Tucked away in rural Salem, Missouri is a geological wonder that is unlike anything else in the state.
Rebecca Jones/AllTrails
Devil's Well is a huge underground lake and you'll want to catch a glimpse.
Thousands of years ago, a sinkhole partially collapsed and exposed a 100 foot deep shaft.
Conway Hawn/AllTrails
The shaft plunges into the depths of the earth in this part of the Ozark Region.
Although early European and American settlers knew the that the sinkhole existed, the first documented exploration of the shaft and subsequent underground lake occurred in 1954.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways/Facebook
Land owner Bill Wallace lowered his brother, Bob, down into the cave with a hand powered winch, steel cable, and a "bosun’s chair." It was then that they discovered the largest underground lake in Missouri.

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At the bottom of the shaft lies a huge 400 foot long and 100 foot wide lake. At many points the lake itself is over 100 feet deep.
Mark T/Google
If a person were to fall into the lake accidentally, they would die within minutes due to hypothermia and exhaustion. There are virtually no places to stand once inside this Missouri cave.
Researchers have discovered a lot about this lake and cave system.
Scott McLewin/Google Maps
Geologists have been able to explore this geological wonder further, and biologists have discovered the rare Salem Cave Crayfish and Southern Cave Fish living there. Bats have also been seen inside the cave.
The cave was recently explored by researchers in 2015. Although the public doesn't have access to the lake, it can be seen from a viewing platform.
Photo Courtesy of Cave Research Foundation
Take a short hike to a spiraling staircase that leads to the platform. Be sure to bring a flashlight for a great view of the lake. The Devil's Well Trail is just 0.1 miles long. However, it connects to the Cave Spring Trail which will lead you to another great cave (Cave Spring) which is open to the public for tours.

You can learn more about this underground wonder by going to the National Park Service Devill’s Well website.

Did you know about this hidden, underground lake? Have you been to the Devil’s Well in Salem? If so, what was your favorite part? Do you know of any other secret caves in Missouri? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re interested in making a weekend trip to the Ozarks Region, you might consider a stay at the Fairfield Inn Fort Leonard Wood St. Robert in St. Robert.

Do you like to explore the unknown? Then visit this little known cave in Missouri and get a glimpse of Missouri’s ancient past.

If you’re still in the mood for more Show Me State adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More to Love About Missouri

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 09, 2023

Where can we find covered bridges in Missouri?

  • The Burfordville Covered Bridge in Bollinger Mill is a Howe Truss-style bridge made of locally cut yellow poplar trees.
  • The Locust Creek Covered Bridge in Linn County is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • The Sandy Creek Covered Bridge in Hillsboro is one of six bridges built in 1872 along the Old Lemay Ferry Road in order to connect the Hillsboro county seat to the county of St. Louis.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful covered bridges in Missouri.

What are some of the best places to live in Missouri?

  • Clarkton in Dunklin County is one of the cheapest places to live in Missouri.
  • Princeton in Mercer County is known for being the birthplace and childhood home of American frontierswoman, sharpshooter, and storyteller Calamity Jane.
  • Kansas City is the largest city and most livable large city in the state of Missouri

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful places to live in Missouri.

What are some fun facts about Missouri?

  • Kansas City is known as “The City Fountains” and is home to more than 200 of them.
  • Missouri is bordered by eight states: Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
  • The Missouri Fox Trotting Horse is the Missouri state horse.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about Missouri.

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Devil's Well Road, Devil's Well Rd, Newton Township, MO 65560, USA