The One Missouri Cave That’s Filled With Ancient Mysteries
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 01, 2021
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
While time travel remains merely a part of our imagination, we can still experience life in different eras when we visit some of the most unique destinations in Missouri. Join a tour of this Missouri cave, for example, to hurtle hundreds of millions of years back in time. However, that’s just the start of the fun at this family-friendly destination that also offers ziplining and float trips.
Journey back in time when you tour Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, a historic cave that dates back more than 400 years.
However, for much of that time, the cave was mostly ignored - or just not yet discovered - by the inhabitants of the area. Then, in 1722, a French miner stumbled upon it.
Later, during the Civil War, the Union Army made use of the saltpeter they found in the cave, using it for gunpowder for its weapons. Local legend even tells of Jesse James hiding out in the cave and of it being a stop on the Underground Railroad.
Today, it's a must visit for Missourians and travelers to the area. Join a guided tour that lasts just under 1.5 hours and spans approximately 1 1/4 of a mile.
You'll get a close-up look at the seven-story cave, including the Wine Table. Billed as the "world's rarest cave structure," the Wine Table formed underwater millions of years ago.
The tour ends with a magnificent light show. Just be prepared to do a lot of walking (wear comfy shoes), and dress appropriately for the weather. Expect a steady temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit, in the cave, all year around.
More fun awaits - ziplining, gem mining, float trips, and a climbing wall - after your tour. You can even grab a bite to eat at the restaurant then stock up on goodies at the candy store.
Do you have a favorite Missouri cave? Let us know in the comments! Since we live in the Cave State, we have no shortage of caves to discover. Set off on these hikes to some of Missouri’s hidden caves.
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