Missouri's Buried Treasure
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. These jewels of nature which took thousands of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns.
Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. Learn how an ancient limestone "Wine Table" and an entire 7-story mansion were formed... all underground. On tour you will see both the rarest and largest cave formations in the world.
Open Every Day!
(Except Thanksgiving & Christmas.)
Tours
Light Show
Rates
A COOL 60 DEGREES YEAR ROUND!
Unforgettable
ZIPLINE: Awaken your spirit of adventure! Soar through the tree tops and across the Meramec River on an hour-long adventure of a lifetime. Experience the bird's eye view from up above; take the chance and zipline today!
Open March-October.
PAN FOR GOLD: While parents shop at the Mine Store for beautiful rock gifts or at Granny's Candy Store for homemade fudge, children can pan for fool's gold, fossils, and other gemstones in a 19th century setting.
Open during the summer months only.
CLIMBING WALL: Challenge yourself and conquer our climbing wall! Defy gravity and master your ascent while enjoying some cliffside fun. Engaging for kids and adults alike, enjoy the dare of climbing and the fun of play.
Open during the summer months only.
Scenic River
BOAT: Enjoy a relaxing, history-filled, half-hour long excursion on the Meramec River aboard a canopy-topped riverboat. Cavern Queen I and Cavern Queen II can each hold 25 passengers. Boats run April through September, dependent upon weather and river conditions. Group rates are available.
FLOAT: Take a six or eleven mile float on the scenic Meramec River. A shuttle bus will take you up river and you can float back to your car, here at the caverns. Reservations are required; please call 1-573-468-6463. Canoes, kayaks, and rafts are only available when weather permits.
Best. Ever.
CAMPING: Meramec Caverns' LaJolla Natural Park/Campground holds a cache of scenic beauty and conveniences for visitors. Numerous trees shade the picnic area and river front campgrounds where trailer hookups, barbeque pits, sheltered pavilions, and a playground area are located. Showers, restrooms, and a concession stand are conveniently accessible to all. Open April through October.
MOTEL: The Meramec Caverns Motel, located in LaJolla Natural Park, offers guests quiet and comfortable lodging. Each room comes with double beds, shower, bathroom, and television. Motel is open from April through October. Children stay free. Reservations are required.
To make a reservation, call 573-468-4215.
Pure Fun
Whether reliving childhood memories or sharing new ones with family, Meramec Caverns is a fun and affordable get-away for families of any size. For the better part of a century, nestled deep inside America's heartland, Meramec Caverns has offered fascinating and educational cavern tours for young and old alike. But that's not all- Meramec Caverns also offers a number of new and unique attractions, perfect for filling your day with wholesome family fun and memories that will last a lifetime.
While you're here, purchase quality and affordable souvenirs for the entire family in our well stocked shopping area. Enjoy home style cooking, a snack bar, and 28 flavors of ice cream. History enthusiasts can complete their trip with a visit to Jesse James Wax Museum!
GIFT SHOP
RESTAURANT
WAX MUSEUM
What Our Visitors Say
What an experience, in total awe of this place. Our tour guide was fantastic. The food was amazing. Definitely a place to visit. Thanks for an amazing experience!
Sharen
I visited the Caverns in 1964. Had the great opportunity July 1, 2019 to take my 2 grandchildren, ages 5 and 10.
They're still talking about how much they enjoyed being with Grandma and Grandpa.
If you haven’t been to the caverns, you're missing something wonderful.
Anthony
Fantastic. Everyone in my family of 5 loved the tour of the cave. Our guide was super knowledgeable and fun to listen to. It was a fun time!!
Lori
Meramec Caverns is a great place to take your family! They have everything from camping, to zip lining and a cute souvenir shop. I have gone with my family every year for the past 3 years and we always have a blast!
Katie
Awesome history, great atmosphere!
Randall
What an AWESOME experience for our family! We have 2 kiddos (6 & 8) and we just LOVED the caverns tour! The tour guides were fun and knowledgeable, the cave was beautiful, and the grand finale of the tour in the Theater room is something my kids will be talking about for a long time! HIGHLY recommend making a day trip here! You won't be disappointed!
Kim
The best get away and so much to do! Exceptional food/ice cream parlor. Reasonable prices at the gift shops, restaurants, beautiful remodeled motel with cable, coffee maker & soaps. Beautiful accessible campground/beach. Boat tours of the Meramec river & zipline. Exceptionally friendly, helpful & hospitality from staff for lodging, restaurant, gift shop & tour guides of the cave. Tour guides are very knowledgeable of scientific facts, full history of the cave and crack a lot of jokes. Very entertaining with a grand finale of a short film honoring our military on a crystal natural screen!
Linda
Was there to ride the zip line, saw the cave 2 years ago. It was very cool. As I am terrified of heights, I knew this was going to be a very interesting endeavor. Pushed by my wife and son, I made the leap. Really made the leap! The guides were very helpful and made the trip a lot of fun. I did survive, and was glad I went.
Michael
Absolutely loved it. We were on motorcycles and we're from Wisconsin. We were so warm from riding and it was a perfect way to end the day of riding to cool off. I loved the history lesson along with the tour. Very awesome adventure! Thank you.
Terrie
Meramec Caverns was a total surprise to me. Our tour guide was passionate & very well informed. Of note, the concrete paths are a very comfortable walk with secure handrails everywhere. I was amazed to learn of the history, ie using dolomite to make gunpowder during the Civil War & Jesse James using these stunningly beautiful caves as a hideout. These caves are low, the sound of water running throughout & the mineral formations are surely a sight to behold. The finale of colours & music was a credit to all. Great place for a family to holiday with boats & zip line. I would love to have stayed there.
Lee
My husband and I are traveling to Arizona and I found this place on Pinterest and we wanted to stop in! We are so happy we stopped! It was beautiful and our tour guide was so nice! Excellent place to visit!!!!
Emily
Nice to take the kids through a piece of history. Tour keeps you moving and is just long enough kids of all ages don't complain. Tour guides are efficient and keep the crowds under control and keep things moving. It is a must see.
Brandy
Wow wow WOW me and my hubby brought our 2 nieces for the cavern tour. Our tour guide was awesome and the caves... Well let's just say we were not disappointed. I have loads of pictures and videos. The finale was fantastic. I have a lovely video of that. BIG THANK YOU Meramec staff you rock. If you get a chance please go here you will not be disappointed.
Sarah
My boyfriend and I went on the 11 mile canoe trip with the Meramec Caverns staff. It was so worth waking up early for! Good price, beautiful scenery, and a helpful staff to get you going. Just make sure you pack a drink cooler!