And if youre cruising through Missouri on Route 66 (or looking for something fun in the St Louis area, I highly recommend stopping for the cave tour. It is an absolutely gorgeous and relaxing international experience, in the heart of Missouri! Beneath the fertile rolling hills of the Meramec Valley, lies a complex of mineral formations and color as rare and unique as they are beautiful. What's Nearby. She was trying to get home on that tragic day in 1912. Hours of Operation. Here are a few sites to look out for: I LOVE a good Route 66 renovation project and cant wait to circle back in a few years to see how it turned out! Lighting up the formations at Meramec Caverns. Theres the zoo, the City Museum, and Cardinals baseball. Information on cave tours, spelunking, and facts about our caves can be found on the official site of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Besides being the largest commercial cave in Missouri, Meramec Caverns is famous for being one of Jesse James hideouts. They offer guided tours where you will learn about a seven story mansion that was built inside the cavern and experience the "Hollywood Room," where many movies and tv shows have been filmed. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. The tour is about 80 minutes long, and theres a lot of walking. But my more-toddler-than-preschooler 3-year-old made it through with flying colors, even if I had to carry her at the very end. Ste. Outside the river, families can hike, horseback ride, or even rock climb. There are several wineries in this area and its worth the quick detour into Rosati to check them out. Cavern tour takes one hour and twenty minutes to complete covering 1 mile round trip. They say that it is handicap accessible, but if you are in a wheelchair and do not have arms of steel dont try it. St. Francois and Washington state parks are on Big River. If youre planning your own Route 66 road trip, either the whole thing or just a part, I hope these help you out. (Note that the Cathedral Cave tour begins with an outdoor hike and is a little more strenuous, so its best for more experienced cave lovers.). currently part of the cave is flooded and only part of the cave is accessible. Cross the great river into Illinois by car, or take the train from Downtown St. Louis, and explore our second capital city on this list. For an element of nostalgia, travel as Twain would have on a vintage riverboat cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River. Wander downtown and take their informational tours of some of the beautiful historic houses. You can take a mile long guided walking tour through Onondaga Cave itself, opt for a lantern tour of Cathedral Cave, or commit to the bit and explore both caves. Ill be honestI love the idea of vintage Route 66 motels but in reality there are very few I would actually stay in. St. Louis, Missouri is the gateway to the west and an excellent city for exploring. Ninth Street is fun for cocktails and strolling. However, if youre willing to make 1.5 hour trek, your cave-going experience will surely pay off. Get a free demo of your event today with no money down. Ages for which our activities are most appropriate: Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in the state of Missouri. There are many small wineries in the area, so make sure to give them a proper examination and find your favorite! Crystal City Underground is located 40 minutes from St. Louis at 700 Crystal Ave., Crystal City, Missouri 63019. An intriguing natural attraction in the surrounds of St Louis is Johnsons Shut-Ins. Alternatively, you could enjoy a day on the waterfalls, chutes, and slides at Johnsons Shut-Ins. They have flown privately and in balloon races in Inner Mongolia, France, Costa Rica, Canada, and Mexico. Meramec Caverns is a collective name for a 4.6-mile system of caverns in the Ozarks, off I-44 West at exit 230, near Stanton, Missouri. There are supposedly bats in the cave system, but we never saw any and since theyre nocturnal and its a very large cave its pretty rare to see them. Recommended option Train, taxi Take the train from LAMBERT MAIN TRML station to CIVIC CENTER station 4. Take a guided tour of the caverns, and then, visit the Jesse James Wax Museum for more info on the legendary life of one of Americas favorite outlaws. Their expert tour guides will lead you through over a miles length of man-made walkways constructed inside a 7-story cave. Fisher Cave. These jewels of nature which took thousands of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns. Make sure to visit its most important monument, the First State Capitol from 1821, of which you can take a tour. Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks. Its a modern roadside attraction that capitalizes on bathroom humor. Unlike some states where the route is really chopped up by the interstate (or completely paved over), in Missouri you can drive almost the entire thing unencumbered by semi trucks and speeding SUVs. Then, test your bravery at the Endangered Wolf Center. St. Louis is a fantastic destination for families. There are three different picnic areas in the park, plus a lovely outdoor classroom for the kids, with plenty of toys and equipment to keep them entertained. This allows you to see the caverns enormous and unique columns, stalactites, and stalagmites while staying comfortable. Meramec and Onondaga Cave state parks are located along the Meramec River. State Parks. The caves are the famous hideout of outlaw Jesse James, and they were also reportedly used to hide refugees on the Underground Railroad. Meramec Caverns One of the most intriguing natural wonders around St Louis, the Meramec caverns are more than deserving of a mention on the list of best day trips. It was previously a restaurant, but its sitting empty for now. Pro Tip: Fisher Cave is only open for regular cave tours during the warm months, so schedule your trip to Sullivan wisely! Hannah, the tour guide, was funny and informative. There's the zoo, the City Museum, and Cardinals baseball.. Its been one of the caverns most successful marketing strategies since opening for commercial tours in the 1940s. Full view. Reservations are required. Pre-Columbian Native American artifacts have been found in the caverns. Genevieve has lots of entertaining diversions: you can take a tour of some of the historic houses, or visit a very French winery. In Hannibal youll have the chance to visit the novelists childhood home, as well as browsing the extensive museum dedicated to the author and his works. Swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing rentals are all available in the most stunning physical environment. Find the travel option that best suits you. They also have a campus of attractions to round out a full day. The museum is very interesting with life-size replicas of the expedition boats and a host of artifacts from their trips. The 19 Best Day Trips From Sacramento for Every Style of Adventure, The 18 Best Day Trips from Pittsburgh for Every Style of Adventure, 10 Affordable (But Still Amazing) Honeymoon Destinations, 25 things to do on your birthday (the best one yet! All Rights Reserved. The largest freshwater dive site in the USA is located just south of St Louis along Highway 67. Hugging the western border with Illinois, the road runs alongside the Mississippi River and provides some beautiful views out across the water. They also do large group tours, so bring all your friends! ). The road between Rolla and Springfield is one of my favorite stretches through Missouri. Since the cave is at a constant 58 degrees, a light jacket is recommended along with comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. Learn how the ancient Wine Table (World's rarest cave structure) was formed completely under water. Share your experiences with us in the comments below. Slice of Pie: For a lighter lunch option, head to Slice of Pie for chicken salad sammies, chicken pot pie, etc. Mizzou is a beautiful campus with stunning architecture and is definitely worth a tour. Click on the Cabins for Canines link to the right for more information. 400 million-year old limestone caverns nestled in the Ozarks served as shelter and a hideout for cultures throughout North American history. The cave claims to be wheelchair-accessible, butthere are a couple of tour stops where stairs are required to see the formations. Explore the scenic 20-mile Hermann Wine Trail, and do some sampling at the Chocolate Wine Trail or Berries and Barbecue event. A highlight of the states wine country, Hermann is mainly known for its interesting German heritage evidenced in the very German-sounding wineries like Hermannhof. The tours may only last an hour or two, but your memories of the cave (or caves!) Youll never have to squeeze through any tight spaces. Enjoy the drive! Leashed dogs are welcome. I had on jeans, boots, and a light sweatshirt and I went back for my coat after I bought the tickets, but Im a pretty big baby when it comes to cold. Recommended Train Take the train from Kansas City to Washington Amtrak Station 5h 1m $79 - $189 Drive With BalloonStormers, you can feel good about taking to the skies, knowing they only use the best and most updated equipment, and they have years of flying experience to make sure you and your family make it safely back down to the ground! This post is part of a series Ive done on Route 66. I mean, who doesnt? They have a large dessert menu, but go early if your heart is set on something specific. What else to do: hiking, tubing, fishing, zip lining, camping, and more. While you are in town, consider a visit to Route 66 State Park as well, where you can learn all about Americas original great road trip. Its legs formed from the bottom up and it looks more like a creature than a table. I saw enough just driving through the parking lot. For over a century spelunkers, map makers,. Dolomite and limestone are two very common forms of rock in Missouri, and both are easily dissolved by acidic water moving beneath the ground. Big Surf Waterpark is nearby if you prefer your water adventures in a manmade environment, and nearby Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers 30 miles of hiking trails, caves, sinkholes, ruins of a castle, and a huge natural bridge! Not going to lieI was a little apprehensive before the tour. The area was once a busy rock quarry, and therefore it has a very old railroad history as well. Meramec Caverns has been a tourist attraction since 1933. Hannibal is also home to the Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum. How much does it cost to go to Meramec Caverns? Its around sixty degrees but its 100% humidity so I think it felt colder. From Sullivan to Rolla youll have to follow your map pretty closely to stick to the route. We suggest taking the Observation Trail, which will give you a good view of the formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Overall, the stop was a good way to burn off some pent-up road trip energy and learn a little both history and some science as well. Growing up in Tulsa, OK with grandparents in Springfield, MO Ive been seeing the barns advertising Meramec Caverns along I-44 for over 30 years now. This was the first national park area to protect a river system, and its easy to see why it was designated a protected area in 1964. ), bike around its paved loop, or fish in the Mississippi River. But there is an option to skip that part and wait at the bottom if its too much. per adult. Please place trash in containers provided. However, paying a little bit can be worth it for the assurance of the security and safety of all cave-goers. Then, of course, St. Charles is fully equipped with an excellent selection of restaurants, especially around Main Street, for after youve finished taking in the cultural sights. Recommended Areas & Hotels to Stay in St. Louis. Of the 80 minute tour, the first 50 minutes covers flat terrain with the last 30 minutes containing one flight of stairs. How long does it take to tour Fantastic Caverns? Do you have to wear a mask at Meramec Caverns? Everything is well lit and pathways are large. All of the rooms are a decent size (youre never in any super huge caverns though) and it didnt feel claustrophobic at all. You cant take strollers or wheelchairs, but its all paved and mostly a flat, leisurely paced walk until you get to the end and theres a couple of staircases to get up to one of the most impressive rooms. Portions are HUGE. You should definitely do all of the above! Tour the Missouri State Penitentiary, the oldest penal facility west of the Mississippi River. On the east side of the state, about an hour southwest of St. Louis, lies Meramec Caverns . We respect your email privacy. So when I started plotting out my Route 66 trip through Missouri, seeing Meramec Caverns was high on my list. Once you have tackled the city, then hit the road for one of these amazing adventures! Once youve seen the famous Gateway Arch, browsed the citys many museums, and explored its brilliant botanical garden, its time to widen your gaze to the area beyond. Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. The region was the inspiration for both of his famous series, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Its a great city for a long weekend tour though! But no shortcuts were taken on my Route 66 trip! Riverside Wildlife Center. Is Forbidden Caverns handicap accessible? Cave tours are amazing and offer us a glimpse of our world that seems unreal, but a visit to a cave takes preparation, to ensure you have a great time as you walk underground. At 2.5 hours from St. Louis, the furthest cave on this listbut it's, These 8 Aerial Views Of St. Louis Will Leave You Mesmerized, Here Are The 9 Most Incredible Natural Wonders Hiding Around St. Louis, Some People Dont Know That St. Louis Was The First To Do These 11 Things, The 7 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take Around St. Louis, 9 Under-Appreciated State Parks Near St. Louis Youre Sure To Love, 9 Epic Hiking Spots Around St. Louis Are Completely Out Of This World, 11 Trails In St. Louis You Must Take If You Love The Outdoors, 10 Amazing State Parks Around St. Louis That Will Blow You Away. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are plenty of picnic spots to make this a great family day out, and theres an excellent visitors centre to make your trip that bit easier. The 1870 beauty is one of the only executive mansions in the USA that is open to the public for tours. Here are six excellent places where you can find caves to explore near the St. Louis area. Meramec Caverns is a for-profit business, and they charge for their tours. There is an informative Visitor Center and great general store, as well as several beautiful picnic spots. Take a fun-filled scavenger hunt of Forest Park, then hop on the Great River Road and check out all the river towns up and down the Mississippi! Caverns & Caves. Missouri summers are hot, and there is no more fun way to cool off than these adventurous pools! January - February9:00am - 4:00pmMarch9:00am - 5:00pmApril9:00am - 6:00pmMay - June9:00am - 7 . Formed over millions of years the caverns are home to a colorful complex of rare and unique mineral formations. It is surrounded by stunning nature in Missouri Wine Country. Fisher Cave Meramec State Park Fisher Cave is located in Meramec State Park, just 10 minutes from Meramec Cavern, so a trip to both of these cool caves can easily be explored in one trip! Missouri has been dubbed the Cave State, after all, so it only feels right to scope em out. Kentucky Is Home to the Worlds Longest Known Cave System Heres How to Explore It. We had the shortened . It doesnt happen suddenly (the guide gives plenty of warning), but the guide explains about total cave darkness and then when everyone is standing still and holding onto a railing they turn the lights off for maybe 30 seconds or so. Jesus Lover. . This stretch will take you through some beautiful wine country! From 1836 to 2004, the Gothic-style structure housed inmates, but it is no longer in use, except for tours. Missouri, long known as the Cave State, has almost 6,400 caves, and Missouri State Parks showcases four of the best for public tours. BEST OF 2019: The Veryovkina cave is the deepest cave in the world, with a record depth of 2,212 metres. I have to tell you something right off the bat: you wont be entering a cave here. What is the cost to tour the cave? You will learn about how the caves formations came to be, see the amazing "Lily Pad Room" formation, and travel deep underground to large open caverns. Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with extended hours in the summer. What better place to head on a day trip from St Louis than the town known for being the gateway to wine country? On the PRE 1932 alignment, youll pass the Big Chief Roadhouse. Obviously, you wouldnt want to drive to Minnesota to start it, so just hop on anywhere. It was named for Louis IX of France, as the first European settlers there were French fur traders. Happy camping! Have visited any of these caves? With nearly 10,000 caves under the hills and mountains, you will have lots of spelunking (cave exploring) destinations to choose from; Tennessee is the most cavernous state in the US. Ribbet. These limestone enclosures are a marvel to behold. 117 reviews of Meramec Caverns "This is the first cave I ever visited. Copyright 2018 EntertainmentCalendar.com. According to local legend, Jesse and Frank James used the caves as a hideout in the 1870s. I think it happened when we were back in the Jungle Room. Our tour guide was well prepared, answering questions knowledgeably and patiently. The cave stays a comfortable 60 year-round. Mark Twain Cave is located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from St. Louis at 300 Cave Hollow Rd., Hannibal, Missouri 63401. Learn all about it at the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum. Or you can ignore it. There are also much longer backpacker trails in the park, so if you are interested in a full-day or multi-day camping trip, make sure to stop by the visitors center and get a detailed map of the area trails. All Maramec Spring Park rules apply. But you really come for the pie. And in all honesty, I would give this motel a shot. Experience Americas Ride-Thru Cave. Over fourteen miles of trails you can experience a variety of different landscapes, from meadows to forests, as well as plenty of different fauna. Elephant Rocks State Park is a perfect day trip from St. Louis for nature lovers and rock climbers. I went to Meramec Caverns on a guided tour from St. Louis and had a nice trip. Antique Stores. They give you the option to add gratuity for your guide onto your credit card when you purchase your tickets which is a nice option if you dont have cash. Tour the stunning, domed Illinois State Capitol Building and then head for Oak Ridge Cemetery, to see the Lincoln family burial grounds. First Missouri State Capitol Historic Site. It was once the state capital, and you can still take a guided tour of the First Missouri State Capitol Historic Site. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Let's Roam, LLC. (Interstate 44, Exit 230) 573-468-CAVE (573-468-2283) Theres really not a ton to see along this stretch, but there are some big rock formations if youre into that. A mere 90-minute drive and youll find yourself in a thriving city, whose attractions are centred on the most famous ex-resident: Abraham Lincoln. Dogs are allowed in a limited number of the cabins for an additional fee. Ive written about my cross country road trip pretty extensively section by section. Theres a substantial depth of history in St Louis, both from the early European settlers and the natives who came before, making it a fascinating spot for a trip. Ive spent quite a bit of time in Missouri over the years. Visitors wander through 14 miles of trails that traverse meadows, wetlands, and forests, along the Meramec River. 2500 miles, 8 states, countless stories, and an endless stretch of small towns, neon, diners, motels, and roadside attractions. The Cave State has no shortage of expansive caverns for nature lovers and adventurers to explore. 560 S Main St, Saint Clair, MO 63077-1515. Missouri has thousands of caves across the state, and St. Louis is known for the many caves beneath our streets that were used to keep food and beverages (mostly beer) cool before modern refrigeration was invented.The caves under St. Louis are not accessible to the public and many have had their entrances closed as highways and other infrastructure were built over them. Before leaving town or while you make your way to your day trip destination, try one of our scavenger hunts! 701 Convention Plaza, Suite 300; St. Louis, MO 63101 (800) 916-8938; . It was established in 1837 by you guessed it Germans, who had previously come from Philadelphia. A 55-minute guided tour follows an ancient underground riverbed filled with massive formations. Cross Eyed Cricket Canoes. Unfortunately, back when the cave still hosted proms, a few mischievous high school students snuck into the room where the wine table is and stood on top of it and broke its neck. Located along the Missouri River, its a lovely place to spend some time enjoying your surroundings with a delicious glass of local wine, or perhaps taking a tour of one of the wineries. St. Louis is a fantastic destination for families. Lake of the Ozarks is one of the best day trips from St. Louis for the whole family. The St. Louis area offers a few day trips for romance seekers! The second cave, Cameron Cave, features one of the largest underground labyrinth systems in the Northern Hemisphere. Then, head for the incredible wineries and tasting rooms that Ste. There are 3 ways to get from St. Louis Airport (STL) to Meramec Caverns by train, taxi, car or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.