CAVE STATE CAVES FOR EVERYONE
Missouri is called The Cave State--largely on the reputation of our
commercial caves. Although Tennessee reputedly has more total known caves,
Missouri has more caves which are (or have been) operated as Commercial
Caves--ones open to the public.
The MSS is proud to cooperate with the Missouri-Arkansas Cave Association to
bring you information on their member
commercial caves. All text is courtesy of and copyright by the respective cave
owners. These caves range from mom and pop operations, shown only on demand,
to highly advertised show
caves open year round. Call for details, and please note new area codes for
many of these attractions.
Bear Cave -
Blanchard Spring Caverns -
Bluff Dweller's Cave
Bridal Cave -
Bull Shoals Caverns -
Cameron Cave -
Cathedral Cave
Civil War Cave -
Cosmic Cavern -
Crystal Caverns -
Crystal Cave
Fantastic Caverns -
Fantasy World Caverns -
Fisher Cave
Honey Branch Cave -
Hurricane River Cave -
Jacob's Cave
Mark Twain Cave -
Marvel Cave -
Meramec Caverns
Mystic Caverns -
Old Spanish Treasure Cave -
Onondaga Cave
Onyx Cave -
Onyx Mountain Caverns -
Ozark Caverns
Ozark Wonder Cave -
Round Spring Caverns
Talking Rocks Cavern -
Truitt's Cave -
War Eagle Cavern
Bear Cave
Hwy. 5 North of Camdenton, MO
573-346-2676
BLANCHARD SPRINGS CAVERNS
Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Ozark National Forest of Arkansas offers the
Dripstone Trail, open year-round, or the Discovery Trail, open only in the
summer. The magnificent
Dripstone Trail covers two huge, highly decorated rooms and is accessible to
nearly everyone. The fascinating Discovery Trail covers 1.2 miles of
water-carved passages and has 686 stairsteps. Guided tours begin at the
Visitor Center with a movie and exhibit
hall. Call (501) 757-2211 for information, rates and reservations .
Blanchard Springs Caverns
USDA Forest Service
P. O. Box 1279
Mountain View, AR 72560
(501) 757-2211
Bluff Dweller's Cave & Museum
Rt. 2 Box 230
Noel, MO 64854
417-475-3666
BRIDAL CAVE
Local Folklore tells of the legendary Indian Wedding ceremony held in the cave
in the early 1800's. Today Bridal Cave holds the world record of over 1575
underground weddings.
Rated as one of the three most scenic caverns in America, Bridal Cave contains
more onyx formations per square foot than any other show cave. Guided tours
are scheduled daily year round, and is located just north of Camdenton,
Missouri on Highway 5. 573-346-2676.
Bridal Cave/Thunder Mountain Park
Hwy. 5 North of Camdenton, MO 65020
573-346-2676
BULL SHOALS CAVERNS
MOUNTAIN VILLAGE 1890
Two attractions at the same location. Bull Shoals Caverns is 350,000 years old
as determined by carbon tests. This is a guided tour leaving every half hour,
and takes 45 to 50 minutes. Indians lived in the cave as well as Confederate
soldiers, who made gunpowder from the clay in the cave. It is the site of the
Skirmish at Bull Shoals. The cave has all formations of any cave in the United
States, including Rare Boxwork and Cave Pearls.
Bull Shoals Caverns
P.O. Box 444
Bull Shoals, AR 72619
(501) 445-7177
CAMERON CAVE
Cameron Cave, Missouri's newest show cave, offers you a different and exciting
underground adventure. You'll see the cave nearly as it was when first
discovered. The only changes made were those necessary to make the tour more
comfortable and to
meet ALL Missouri State Safety regulations for show caves. Your tour is
conducted by a guide because Cameron Cave is an unbelievably complex maze type
cave. The tour lasts 1 1/4 hours and several visitors on the tour will carry a
lantern. Operating schedule: Memorial Day to Labor Day, tours daily at 10
a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m and 3 p.m. Other times and balance of the year by advance
reservation. Minimum of 6 required. Admission is required for both caves. A
two-cave discount is available.
Cameron Cave
P.O. Box 913
Hwy. 79, 1 Mi. So. of
Hannibal, MO 63401
573-221-1656
Cathedral Cave
Cathedral Cave is a semi-wild cave in the same state park as Onondaga Cave.
Tours along concrete walkways cover 1500 feet down to the Cathedral, a huge
column, and the return through dripstone forests, under a natural bridge, and
large slump pits underground. Visitors carry park furnished lights, and cave
life is featured. Naturalist led tours are at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
during the summer, once a weekend in spring and fall, and other times (to
groups) by special arrangement. Off trail trips are also available, by prior
arrangement only. Adults, $4, Teens $3, and Children (6-12) $2. Group rates
are available. The tour takes 2 hours, including a 15 minute walk to the
cave.
Cathedral Cave
Onondaga Cave State Park
Rt. 1 Box 115
Leasburg, MO 65535
573-245-6576
Civil War Cave
Rt. 3 Box 28
Bentonville, AR
(501)795-2406
Cosmic Cavern
Rt. 4 Box 392
Berryville, AR 72616
(501) 749-2298
Crystal Caverns
Rt. 3
Cassville, MO 65625
417-847-4238
Crystal Cave
5 Miles North I-44, Exit 80-B
Rt. H, Rt. 1 Box 509
Springfield, MO 65803
417-833-9599
Fantastic Caverns
Hwy 13 & I-44 North
4872 Farm Road 125
Springfield, MO 65803
417-833-2010
Fantasy World Caverns
Hwy. 54 1/4 mile W. of Jct. Hwy.52
7 miles east of Bagnell Dam at
Lake of the Ozarks
573-392-2115
Fisher Cave
Fisher Cave is the only commercial cave in Meramec State Park. Reputedly
the location of an early cave celebration sponsored by Governor Fletcher
in 1867, and used by the local people ever since, this cave is a 2/3
mile, 90 minute lantern tour conducted along concrete walkways by park
staff. The cave is open from April to October with exact tour times and
days (usually including weekends) available at the Meramec Visitor's
Center, or by phone. November to March, tours are by request only. Admission is $2 for 6-12, $3
for Teens, and $4 for those 20 and over. Educational groups are discounted, and all groups of 16
or more must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance
Meramec State Park
2800 S. Highway 185
Sullivan, MO 63080
573-468-6072
Honey Branch Cave & R.V.
Park
HCR 66 Box 193
Sparta, MO 65753
417-683-3733
Hurricane River Cave
Hwy. 65
Pindall, AR 72669
(501) 429-6200
JACOB'S CAVE
Jacob's Cave, off of TT, north of Gravois Mills, is the largest cave in
the Lake area and is the only walk through cave in Missouri that is
completely accessible to persons with disabilities. Baby strollers and
wheel chairs are available for those who need them. Jacob's Cave is
famous for its depth illusion, reflective pools, ceiling sponge-work,
prehistoric bones (mastadon, bear, and peccary) and the world's largest
Geode. On the mile-long tour, you will see every type of formation
imaginable, from millions of soda straws, massive stalactives and
columns, to delicate helictites. Evidence of six ice ages and 3
earthquakes can be seen.
Jacob's Cave
Rt. 2 Box 129
Versailles MO 65084
573-378-4374
MARK TWAIN CAVE
& CAVE VILLAGE
Mark Twain wrote,"No man knew the cave; that was an impossible thing.
Most of the young men knew a portion of it, and it was not customary to
venture beyond the known portion. Tom Sawyer knew as much of the cave as
anyone." (From The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.) An experienced guide will
escort you on a one-hour tour featuring points of interest mentioned in
Mark Twain's writings, and made more enjoyable by the latest techniques
in cave lighting. Walkways are level, and smooth and there are no steps.
Persons of any age can easily make the tour. Hours of operation:
Memorial Day to Labor Day, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April, May and Sept.- Oct. 9
a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov.-March, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and
December 25.
Mark Twain Cave
P.O. Box 913
Mo. Hwy 79 So.
Hannibal, MO 63401
573-221-1676
Marvel Cave
Silver Dollar City
HCR 1 Box 791
Branson, MO 65616
417-338-8220, 417-338-2611
Meramec Caverns
Nestled among the lush foothills of Missouri's rolling Ozarks, these
magnificent caverns chronicle over 400-million years of history
including: Indians of Missouri, European miners and explorers, Dramas
of the Civil War, Train Robberies, WWII, Hollywood movies, and much
more. Guided tours are conducted along well-lighted walkways and feature
the World's largest and most rare formations. Gift shop, restaurant,
motel, campgrounds, canoe, and boat rides are also offered. Meramec
Caverns is open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
(573)468-CAVE. See also
PlanetPages
and
GoodEarth
Graphics.
Meramec Caverns
I-44 Exit 230
Stanton, MO 63079
573-468-3166
MYSTIC CAVERNS/CRYSTAL DOME
Two Fascinating Caves at One Location! More formation per square foot
than any other show cave in Arkansas! Open 9 a.m. Monday through
Saturday. Open 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Guided tours leave evey 35 minutes.
(Tours take about one hour to see both caves). Open March 1 through
November 30. An Arkansas Natural located on Arkansas' National Scenic 7
Byway, eight miles south of Harrison, Arkansas. Rock & Gift Shop, Picnic
area. Close to the Buffalo River. Group rates available.
Mystic Caverns
P.O. Box 13
Dogpatch, AR 72648
(501) 743-1739
Old Spanish Treasure Cave
Hwy. 59
Rt. 2 Box 268
Sulphur Springs, AR 72768
ONONDAGA CAVE
Onondaga Cave is the premier attraction of Onondaga Cave State Park.
This 9100 foot cave features the Big Room, a huge natural chamber,
decorated by the King's and Queen's Canopies, which are two massive
flowstones. Other attractions in the Cave include the Twins, and
the Lily Pad Room, a room covered with calcite deposits. The tour lasts
an hour and fifteen minutes and covers just under a mile of trail. The
cave is electrically lighted, and open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from
March 1 to October 31. Adults $7, Teens $5, Children
(6-12) $3. Group
rates are available.
Onondaga Cave State Park
St. Rt. "H"
Rt. 1 Box 115
Leasburg, MO 65535
573-245-6600
Onyx Cave PARK
There is a mysterious attraction to caves. Perhaps it is some ancient
instinct tied to the fact that caves were man's earliest homes. Maybe it
is just the awe we feel when we look at what the forces of nature can
do. Whatever the reason, Onyx Cave will show you one of the most
beautiful examples of subterranean beauty you'll find anywhere. Onyx
Cave is located six miles east of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and is open
daily all year. Our radio headphones guide you through the cave as you
pass amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Easy access
ramps take you to the cave, and a nonstrenuous trail leads you through
it. Put Onyx Cave down as a "must see" attraction on your next Ozark
visit.
Onyx Cave Park
Rt. 4 Box 420
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(501) 253-9321
ONYX
MOUNTAIN CAVERNS
Natural, Scenic and Historical--a Very Large Beautiful Cave. Woodland
Indian culture on display in huge entrance room. Onyx Mountain Caverns
has ash beds, bear beds, fire pits and artifacts. See our underground
river and huge dripstone formations of white marble onyx. Our cave is on
I-44 between Rolla and Waynesville, MO. Tours daily from 8 am to 5
pm. Admission: Adults: $6.00, Children(5-12) $3.00. Group rates
available.
Onyx Mountain Caverns
14705 PD 8541
Newburg, MO 65550
573-762-3341, 573-762-2449
OZARK CAVERNS
Ozark Caverns, located in an outlying portion of Lake Ozarks State Park, is a rather short, though
fairly large cave, which has been shown commercially since 1952. Highlight of the cave is the
"Angel's Shower" pictured above. Three tours are offered by park staff--a traditional tour, a cave
special, which is twice as long and goes into detail about caves and cave life as illustrated here,
and a children's tour, geared to the younger set. Children must have adult supervision. The latter
two tours are offered June 1 to August 15 only. The cave is open March through October,
although educational groups can request off-season tours. Admission is $2 for 6-12, $3 for Teens,
and $4 for Adults. Reserved educational groups half-price. Call for schedule.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
State Road "A"
Linn Creek, MO 65052
573-346-2500
Ozark Wonder Cave
Rt. 2
Noel, MO 64854
417-475-3579
ROUND SPRING CAVERNS
Round Spring Caverns is operated by Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a
unit of the National Park Service. It is located 18 miles north of
Eminence, MO on State Route 19. Tours are held from Memorial Day through
Labor Day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 & 2:00. Reservations
are NOT accepted. Tickets go on sale a half hour before each tour. (
$4.00 for adults, $2.00 for children.) Bona fide educational groups
may book "Environmental Education" tours by calling (573) 226-3945.
Round Spring Caverns
National Park Service
P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965
573-226-3945
TALKING ROCKS CAVERN
Join us in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the exploration of
Talking Rocks Cavern, which has been described as "The Most Beautiful
Cave in Missouri." You will be captivated by thousands of living crystal
formations, translucent draperies, calcite curtains, delicate soda
straws, and cascading flowstone. Discover the natural beauty above and
below the Ozarks. Try your luck at gemstone panning at our Gift Shop.
Join us for our Centennial Celebration. For more information, call
1-800-600-CAVE.
Talking Rocks Cavern
1/2 mi. S. of Lakeview on Hwy 13
HCR 3 Box 3739
Reeds Spring, MO 65737
417-272-3366
TRUITT'S CAVE
Featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not." Cave restaurant of yesteryear,
with Underground River, Trout Reservoir, Root Canal Wall, Underground
Geode, Endangered Salamanders and many rare formations. Learn of John
Truitt, "Caveman of the Ozarks" who was the discoverer and developer of
six area caves. Visit the Rock Shop, where amethyst, onyx, crystals,
fossils, etc. are available. Walk down Waterfall Lane, Cross the Cedar
Bridge, and pan for golden goodies at Truitt's Frontier Flea Market, or
just bring a lunch, and enjoy the Picnic Area. See one or all of three
caves. Price Range $4.00-$6.00. Call for off season schedule. Have a
super safe
summer! (417)
436-2299.
Truitt's Cave
P.O. Box 190
Lanagan, MO 64847
417-436-2299
War Eagle Cavern
Rt. 5 Box 748
Rogers, AR 72756
(501) 789-2909
This page last updated on September 5, 1996. Updates on info
should
be sent to:
joschaper@aol.com.