate Congressional Hideaway’.

Can I take photos in the Greenbrier bunker?

No. Unfortunately, you can’t take photos of the Greenbrier bunker during the tour. The tour will provide you with a locker to leave any cameras, electronics and cell phones behind.  

How much does it cost to stay at the Greenbrier?

The cost of staying at the five-star Greenbrier Resort can vary depending on what guest room you choose and when you visit. This includes deluxe guest rooms, cottages and suites. Some of the most affordable rooms are known to cost around $290 per night, although this may vary.

Is the Greenbrier hotel haunted?

While no one can say for sure if the Greenbrier resort is haunted, historically, the Greenbrier was turned into a hospital during the Civil War and WW2. After housing thousands of wounded soldiers across both wars, who knows who you might bump into during the night...

What celebrities have visited the Greenbrier?

Alongside British royalty and US presidents, many celebrities have visited and stayed at the Greenbrier hotel over the years. Golden Age Hollywood stars such as Judy Garland, Debbie Reynolds and Grace Kelly have each enjoyed the upscale West Virginia resort.

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Virtual Roadtrip: The Greenbrier Bunker Tour

May 26, 2020 | South , Tours & Experiences

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

Where to stay.

The Greenbrier Resort Historic General Lewis Inn The Escape, Lewisburg

Where to Eat

Livery Tavern The French Goat The Humble Tomato

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