Nestled agelessly among the lush foothills of Missouri's rolling Ozark's, these magnificent caverns chronicle over 400-million years of history including: The formation of caves and stalactites, fossils and limestone, Indians of Missouri, European miners and explorers, dramas of the Civil War, train robberies and great escapes, ballroom dances around the 1900's, the Great Depression, World War II, Hollywood movies, and the list goes on. 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 millions of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns. Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. All cavern facilities are accessible to the disabled. Learn how Mother Nature built an ancient limestone "Wine Table" and an entire 5-story mansion... all underground.

The Stage Curtain, the largest single cave formation in the world, is the crown jewel of Meramec Caverns. This extraordinary mineral deposit which measures 70 feet high, 60 feet wide and 35 feet thick is called America's number one cave scene. Estimated to be 70 millions years old, the Stage Curtain is the focal point of a dramatic light and musical presentation which climaxes an informative cavern tour. HISTORY The history of Meramec Caverns is rich with the treasures of time. Going back through the centuries, the Indians revered the cave as the home of their god. An 18th century French miner, Jacques Renault, found the Cavern's greatest natural resource, saltpeter, which is used in the manufacture of gunpowder. Spanish lead miners used the caves as did slaves who were sheltered there as part of the 'Underground Railroad.' During the Civil War, a Federal powder mill in the cave was blown up by Confederate guerrillas of whom Jesse James was a member. Jesse James, as a member of the Quantrill's Guerrillas, gained knowledge of Meramec Caverns back in 1864, when the guerrillas captured the gunpowder mill. In the early 1870's he and his band used the cavern on numerous occasions because it afforded a complete hideout for men and horses. In 1933, Lester B. Dill, noted caveologist, discovered five upper levels of the Caverns. Further exploration revealed 26 miles of underground passages. Meramec Caverns was opened to the public as a tourist attraction in 1935. FACILITIES Comfortable lodgings are provided at the quiet Meramec Caverns Motel. Modern units come with television, air conditioning, and electrical heat. Meramec Caverns' La Jolla Natural Park holds a cache of scenic beauty and conveniences for visitors. Numerous trees shade the picnic area and riverfront campgrounds where trailer hookups, showers and restrooms, sheltered pavilions, barbecue pits and a concession stand are located. The motel and campgrounds are open April through October. With a mid 1800's mining village background setting, children can "pan for gold" at the Sluicing Operation! Canoe rentals and scenic boat rides are also available in season. A unique gift shop as well as a large restaurant and snack area are conveniently located in the caverns.

SCHEDULE

 Open every day except Thanksgiving & Christmas

March                9:00-5:00
April                9:00-6:00
 May & June           9:00-7:00 
 July thru 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 

Call for January & Febuary Schedule

For special group rates or more information, write:

MERAMEC CAVERNS
Box 948
Stanton, MO 63079
Call 573-468-CAVE
Fax 573-468-2633

Please visit our new website at www.Americascave.com for further information.