The Meramec Cavern used to be a refuge for the Native American Tribes during extreme weather and later on discovered by French explorers, the cave provided the French colonial miners with saltpeter or potassium nitrate, a key ingredient of gunpowder at that time. Legend says that the cave also served as hide out for Jesse James in the 1870’s. Today, the Meramec Caverns is the most visited cave in the state of Missouri. It offers guided tours of the rarest, unusual and colorful formations in the world.
Brief History of the Early Explorers
Miners of saltpeter and lead
Jesse James
In the entrance stands a statue of the famous outlaw, Jesse James.
A make shift cabin of Jesse James.
Hanging stalactites and stalagmites.
Stairs to view the wine room
Are you claustrophobic? No problem, there are no tight spaces on the tour.
The temperature inside the cave is 58-60 degrees so you might want to bring a light jacket.
"Wine Table"
“Wine table” consist of ragonite formation (most rare formation) the largest in the world. It got its name because of the grape like clusters that surrounds the formation.
“Onyx Mountain” – a massive onyx formation, it is still growing.
"Jungle Room"
"Jungle Room" with light
The “Jungle Room” is named because of the stone formations in it resembles a jungle vegetation.
Stage Curtain
Stage Curtain in lights
The cave’s most prized possession is the “The Stage Curtain” a 70-million-year old calcite formation, standing nearly 70 feet tall. It does resemble a huge curtain on a stage! The tour guide (trained Ranger) asked us to seat on the assembled chairs in front of the stage for a presentation. They played two songs and used this formation to display dramatic light and musical show. What a great finale!
Visit the Gift shops for affordable souvenirs. We bought some gemstones and fools gold.
The Meramec Caverns is open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas. It departs every 20-30 minutes starting at 9:00 am. The tour takes one hour and twenty minutes to complete the one mile round trip. Rates for adult is $18, $9 for children ages 5-11 and free for ages 4 and under. Check as rates changes.
Directions: From downtown St. Louis, take I-44 West to Exit 230 (Stanton) and follow the signs to the Caverns.
After visiting the Cavern you might want to check out other activities:
1. Riverboat rides – A half hour long tour on the Meramec River aboard a canopy-topped riverboat. Tickets: $7 (adults) $5 (children 5-11)
2. Canoe Floats – A six or eleven mile float on the Meramec River. For more info and reservations call 1-573-468-6463
3. Dino Dig – Wanted to act as a paleontologist? Kids will surely enjoy digging those fossils out and it theirs to keep! Open only on June, July and August. Cost per fossil dig $6.99, Combo pack $ 9.99.
4. Lantern Tours – An 80 minutes guide-led tour detailing variety of historical characters along the way. Reservations needed. Rates: $20 (adults) $10 (kids 5-11) Call for availability.
5. Pan for Gold – Children can pan for gemstones, fossils and fools gold. Cost $5.99 small bag, $7.99 large bag, $9.99 emerald mine rough, $5.99 for an arrowhead rough mine.
