Meramec Caverns is open year-round and offers a fun, affordable vacation for all its visitors.
Our well-trained rangers can accommodate groups of any size. Rates available to 15 or more persons by advanced reservation, one complimentary pass is given for every 20 tickets purchased.
An abbreviated tour is available for groups, taking 45 minutes. This tour has all the highlights of the regular tour, but with less walking. Rates are subject to change.
| Rates | |
|---|---|
| Age 12 and up | $28.00 |
| Military | $25.00 |
| Children, 5-11 | $15.00 |
| Children under 5 | Free |
IN THE MEDIA...
MLB (Major League Baseball) recently came down to Meramec Caverns and recommended it as a "Must-See" before a trip to a St. Louis Cardinals game!
You've heard of the Seven Wonders of The World. Now there's a definitive list of The Seven Wonders of Missouri! KSMQ Listeners recently voted Meramec Caverns as one of Missouri's Seven Wonders!
St. Louis Proud: Meramec Caverns
Missouri is known as the Cave State and one of the more well-known cave systems in the St. Louis area is Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Mo.
The many things to do and see at Meramec Caverns
It is a beautiful complex, the largest commercial cave in the Show Me state with breathtaking passageways underground and exhilarating ziplines above it. A place Les Turilli's family has operated since Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. "When my great-grandfather purchased the cave he purchased it as a business opportunity.
CAVE TOUR FAQ's
Admission to the cavern tour is $28.00 per person age 12 and up, $25.00 military, $15.00 for children 5-11, children 4 and under are free. Visit the tour page for details.
Season pass rates are available. A season pass for adults is $36.00. A Season pass for children ages 5-11 is $20.00.
Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Discounted rates are as follows: $19.00 per Adult, $14.00 high school students, $11.00 middle school students, $10.00 children 5-11 years old. One complimentary pass will be given for every 20 tickets purchased.
Reservations are only needed for groups of 15 or more.
The tour takes one hour and twenty minutes to complete. It is a walking tour covering 1 1/4 mile round-trip. Abbreviated tours (45 minutes in length) are available for groups upon request.
No. Tours depart every 20-30 minutes throughout the day.
No, unfortunately not at this time due to the natural terrain in the cave of ramp ways and narrow walkways. There is also one flight of steps. We have ample waiting areas for those who cannot make the trip.
No strollers are not allowed on the cave tour. Due to the grooves in the concrete walkway (which allow moisture and water to drain from the walkways) the small size of stoller wheels tend to cause excessive vibration to the stroller and the child. Backpacks or child carriers are suggested. Use caution when carrying child or infant for the ceiling is low in some areas.
The temperature of the cave is a constant 58 degrees fahrenheit (10 degrees celsius).
Since the cave is at a constant 58 degrees, a light jacket is recommended along with comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. Our Gift Shop has a large selection of warm, comfortable, and affordable sweat shirts and jackets for purchase.
Yes, the cave is safe for young children. Being a commercial or show cave, Meramec Caverns undergoes strict inspections to ensure the safety of its visitors. A responsible parent or adult should supervise children at all times, making sure children stay on the designated walkways.
There are no bathrooms inside the cave. It is recommended that restrooms be used prior to cavern tour.
There are no tight spaces on the tour. We can accommodate groups of up to 100 at a time. The smallest room inside the cave is comparable to the size of an average bedroom. If a problem arises, tour guides will assist in escorting the individual from the cavern tour.
On occasion, the tour guide may show visitors what it is like in total darkness. Please inform your tour guide of any issues with darkness and they will accommodate you.
Yes, there are bats inside the cave; mainly small Eastern Pipistrelle and Brown Bats. The sighting of these nocturnal creatures are minimal due to the magnitude of the cave system. Despite common misconceptions, they pose no danger or threat to humans.
Proof of Jesse James’ usage of the caverns as a hideout is found through collaborative factual evidence. This evidence consists of sheriffs’ reports, eyewitness accounts, and physical material found inside the cave. Among the artifacts found inside the cave (at Loot Rock) were strong boxes traceable to the train robbery at Gadshill, MO, rifles, and shackles. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the Jesse James Wax Museum in Stanton, MO. For hours of operation, please call 573-468-3166.
Unfortunately, no gold has been found inside the cave.
Although we don't have official documentation of the cave's usage by the Underground Rail Road due to the secrecy of the issue, it has been part of the local lore that the cave was the second to last stop along the Underground Rail Road before one's exit to freedom. This coincides with the cave’s usage as a Civil War gunpowder manufacturing plant.