Most People Have No Idea There’s A Massive Underground Lake In Missouri

Tucked away in rural Salem, Missouri is a geological wonder that is unlike anything else in the state.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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: