Missouri, known as the “Cave State,” is home to over 6,000 caves, offering a variety of underground adventures for nature lovers and history buffs alike. From massive show caves to hidden gems, these subterranean wonders showcase Missouri’s geological diversity and unique beauty. Here are 10 stunning caves in Missouri to explore.
1. Meramec Caverns (Stanton)
One of Missouri’s most famous show caves, Meramec Caverns is a sprawling system of underground rooms and passageways. Known for its colorful stalactites and stalagmites, the cave also boasts the famous “Stage Curtain,” a stunning flowstone formation. Guided tours highlight the cave’s history and geological wonders.
2. Fantastic Caverns (Springfield)
Fantastic Caverns offers a one-of-a-kind experience as America’s only ride-through cave. Visitors board a tram that travels through the cave’s vast chambers, showcasing impressive formations like columns, soda straws, and stalagmites. This family-friendly tour is both accessible and educational.
3. Onondaga Cave (Leasburg)
Located in Onondaga Cave State Park, this National Natural Landmark features a dazzling array of formations, including massive flowstones, rimstone pools, and draperies. The guided tour provides insights into the cave’s history, geology, and the importance of cave conservation.
4. Mark Twain Cave (Hannibal)
Famous for its connection to Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, this cave is Missouri’s oldest show cave. Visitors can explore its labyrinth of passages while learning about its literary significance and colorful past, including its use as a hideout for notorious outlaw Jesse James.
5. Cathedral Cave (Leasburg)
Also located in Onondaga Cave State Park, Cathedral Cave offers a more rugged adventure. Guided lantern tours take visitors through narrow passages and into a massive cathedral-like chamber with stunning rock formations. It’s a quieter, more intimate cave experience.
6. Bluff Dwellers Cave (Noel)
Discovered in 1925, Bluff Dwellers Cave is located in the Ozark Mountains and features unique formations like “cave coral” and helictites. The guided tour also highlights artifacts left by early Native American inhabitants, adding a historical dimension to the visit.
7. Smallin Civil War Cave (Ozark)
This cave is steeped in history, serving as a shelter for Native Americans, Civil War soldiers, and even moonshiners. The guided tour explores the cave’s fascinating past and geological features, while seasonal tours, like the bat tour, offer unique perspectives.
8. Marvel Cave (Branson)
Located at the entrance of Silver Dollar City, Marvel Cave is a natural wonder with one of the largest cave entrances in the country. The tour takes visitors deep into the earth, through vast chambers and unique formations. Afterward, you can enjoy the nearby theme park for a full day of fun.
9. Jacob’s Cave (Versailles)
Known for its reflective pools, towering stalactites, and fossils, Jacob’s Cave offers an easy, accessible tour suitable for all ages. The cave is also home to an annual swap meet and flea market, adding a quirky twist to the visit.
10. Round Spring Cave (Eminence)
Nestled in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Round Spring Cave is a hidden gem accessible only by guided tour. The cave features beautiful formations, an underground stream, and an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous explorers.
Missouri’s caves offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s natural history and geological beauty. Whether you’re marveling at massive formations or delving into historic passageways, these caves promise unforgettable adventures for every visitor.
