There Is A Cave In Missouri That Look Just Like Mammoth Cave, And It’s A Must-Visit
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 18, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
With more than 6,000 caves, Missouri has rightfully earned its title of “The Cave State.” Some are hidden among the Missouri landscape, others are in local and state parks, and a few are popular visitor attractions. There’s one cave in Missouri, though, that’s a bit reminiscent of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. That cave is known as America’s largest cave while Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Missouri.
Spanning 4.6 miles, Meramec Caverns boasts a long and storied history that goes back millions of years. Jesse James, in fact, once hid from authorities in this now-popular tourist attraction.
While early explorers believed the cave was filled with gold, those who actually discovered and explored the cave found it teeming with saltpeter. At that time, saltpeter was used to make gunpowder.
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Today, the seven-story cave draws visitors from Missouri and beyond.
To ensure your comfort for the duration of the tour, wear a comfortable pair of shoes and dress for the weather. The cave maintains a year-round temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
After your tour, check out some of the other on-site activities. You can even stay overnight at the motel or campground, the latter of which is open from April 1 through October 31 annually.
What do you think of this cave in Missouri? Have you visited? Share your experience in the comments! Next time you’re up for an old-fashioned adventure, hit the highway on this road trip to the best hidden gems in Missouri.
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