Meramec Caverns - Stanton, MO
N 38° 14.487 W 091° 05.515
15S E 666981 N 4234326
Meramec Caverns is a 26 mile cavern system in the Ozarks of Missouri, USA. It was formed from large limestone deposits over millions of years. Pre-Columbian Native American artifacts have been found in the caverns. Currently the caverns are a tourist attraction, with about 51 billboards along Interstate 44. It is considered one of the primary attractions along former U.S. Highway 66.
Waymark Code: WM1WJN
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 07/21/2007
Views: 56
The Caverns have existed from the past 400 million years, slowly forming through deposits of limestone. Centuries ago, Native Americans used the cavern system for shelter.
During the 1700's, the cave was used for extracting saltpeter for the manufacture of gunpowder. In the Civil War era, the Union Army used the caves as a saltpeter plant, but was destroyed by Confederate soldiers, namely Jesse James.
Reportedly, James and his brother and partner in crime Frank later used the caves as a hideout. One legend claims that the sheriff sat in front of the cave, waiting for Jesse and his pals to emerge, however, they had found another exit.
In 1933, Lester B. Dill, noted caveologist, discovered the seven upper levels of the Caverns. Further exploration revealed 26 miles of underground passages. Meramec Caverns was opened to the public in 1935 as a tourist attraction.
A well-trained ranger takes you along a one mile tour. Tours last one hour and twenty minutes and leave every 20-30 minutes. The tour is accessible to the disabled and features concrete walkways and dual steel hand railings for your safety and convenience. The tour begins in the huge ballroom and ends at the magnificent stage curtains with a light and sound show.
The "Official Tourism" URL link to the attraction: [Web Link]
The attraction’s own URL: [Web Link]
Hours of Operation:
Hours of Operation
Open every day except Thanksgiving & Christmas January 9:00-4:00
February 9:00-4:00
March 9:00-5:00
April 9:00-6:00
May & June 9:00-7:00
July thu Labor Day 8:30-7:30
September 9:00-6:00
October 9:00-5:00
November 9:00-4:00
December 9:00-4:00
Admission Prices:
Admission price is $16.50 for adults and $8.00 for children (ages 5-11). Little children ages 4 and under are free (however, no strollers permitted on the tour). Special group rates are available for any group with 15 or more. Rangers can handle groups of any size. For special groups with time constraints, an abbreviated tour which lasts 45 minutes is also available.
Approximate amount of time needed to fully experience the attraction: Up to 1 hour
Transportation options to the attraction: Personal Vehicle Only
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