9 Incredible Caves in Missouri (From Popular Spots to Hidden Treasures)

Missouri may be known as “The Show-Me State” but did you know that this region is home to many interesting caves? According to the Missouri State Parks, part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the state is home to over 6,000 caves. While not all caves in Missouri are safe or even large enough to explore, there are many that are incredible to see. Here are some of the best of the best in a state known for its caves.

1. Onondaga Cave

The Onondaga Cave system is easy to navigate, especially when you go with a helpful state park ranger as a guide. There is a lit pathway, perfect for those who are new to visiting caves and want to be sure of their footing. The guided tour is just over an hour and a mile long. On the tour, you’ll get to see a lot of natural formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and others. King’s Canopy, the Twins, and the Lily Pad Room are all unusually-shaped formations that your guide will point out. There is even a river that flows through the cave. This is one of the best-known caves in Missouri and in the Onondaga Cave State Park. There is a small fee and you need to reserve your tour time.

2. Meramec Caverns

This cave is one of the Meramec Caverns located in the area, which is known for its caves and caverns. There are plenty of natural formations to marvel at but one of the really interesting things about Meramec Caverns are the size and preserved tracks of wildlife. As you walk through the cave with the help of a trained naturalist, look for preserved bear tracks and other signs of wildlife. There is also an underground light show to enjoy that was upgraded in recent years. Some caves in the area are home to bats during parts of the year and are closed to the public during these times.

3. Ozark Caverns

The natural landscape of the Ozarks created many caves and caverns that visitors can enjoy. The rocky landscape is the perfect place for caves to form over many, many years and today we are treated to extensive cave systems with amazing formations. This region is also one of the best places to enjoy nearby attractions before or after your cave adventure. The Ozark Caverns are located in Ozarks State Park. This cave is famous for Angel Showers, a continuous water drip from overhead stalactites into a basin. Other notable features include cave wildlife, including species of salamanders, invertebrates, and bats, as well as a nice hiking trail at the entrance of the cave. There are also plenty of lakes for fishing and other recreation.

4. Fantastic Caverns

This “show cave” is great for those with mobility restrictions, families with young children, or visitors who want to sit back and enjoy the views. Fantastic Caverns features a ride-through tour where a trained guide drives you along paved roads inside the cave system. As you ride in an open tram, take in the many glistening columns, thin “soda straw” formations, and other natural phenomena found only in caves. The tour is around an hour long and is one of the more expensive out there, but is accessible to just about anyone. It also includes the fascinating history of the cave’s discovery and exploration.

5. Marvel Cave

When you enter Marvel Cave, you first see the Cathedral Room. This large space is a marvelous entrance to the cave system that lives up to its name. The guided tour goes down almost 500 feet via stairs and ramps. In fact, this is one of the more strenuous cave tours that you can take. Fortunately, there is a cable train that takes you back up to the surface after exploring the caves. This feature is a fun reward at the end of your adventure. Marvel Cave is part of the Silver Dollar City attractions and is included in a ticket to Silver Dollar City. While you are there, enjoy one of the area’s roller coasters, themed shows, or festivals.

6. Bridal Cave

Another cave in the Ozarks region, Bridal Cave has all of the formations that you’ve come to expect in a cave, including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, draperies, and huge columns. It has a paved walkway, although the inside is still quite damp so be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes. The guided tour lasts around one hour. When you are done, you can visit one of the nearby lakes at Lake of the Ozarks to learn more about how water shaped the landscape in this part of Missouri.

7. Mark Twain Cave

Literature lovers will appreciate the unique history behind the Mark Twain Cave. This is the exact cave that inspired Twain’s writing in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Guided tours point out notable places from the book and places that Mark Twain himself explored as a child that would later show up in his work. The nearby Cameron Cave, also part of the Mark Twain Cave Complex, also offers tours. These highlight the natural formations and beauty of the caves, while the Mark Twain Cave tour focuses on history. There is also an extended adventure tour through Cameron Cave that includes climbing, crawling, and rugged cave exploration. After exploring the caves, you can enjoy a glass of wine at the site’s winery, camp on the campgrounds, or even take in a historic tour of Hannibal, Missouri.

8. Smallin Civil War Cave

If you want to explore a cave without climbing down (and later up) to do so, the Smallin Civil War Cave is for you. It has a half-mile guided walking tour that doesn’t include any stairs. The path is paved concrete and there are handrails to make it as accessible as possible. You can even bring a wheelchair or stroller on this path. A longer two-hour “wild tour” is also available. It includes moderate climbing and wading through shallow water for those who want to explore even more of the cave.

9. Crystal City Underground

Have you ever wanted to kayak through a cave system? That’s exactly what you can do at Crystal City Underground. This hidden gem attraction is a great way to explore a cave in Missouri. The cave suffered flooding that shut down walking tours and other activities. However, they are still open for guided kayak tours. You have to book through the approved tour provider, who will take you through this former mine. There isn’t a lot of information online but if you reach out to the kayak tours and book them, you won’t be disappointed with the experience that you get.

Summary of 9 Incredible Caves in Missouri

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