Cave MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cave, Missouri.
1. Meramec Caverns
MISSOURI'S LARGEST CAVE
Meramec Caverns is Missouri's largest commercial cave, offering spectacular underground tours and a fascinating look at natural limestone formations. Visitors can explore vast chambers, learn about the cave's history as a hideout for Jesse James, and enjoy fun activities such as zip-lining and riverboat rides nearby. The attraction is suitable for families and open year-round, making it a cornerstone destination for cave enthusiasts.
2. Stark Caverns
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAVE TOURS
Stark Caverns offers one-hour guided tours through four unique cavern levels, featuring stunning geological formations and sites like Moonshiner's Dam and the Wishing Well. The cave is accessible for most visitors, and activities include black light tours, sluice mining, and even an escape room inside the cavern. Located near Lake of the Ozarks, this year-round attraction is popular for its educational and adventurous experiences.
3. Onondaga Cave State Park
SCENIC CAVE AND PARK
Onondaga Cave State Park is renowned for its guided cave tours showcasing spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. The park also offers outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping along the Meramec River. It is an excellent destination for both nature lovers and geology fans.
4. Mark Twain Cave and Cameron Cave
HISTORIC LITERARY LANDMARK
Mark Twain Cave and Cameron Cave are famous for their ties to Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, who featured the cave in his classic novel 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.' Guided tours highlight the cave's intricate maze-like passages and rich history. Visitors can also learn about local folklore and connections to the famed author.
5. Bridal Cave
ROMANTIC UNDERGROUND SETTING
Bridal Cave is celebrated for its stunning mineral formations and underground lake, making it a unique venue for weddings and events. Tours reveal breathtaking columns, draperies, and crystal-clear waters inside the cave. Located near Lake of the Ozarks, it remains a romantic and awe-inspiring natural attraction.
6. Marvel Cave
HISTORIC SILVER DOLLAR CITY CAVE
Marvel Cave, located at Silver Dollar City, is a wet limestone cavern renowned for its massive Cathedral Room and dynamic underground formations. The cave tour takes visitors 300 feet below the surface, offering an adventurous experience complete with a unique cable train return to daylight. Admission is included with park entry, making it a popular attraction for families.
7. Bluff Dwellers Cave
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Bluff Dwellers Cave features fascinating geological formations and evidence of prehistoric Native American habitation. The guided tours provide insights into both natural history and early human life in the region. It is also known for its family-friendly educational programs and picturesque valley setting.
8. Smallin Civil War Cave
CIVIL WAR ERA HISTORY
Smallin Civil War Cave played a significant role during the Civil War and offers tours focused on both its natural beauty and historical significance. Guided tours explore extensive cave passages and tell stories of its use by soldiers and early settlers. The site also features seasonal lantern tours and educational exhibits.
9. Cathedral Cave
MAJESTIC CAVE CHAMBERS
Cathedral Cave is located within Onondaga Cave State Park and is known for its spacious chambers and impressive flowstone displays. Tours lead visitors through winding passages and showcase rare cave features unique to this region. It is a quieter alternative to the more visited Onondaga Cave, providing an intimate spelunking experience.
10. Fisher Cave
STUNNING GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
Fisher Cave, located in Meramec State Park, boasts dramatic stalagmites, helictites, and columns. Educational guided tours are available, where visitors can learn about the cave's geology and local wildlife. The cave is family-friendly and offers unique opportunities for photography and exploration.
11. Talking Rocks Cavern
CRYSTAL-LADEN CAVE EXPERIENCE
Talking Rocks Cavern is famed for its beautiful crystalline formations and vertical cave layout. Guided walking tours delve deep underground to reveal spectacular chamber views and geological wonders. The attraction also features nature trails, gemstone mining, and a scenic lookout tower on site.
12. Fantastic Caverns
RIDE-THROUGH CAVE ADVENTURE
Fantastic Caverns offers a unique jeep-drawn tram tour, making it the only drive-through cave in North America. Visitors can comfortably enjoy the sights of impressive formations and underground chambers without walking. The cave's constant temperature and narrated tours provide a relaxing educational experience.
13. Ozark Caverns
MYSTICAL WATERFALL FEATURES
Ozark Caverns is distinguished by its 'Angel Showers'—rare cave waterfalls that drip from the ceiling onto the cave floor. Guided tours illuminate the cave's history, geology, and unusual hydrological phenomena. Located within Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the site combines spelunking adventure with beautiful natural surroundings.
14. Jacob's Cave
ACCESSIBLE WALKING CAVE
Jacob's Cave is a family-oriented attraction known for its easy walking tour and diverse cave formations, including reflectively clear pools and prehistoric bones. The cave also hosts regular swap meets featuring crafts, antiques, and collectibles. Its gentle terrain makes it one of the most accessible caves in Missouri.
15. Current River Cavern
NEWEST SHOW CAVE
Current River Cavern is Missouri's newest show cave, offering guided tours through pristine passages adorned with stalactites and columns. The cave lies adjacent to the scenic Current River and is a highlight for visitors seeking less-crowded natural wonders. Its location in the Ozarks makes it an appealing stop for outdoor adventurers.