Meramec Caverns – Stanton Missouri a complex of mineral formations and color as rare and unique as they are beautiful. These jewels of nature which took thousands of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns.
Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. All cavern facilities are accessible to the disabled. Learn how Mother Nature built an ancient limestone "Wine Table" and an entire 7-story mansion… all underground. On tour you will see both the rarest and largest cave formations in the world.
Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in the state of Missouri. Missouri is also known as the Cave state, hosting home to more than 6,000 surveyed caves.
The history of Meramec Caverns is rich with the treasures of time. Going back through the centuries, local tribes of Indians used the cave as shelter. Later in the 1700′s, a French miner, Jacques Renault, founded one of the Cavern’s greatest natural resources, saltpeter. This substance was used exclusively for the manufacture of gunpowder.
During the Civil War, a Federal powder mill in the cave was blown up by Confederate guerrillas of whom Jesse James was a member. Local legend also says that the cave was used as a station on the "Underground Railroad" to hide escaping slaves. In the early 1870′s, Jesse James and his band returned to the Cavern on numerous occasions because it afforded a complete hideout for men and horses after train and bank robberies.
In 1933, Lester B. Dill, noted caveologist, discovered the seven upper levels of the Caverns. Further exploration revealed 26 miles of underground passages. Meramec Caverns was opened to the public in 1935 as a tourist attraction.
Directions: I-44 West, Exit 230 Stanton Missouri
Phone: 1-800-676-6105
Hours of Operation
Open every day except Thanksgiving & Christmas January 9:00-4:00
February 9:00-4:00
March 9:00-5:00
April 9:00-6:00
May & June 9:00-7:00
July thu Labor Day 8:30-7:30
September 9:00-6:00
October 9:00-5:00
November 9:00-4:00
December 9:00-4:00
Related posts: