With more than 6,000 caves, Missouri has rightfully earned its title of “The Cave State.” Some are hidden among the Missouri landscape, others are in local and state parks, and a few are popular visitor attractions. There’s one cave in Missouri, though, that’s a bit reminiscent of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. That cave is known as America’s largest cave while Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Missouri.
Spanning 4.6 miles, Meramec Caverns boasts a long and storied history that goes back millions of years. Jesse James, in fact, once hid from authorities in this now-popular tourist attraction.
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The caverns were formed as limestone deposits began to erode and were first discovered in 1720 by an Osage Indian and Frenchman Philipp Renault.
Facebook/Meramec Caverns While early explorers believed the cave was filled with gold, those who actually discovered and explored the cave found it teeming with saltpeter. At that time, saltpeter was used to make gunpowder.
Today, the seven-story cave draws visitors from Missouri and beyond.
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Meramec Caverns welcomes visitors for tours all year. The tour lasts just under 90 minutes and includes quite a bit of walking - 1.25 miles, in fact.
Facebook/Meramec Caverns Unfortunately, the cave is not handicap accessible. However, if you have difficulty walking for long periods, you can opt for the 45-minute tour.
A seasoned guide will lead you through the caverns, providing insight into its rich history.
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To ensure your comfort for the duration of the tour, wear a comfortable pair of shoes and dress for the weather. The cave maintains a year-round temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
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After your tour, check out some of the other on-site activities. You can even stay overnight at the motel or campground, the latter of which is open from April 1 through October 31 annually.
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Stop by the candy store, which is open seasonally, for a sweet treat.
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Other seasonal activities include zip lining and gem mining. There’s even a climbing wall.
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Find more information, including days, hours, and admission prices, on the Meramec Caverns website. Or, stop by its Facebook page.
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What do you think of this cave in Missouri? Have you visited? Share your experience in the comments! Next time you’re up for an old-fashioned adventure, hit the highway on this road trip to the best hidden gems in Missouri.
Facebook/Meramec Caverns
While early explorers believed the cave was filled with gold, those who actually discovered and explored the cave found it teeming with saltpeter. At that time, saltpeter was used to make gunpowder.
Unfortunately, the cave is not handicap accessible. However, if you have difficulty walking for long periods, you can opt for the 45-minute tour.
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Address: Meramec Caverns, 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
