This Day Trip To The Deepest Cave In Missouri Is Full Of Adventure
Underneath the surface, there are hundreds of miles of cave systems in Missouri. The deepest cave in Missouri is still open to visitors. In fact, it is now an attraction at one of Missouri’s most popular theme parks. Marvel Cave is one of the most unique cave attractions in the state. Your whole family will love taking on this epic cave adventure.
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Marvel Cave first opened to the public in 1894. For over 50 years, the cave attracted tourists who were eager to climb down an old rickety ladder to see this marvelous cave.
Prior to being a tourist attraction, the cave was used by Osage Indians who likely discovered the cave in the 1500's. By the mid-1800's miners explored the cave in hopes of discovering led, iron, or marble. Unfortunately, the only product they ended up mining was bat quano.
Today, Marvel Cave is a part of Silver Dollar City. In fact, this wildly popular theme park was actually built around the cave as the park's main attraction.
Tours of Marvel Cave are included in your admission when visiting Silver Dollar City. Visitors travel 300 feet below the surface into the dark limestone cave.
However, the sights in the cave are more than worth the work. Your tour guide will point out all of the most interesting formations and will provide you with a lot of history about the cave.
You'll notice that there is still flowing water throughout the cave. Flowing water is vital in the formation of limestone caves. As the water flows through the cave, the cave continues to grow!
In addition to daily tours, visitors can also take an old fashioned lantern light tour. This 90 minute tour is certainly a special way to see the cave in a whole new light.
After venturing into the state's deepest cave, you'll definitely be glad they installed a trolley system to take you back up to the surface. Next time you visit Silver Dollar City, take a brake from the rides and go underground for an unforgettable experience.
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
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