It should be known that there are lots of caves in Missouri. Some of our beautiful caves are known by many across the U.S., yet others somehow fly under the radar. The Bluff Dwellers Cave in Missouri is truly a hidden gem among the many tourable caves in the state and it's one you need to explore this year.
Bluff Dwellers Cave was discovered in 1925 by Arthur Browning. Browning opened the cave to the public just two years later.
Visitors can see Bluff Dwellers Cave daily on a one-hour guided tour. The Bluff Dwellers Cave tours are available for purchase at the gate or online.
This beautiful cave is over 3,000 feet in length and features some of the most spectacular rock formations. Take a journey through these Bluff Dwellers Cave photos, but make no mistake. There is nothing like seeing it in person.
In fact, during the excavation of the cave, Native American artifacts were found that dated back to early 5000 B.C. It was given the name Bluff Dwellers Cave after the ancient tribe that likely utilized the cave for storage and occasional shelter thousands of years ago.
You will be amazed by the size and the sounds of this intricate cave system. It's hard to believe the tour only covers 50 percent of the cave.
Half of Bluff Dwellers Cave remains inaccessible to the public to help protect the cave and the animals that live there.
Visitors are likely to spot a cave salamander scurrying along the limestone walls.
If you're lucky, you may find a Bristly Cave crayfish. They are very hard to spot, so be sure to keep a sharp eye out in the wet, small passageways.
However, odds are you will run into a few bats. These little guys love to have visitors. They don't mind hanging out while you look around.
After the tour, visit the Browning Museum. The museum was added by Arthur's daughter, Kathleen, after she assumed control of the cave in 1958.
She opened the small museum to display her many geological wonders. Her collections also include many Native American artifacts.
The cave is open for tours every day. Take the long drive down to the Arkansas border, and visit Bluff Dwellers Cave in Noel.
Find Bluff Dwellers Cave at 163 Cave Rd. Noel, MO 64854.
Have you visited Bluff Dwellers Cave? Which one is your favorite out of all the caves in Missouri? Tell us about your tour in the comments below. To buy tickets or learn more, please visit the Bluff Dwellers Cave website.
Also found in the lovely town of Noel is a unique on-the-water experience where you can join a nighttime river float. Once you finish your late-night adventures, you will need a place to spend the night, so head to the nearby town and rent this beautiful tiny home in Missouri.
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