|
Experience geology, anthropology and history in the Show Caves that honeycomb under Missouri’s surface. These “tamed” caverns, complete with paved walkways, bridges and handrails, showcase Mother Nature’s taste for exquisite design in a naturally air-conditioned underground environment.
|
|
|
Named for the world-renowned author, Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal brings the literary work to life when exploring mysterious formations with names such as Injun Joe’s Canoe, Aladdin’s Palace and The Cathedral. The cave was also a hideout for the notorious outlaw Jesse James and provided refuge for slaves seeking freedom via the Underground Railroad. Mark Twain Cave is the oldest explored cave in the Show-Me State and is a registered Natural Landmark.
|
|
|
Hannibal is also home to one of the state’s newest show caves, Cameron Cave. The cavern covers nine acres of land, and only two other show caves in the nation parallel the intricate formation of its 260 passages. Guided lantern tours offer a chance to explore the unique geography of this fascinating cavern.
|
|
|
Meremec Caverns near Stanton is another of Jesse James’ hideouts and the largest commercial cave in the state. Guided tours by trained rangers along handicapped-accessible lighted passageways offer views of some of the rarest and largest cave formations in the world, including a limestone wine table and a seven-story mansion, all carved by Mother Nature over millions of years.
Naturalist-led tours, offered on a seasonal basis, provide an interesting adventure at Fisher Cave, located within Meramec State Park. From low, narrow streamside passages to huge rooms filled with calcite deposits, Fisher Cave offers a vast array of intricate hellectites, massive columns, well-preserved bear claw marks and cave wildlife.
|
|
|
Graham Cave, a National Historic Landmark located near Montgomery City, was inhabited by humans as early as 10,000 years ago.
|
|
|
At Bridal Cave near Camdenton, legend holds that an American-Indian couple wed at the site in the early 1800s. Since then, more than 2,100 couples from around the world have exchanged vows in the stalactite adorned Bridal Chapel. Hour-long tours offer views of giant columns, delicate soda straw configurations and the crystal-clear waters of Mystery Lake.
|
|
|
Located near Leasburg is Onondaga Cave, situated in Onondaga Cave State Park, which features some of the nation’s best cave formations including towering columns and intricately woven draperies of rock. Guided tours point out massive stalagmites that rise like peaks from the floor of the Big Room, said to be large enough to hold a football stadium.
|
|
|
Fantastic Caverns in Springfield is America’s only drive-through cave with tours conducted from a vehicle-draw tram in order to protect the delicate formations. Fragile species of wildlife include gray cavefish and grotto salamanders. View sites and formations carved into Missouri limestone one drop of water at a time.
|
|
|
Located under the famed 1880s Silver Dollar City theme park, Marvel Cave in Branson is one of the deepest caves in the state with tours included in park admission. While the stairs and walkways are strenuous at times, those who venture the 500 feet below the surface can rest on a unique cable train ride out of the cavern.
|
|
|
Talking Rocks Cavern near Branson offers guided 50-minute tours of thousands of living crystal cave formations of many different kinds, colors and textures. Perhaps you’ll see a glimpse of one of the cave’s occupants, the Ozark blind salamander. The main chamber of the cavern is more than 100 feet tall and 600 feet long, and stalactites and stalagmites along the way are a testament to years of water trickling down to shape the brilliant formations.
|
|
|
Other Missouri show caves include:
Bluff Dweller’s Cave and Museum
Noel
Crystal Cave
Springfield
Jacob’s Cave
Versailles
Ozark Caverns
Linn Creek
Round Spring Cavern
Eminence
|