Meramec Caverns

Located near Stanton, Missouri in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile-long cave system offering guided tours, outdoor adventures, and lodging. Formed over 400 million years ago and rich in cultural and geological history, this iconic attraction invites visitors of all ages to explore breathtaking formations, legendary stories, and exciting riverfront activities.

Recommended For

History Buffs: Explore centuries of natural and cultural history inside Missouri’s most famous cave system.

Families & Kids: Enjoy interactive tours, ziplining, panning for gems, and sweet treats at Granny’s Candy Store.

Outdoor Adventurers: Canoe, raft, or kayak down the Meramec River and soar through treetops on a zip line.

Road Trippers: Add this historic Route 66 attraction to your Missouri adventure for a scenic and educational stop.

What to Expect

Location: 1135 Highway W, Sullivan, MO 63080
Setting: Ozark Mountain region near the Meramec River
Features: 4.6 miles of caverns, outdoor activities, dining, and lodging on-site
Season: Open year-round with select outdoor features available April through September

Cave Highlights

Guided Tours: Educational walks through illuminated paths exploring the cave’s history and formations
Notable Rooms:
- Wine Room: Rare onyx aragonite “Wine Table” formation
- Stage Curtain: Towering formations in the Theater Room
- Ballroom: Historic site for 19th-century social gatherings
- Mirror Room: Stunning optical illusion of water depth
- Hollywood Room: Featured in classic films like *Tom Sawyer*

Outdoor Activities

Zip Line Adventure: An hour-long treetop course over the Meramec River valley
Riverboat Rides: Cruise aboard the Cavern Queen I and II from April to September
Canoeing & Kayaking: Float six or eleven miles along the scenic Meramec River
Gem Mining: Kids can pan for pyrite, fossils, and gemstones at the Meramec Mining Company

Dining Options

Restaurant: Home-style dining with space for 250 guests and private group rentals
Catering: Box lunches, barbecue picnics, and group dining options available
Granny’s Candy Store: Homemade fudge and 28 flavors of ice cream for a sweet finish

Lodging & Camping

Meramec Caverns Motel: Seasonal lodging (April–October) located in LaJolla Natural Park
Campground: Features trailer hookups, showers, pavilions, a playground, and barbecue pits

Educational Programs

K–12 Field Trips: Curriculum-based geology experiences and cave science learning
Workshops: Introductory speleology video and hands-on geology activities
Scout Programs: Badge-focused learning for all scout ages and ranks

Contact & Map

Meramec Caverns
1135 Highway W, Sullivan, MO 63080
Phone: 573-468-CAVE
americascave.com