19 Caves Across America That Lead To Unforgettable Underground Adventures
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Sarah McCosham
Author
When planning your next big adventure in America, the options are numerous: from frozen waterfalls and dreamy hot springs to manmade wonders and captivating castles, opportunities abound for epic exploration in the U.S. Some might say “the sky’s the limit” – but any stargazer or mountain climber would disagree, as there truly is no limit on what we can explore here in the U.S. In fact, there are entire worlds beneath our feet; caverns and caves creating some of the most incredible underworlds known to mankind. This brings us to today’s adventure: 19 caves in the U.S. that offer explorers a glimpse into truly wondrous worlds that seem too resplendent to be real – but luckily for us, they’re all wholly, wonderfully real.
National Park Caves In The U.S.
Lava Beds National Monument Road, Lava Beds National Monument Rd, California, USA
- Address: 1 Indian Well, Tulelake, CA 96134
- What It’s Known For: Formed by the movement of volcanic lava.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Glass house in Klamath, Oregon.
One of the most remarkable places in the country, Lava Beds National Monument will challenge your very definition of a "cave." This incredible natural landmark in California was formed by the movement of volcanic lava over the earth’s surface a half million years ago, resulting in a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features above ground, and more than 800 caves below ground. In addition, the park is geologically outstanding because of its great variety of "textbook" volcanic formations, including fumaroles, cinder cones, spatter cones, pit craters hornitos, maars, volcanic fields, and lava tube caves. There are 25 lava tubes at this national park, and they are open to adventurers for tours and exploration. Come and revel in this glorious underworld that's 500,000 years in the making.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve, 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
- Address: 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523
- What It’s Known For: Complex marble cave systems, plus rare animals and plants.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Rustic getaway in Cave Junction, Oregon.
Oregon Caves National Monument is the culmination of eons of acidic water seeping into marble rock, which ultimately created one of the state’s grandest natural wonders. Known as the "Marble Halls of Oregon," the Oregon Caves are a stunning spectacle that absolutely belongs on your bucket list. Even better? You can take a tour and explore both the mountain and cavern — from the inside out!
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Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, USA
- Address: Custer County, South Dakota
- What It’s Known For: One of the first national parks in the country
- Where To Stay Nearby: Log Cabin Outside of Custer.
Wind Cave is located in the eponymous national park, near the city of Hot Springs, South Dakota. Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, Wind Cave National Park is one of the first national parks in the country and the first-ever to protect a cave system. Boasting 33,847 acres, Wind Cave National Park houses a complex cave system that dates back millions of years, as well as a rich Native American history and abundant wildlife. Billed as the sixth-longest cave in the world (at 140 miles), Wind Cave is also considered to be the densest and is also home to approximately 95% of the world's discovered boxwork formations. Superlatives aside, Wind Cave National Park is breathtakingly beautiful; it's truly a must-visit place for all adventure-seekers.
Jewel Cave National Monument, 11149 US-16 B-12, Custer, SD 57730, USA
- Address: 11149 US-16 B-12, Custer, SD 57730
- What It’s Known For: The third longest cave in the world.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Sundance Cabin near Custer.
Proving that South Dakota is so much more than just its prestigious presidential monolith, Jewel Cave National Monument is, quite simply, sublime. As its name suggests, Jewel Cave is truly a wondrous hidden gem; it's billed as being the broadest and deepest cave in South Dakota, and, with 200+ miles of mapped passageways, it's considered to be the third-largest cave in the world. Offered daily, the Scenic Tour lasts 90 minutes and gives visitors the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the cave's calcite-adorned chambers up close.
Well-Known Caves In The U.S.
Lewis and Clark caverns, Unnamed Road, Whitehall, MT 59759, USA
- Address: 25 Lewis & Clark Caverns Rd. Whitehall MT 59759
- What It’s Known For: Spiral staircases throughout, plus glowing neon lights.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Earthen Home in Jefferson City, MT
Montana might be known as "Big Sky Country," but there's a massive underworld in the state that commands attention, too. The Lewis and Clark Caverns are of the largest limestone caves in the northwest United States, named as such because the famous Lewis and Clark expedition camped within sight of the caverns in 1805. The caves are known for their otherworldly limestone formations formed millions of years ago, with a dazzling array of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns protruding from the cavern walls and ceiling. The 3,000-acre park features not just cave tours, but also beautiful scenery and a campground, making this an amazing destination for your next bucket-list adventure.
Upper Antelope Canyon, Arizona 86040, USA
- Address: Southeast of Page, AZ
- What It’s Known For: Two unique slot canyons with stunning geography.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Clizzie Hogan, Marble Canyon.
Arizona's Antelope Canyon defies definition; this gorgeous canyon is unlike many others that dot our remarkable country, as it's a slot canyon with tall sandstone walls, unique natural designs, and a palette of warm, rich colors. Antelope Canyon is located on land belonging to the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona, and luckily for us, the Navajo Nation has been generous enough to open this sacred site to visitors who travel through with permitted guides. If you are looking for an adventure that makes you feel like you are in a different world, Antelope Canyon in Arizona deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
- Address: Carlsbad, NM 88220
- What It’s Known For: Unique size, origin, diversity, and decorative rock formations.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Shipping Container in Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico might just be the most beautiful place in the entire country. Located 20 miles outside of the city of Carlsbad, this extraordinary natural wonder is a limestone cave that was once part of an underwater reef in an inland sea. Put in perspective, the body of water that formed the cavern was on the earth 250 to 280 million years ago. Today, visitors can explore this otherworldly expanse on two trails: The Big Room and Natural Entrance. We're partial to the former; it's the largest single cave chamber in the United States and features stunning formations such as the fabled Sword of Damocles.
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Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, TN 37409, USA
- Address: Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, Tennessee
- What It’s Known For: An underground waterfall discovered back in 1928.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Treehouse Cabin in Trenton.
There are some places that really take you by surprise, immersing you in an experience that you know you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You forget where you are and are just completely in the moment. Ruby Falls in Tennessee is one of those places. Ruby Falls isn’t as much an attraction, as it is an experience. Sure, Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. And the mountain overlook directly overhead allows for some of the most spectacular views of the Tennessee Valley, Cumberland Plateau, and Tennessee River – not to mention epic outdoor recreation. But Ruby Falls is so much more than numbers or bullet points. It’s one of the most magical places you’ll ever visit.
Natural Bridge Caverns Road, Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Address: 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266
- What It’s Known For: The biggest commercial cave system in Texas.
- Where To Stay Nearby: A-Frame home in Canyon Lake, Texas.
Natural Bridge Caverns certainly lives up to the "everything's bigger in Texas" mantra; this jaw-dropping, two-mile cavern is a wondrous world unto itself. Discovered in 1960 by an intrepid group of college students, Natural Bridge Caverns were opened to the public in 1964 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This glistening limestone grotto looks like something from another world, offering a glimpse of what the Texas hill country landscape once looked like. Today, visitors can experience this underworld firsthand through one of the park's myriad guided tours. Curious explorers should check out the Hidden Passages Tour; this 70-minute excursion showcases the intricate "cave ribbons" and "soda straw" structures for which Natural Bridge Caverns is best known. A portion of this experience takes place in pure darkness, too, making for a thrilling experience that belongs on any adventurer's bucket list.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
- Address: 1 Visitor Center Parkway Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
- What It’s Known For: It’s the longest-known cave system in the United States - and the world!
- Where To Stay Nearby: Tranquil Cottage in Mammoth Cave.
Within the rolling hills of west-central Kentucky, nestled on the edge of America's Southern Appalachian Region, lies an underground world millions of years in the making. Mammoth Cave is one of the greatest wonders in the country -- and the world. This massive cavern system features some 400 miles of underground caverns and passageways, with more miles being added all the time. In fact, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave recently got a little longer, following the discovery of an additional eight miles of passages by the Cave Research Foundation. Easily the most famous cave in the country, Mammoth Cave is a place that deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
Meramec Caverns, 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
- Address: 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080
- What It’s Known For: It’s the largest commercial cave in the state of Missouri.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Log Cabin in Bourbon, Missouri.
Meramec Caverns attracts upwards of 150,000 visitors from all over the globe each year, and it's not difficult to see why. The limestone caverns, which date back an estimated 400 million years, boast an impressive history which includes serving as Jesse James's hideout when he was running from the law. Billed as the "Greatest Show Under The Earth," guided tours last 1.5 hours and offer an up-close view of these legendary caves and tunnels. Along the way, you'll discover a plethora of picture-perfect moments as your seasoned tour guides give you insight into the rich history of the limestone caverns. But the fun doesn't stop there; Meramec Caverns is home to an abundance of aboveground adventures, too, making it an amazing destination sure to check several items off your bucket list.
Little-Known Caves In The U.S.
Howes Cave, NY, USA
- Address: 255 Discovery Drive · Howes Cave, NY 12092
- What It’s Known For: A unique above-ground cavern system dating back to the 1840s.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Yurt in Pattersonville, New York.
In a state that's world-renowned for its above-ground attractions and metropolises, Howe Cavern is quite literally an outlier -- a wondrous, marvelous outlier. It's one of the most unique natural attractions you'll ever explore in the Empire State -- and country. The caves were first discovered in 1842 after local farmer Lester Howe began noticing that his cows were repeatedly making their way towards a dark opening in the ground. In the years since, the cavern has become a popular destination for adventure seekers. The Traditional Cave Tour not only offers guests an extensive exploration of one of the deepest destinations in the Northeast, but the experience culminates in the deepest boat ride in New York. This epic tour takes guests through an extensive underground cave system that culminates in an underground body of water: the marvelous Lake Venus. Now this truly is an awe-inspiring experience for your bucket list.
Luray Caverns Service Road, Luray Caverns Service Rd, Luray, VA 22835, USA
- Address: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835
- What It’s Known For: The enormous calcite formations scattered throughout the caverns.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Red Barn in Luray, Virginia.
Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is a place of incredible beauty, with its rolling mountains and lush landscape. But the beauty here isn't just skin deep; beneath the valley, an otherworldly land awaits. Luray Caverns is one of the most fascinating natural areas in the country, transporting visitors to an underground world of both bizarre and beautiful rock formations. The commercial cave was actually discovered by accident in 1878 and continues to awe travelers and explorers to this day. The enormous site is one of the many treasures in the Shenandoah Valley and is made up of several "rooms," each with unique features. One particularly mesmerizing attraction is the Wishing Well, a teal-colored pool of water that has collected coins from fanciful visitors since the 1950s. Dream Lake is another popular site that doubles as an optical illusion; despite its seemingly endless depth, the pool is only about 18 inches deep! Luray Caverns is a trip down a wondrous, real-life rabbit hole that you won't ever forget.
Ohio Caverns - Open All Year, 2210 OH-245 E, West Liberty, OH 43357, USA
- Address: 2210 OH-245 E, West Liberty, OH 43357
- What It’s Known For: America’s most colorful caverns.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Yurt in Zanesfield, Ohio.
Did you know that underneath fields of farmland in southeastern Ohio lies an enchanted natural world that began forming millions of years ago? The Ohio Caverns are quite literally one of the Midwest's most glorious -- and colorful -- hidden gems and make for an epic underground adventure for explorers of all ages. Depending on the season, different guided tours are offered, each offering a unique experience of these extensive caves. For guests with limited mobility (or younger families), Ohio Caverns offers a seasonal Limestone Tour with advanced reservations, making this incredible underground cavern system one everyone can experience.
Niagara Cave, 29842 Co Hwy 30, Harmony, MN 55939, USA
- Address: 29842 Co Rd 30, Harmony, MN 55939
- What It’s Known For: It is one of only two publicly accessible caves in Minnesota, discovered back in 1924.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Harmony Lighthouse Home.
Niagara Cave might have its namesake beat, as this Minnesota wonder features not only an immense underground cavern system, but also a subterranean waterfall. This cave was discovered in 1924 and opened for tours a decade later. Niagara Cave is one of only two caves that you can officially visit in Minnesota, making it all the more rare and special. This is a lovely limestone cave created and carved by water over millions of years; and on a tour, you'll find yourself in a passageway that truly feels like something out of a sci-fi film.
Desoto Caverns Parkway, Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, AL, USA
- Address: 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, AL 35044
- What It’s Known For: One of the most concentrated combinations of onyx-marble stalactites and stalagmites in the United States.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Getaway Close River.
Alabama has one of the highest cave densities in the world, with its expansive subterranean playgrounds attracting some of the top climbers on the planet. In fact, cavers travel from all over the globe to explore the state's spectacular caves. One cave that remains at the top of most cave enthusiasts' bucket lists is DeSoto Caverns. Located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains in Childersburg, Alabama, DeSoto Caverns is one of the most unexpected treasures in the South. Believed to be America's first recorded cave, DeSoto is full of immense beauty, with the "Great Onyx Cathedral" one of its many hidden treasures. This "cathedral" is actually a room at DeSoto Caverns that's longer than a football field and 12 stories high. Its grandeur cannot be contained in a picture; this is simply a place you must experience for yourself.
Unique Caves In The U.S.
Moaning Cave Road, Moaning Cave Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251, USA
- Address: 5350 Moaning Cave Rd, Vallecito, CA 95251
- What It’s Known For: Home to the largest single cave chamber in California.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Mountainside Hideaway in Vallecito, California.
Just when you thought California couldn’t get any cooler, you discover that it’s also home to Moaning Caverns. Right in the heart of California’s Gold Country, Moaning Cavernsis home to the largest single cave chamber in the state. Guests can participate in the Spiral Chamber Tour, which allows them to go deep into the cave system via the spiral staircase. This unique cave was first discovered by gold miners in the 1840s, and eventually became the go-to place for underground exploration in California.
- Address: 2980 AZ-90, Benson, AZ 85602
- What It’s Known For: Home to one of the largest soda straw stalactites in the world.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Animal Lodge in Benson, Arizona.
Kartchner Caverns is a beautiful state park in Arizona that highlights over two full miles of underground passages. While it’s known for being home to the world’s longest soda straw stalactite, there are plenty of other reasons to visit, too. Kartchner Caverns also has the biggest column in Arizona, standing at 58 feet in height, plus the world’s most extensive formation of brushite moonmilk. Cave tours are available for guests, and reservations are encouraged! You can even rent a helmet and headlamp and feel like a true spelunker.
Caverns of Sonora, 1711 Private Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950, USA
- Address: 1711 Private Rd 4468, Sonora, TX 76950
- What It’s Known For: A national landmark and one of the most beautiful show caves in the world.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Hilltop Hideaway, Sonora, Texas.
The Caverns of Contra, Texas are internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful show caves across the globe. Marking the halfway point between Big Bend National Park and San Antonio, these stunning caves offer intimate tours for anyone interested. But the fun doesn’t stop there. The surrounding ranch-style area offers a place to camp or hike, pan for gemstones, or even indulge in homemade fudge. This is the type of outdoor experience that the whole family will love taking together.
The world is a wide, wonderful place, full of opportunities everywhere you turn — including underground. Fan the flames of your wanderlust with a visit to these unforgettable underworlds, each of which offers an experience that truly is bucket-list worthy. How many of these caves in the U.S. have you already checked off your list?
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More to Explore
Caves In The U.S.
What are the most popular caves to visit in the United States?
The most popular caves to visit in the United States include:
- Mammoth Cave - Brownsville, KY
- Carlsbad Caverns - Carlsbad, NM
- Jewel Cave - Custer, SD
- Niagara Cave - Harmony, MN
- Meramec Caverns - Stanton, MO
- Luray Caverns - Luray, VA
- Caverns of Sonora - Sonora, TX
- Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern - Chattanooga, TN
- Ape Cave - Cougar, Washington
- Moaning Cavern - Vallecito, CA
- Antelope Canyon - Page, Arizona
- Lava River Cave - Bend, Oregon
- Lost Sea Caverns - Sweetwater, Tennessee
- Blanchard Springs Caverns - Stone County, Arkansas
- Kartchner Caverns State Park - Benson, Arizona
- Fantastic Caverns - Springfield, Missouri
- Kazumura Cave – Hawaii
How many caves are there in the United States?
There are an estimated 45,000 caves in the contiguous United States, and we’ve only covered a fraction of them. Underneath the surface of the country, there is a complete world worth exploring.
What is the biggest cave in the U.S.?
The biggest cave in the United States, not to mention the longest cave in the world is Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. This beautiful cave is one of the oldest attractions in the state, with over 400 miles explored underground.