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Visit Missouri Caves All Year Long

See Photo Location
Fantastic Caverns in Springfield
Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal
Onondaga Cave State Park

There’s one sure way to escape Missouri’s unpredictable weather – go underground to explore a cave. Naturally climate-controlled caves are abundant here in the Cave State.

Caves open year-round

  • Bridal Cave – Camdenton: Hear tales from long ago – filled with romance and tragedy – that are part of this cave’s past.
  • Fantastic Caverns – Springfield: Climb aboard a tram that follows the path of an ancient underground river in America’s only ride-through cave.
  • Bluff Dwellers Cave – Noel: Discover the history of this limestone cave that once served as shelter for Native Americans.
  • Jacob’s Cave – Versailles: Explore the first cave open for public tours in the Lake of the Ozarks area and see what is believed to be the world’s largest geode.
  • Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail – Ridgedale: Travel the nature trail in an electric cart to a four-story cave, cascading waterfall and cave bar.
  • Mark Twain Cave Complex – Hannibal: Make your way through this labyrinth-style cave made famous by one of America’s most renowned authors.
  • Meramec Caverns – Stanton: See seven levels of natural wonders along historic Route 66. The cave is reputed to have been used by Jesse James as a hideout.
  • Stark Caverns – Eldon: Take a cave tour, pan for gems or fossils in the sluice and explore the grounds. “The Grimm Tale at Stark Caverns,” is a one-of-a-kind escape room located in the cave.
  • Smallin Civil War Cave – Ozark: Learn the history of the first documented cave in the Ozarks. The tours take visitors down stroller- and wheelchair-friendly paths. Rugged wild cave tours and Civil War Lantern Tours are also available.
  • Talking Rocks Cavern – Branson West: Combine a guided cave tour with family-friendly activities like mini-golf and a crawl maze.
  • Bonne Terre Mine – Bonne Terre: Follow old mule trails throughout the two upper levels of an old abandoned mine. The tour involves climbing 65 stairs in and out of the mine.

Seasonal Caves

Missouri is also home to a number of caves that offer seasonal tours. Check each cave’s website to see when tours are offered.

Please note: To minimize the potential spreading of white-nose syndrome in our native bats, screening measures are in place for these caves. Please do not wear the same clothing, footwear, accessories or equipment that has been in any other cave and follow these same guidelines when visiting any caves. If you want to help us protect bats, remember that twice is too much when it comes to what you bring into a cave.