Missouri is truly the cave state, with over 5,380 registered and mapped wild caves. 300 of the wild caves are in the counties of Camden, Miller, and Morgan which surround the Lake of the Ozarks.
Show Caves are wild caves that have been "tamed" through tremendous work and expense. Paved walkways, bridges and hand rails have been constructed and lights have been installed for the convenience of viewing nature's underground beauty with little effort and very safely. They are for the whole family,
from small children to grandparents. No special clothing or equipment is necessary.
Want-to-be spelunkers can experience geology, hydrology and anthropology
in these underground classrooms. There are awe-inspiring formations, composed
over millions of years, including massive columns, huge stalagmites, millions
of "soda straws," balanced ecosystems, animal life, plant life
and history. One of the best things about visiting a cave is that no matter
what the weather or season, the temperature is approximately 50-60 degrees
year-round, varying slightly with each cave.
The Lake area is blessed with four show caves (out of Missouri's 22) and
is the only tourist destination in the United States with four show caves
within 30 miles of each other. So, no matter where you stay at the
Lake, you're not far from one of our beautiful underground caverns. A 93
mile triangular drive around the Lake of the Ozarks will take you from cave
to cave and reveal--along the way--the fantastic scenery for which the Lake
area is known.
Tours are conducted by courteous, informative guides who can point out fascinating
features about cave life. For example, Lake caves support four different
types of salamanders that live their entire lives without ever seeing the
light of day. Guides also provide historical information flavored by colorful
local stories.
Bridal Cave, just north of Camdenton, off Hwy. 5 on Lake Road 5-88,
can also be reached by water on the 10 1/2 mile marker on the Big Niangua
Arm of the Lake. This is the cave that Amy and I recommend the most. It is
about ten (10) miles away from us and costs around $12 during the season.
Bridal Cave is the oldest cave in the Lake area. It was
formed by the Ozark upheaval when the Ozark Mountains were formed 42-46
million years ago and is adorned with massive columns, stalactites, stalagmites
and draperies from the start to beyond the end of the tour at the sparkling
crystal clear Spirit Lake. Bridal Cave, in keeping with the tradition of
the Indian legend has hosted over 1325 weddings in the stalactite adorned
Bridal Chapel.
Jacob's Cave, off of TT, north of Gravois Mills, is the largest cave
in the Lake area and is the only walk through cave in Missouri that is completely
accessible to persons with disabilities. Baby strollers and wheel chairs
are available for those who need them. Jacob's Cave is famous for its depth
illusion, reflective pools, ceiling sponge-work, prehistoric bones (Mastadon,
bear, and Peccary), and the world's largest Geode. On the mile-long tour,
you will see every type of cave formation imaginable, from millions of soda
straws, massive stalactites and columns, to delicate helectites. Evidence
of six ice ages and 3 earthquakes can be seen.
Fantasy World Caverns is located in a beautiful valley setting off
of Hwy. 54 between Bagnell Dam and Eldon. First inhabited by Indians, it
was later used by white men for a dance hall and later a skating rink, before
it was developed into a Show cave. Fantasy World Caverns has 3 levels with
a large lake in the entrance, large domed ceilings draped with iron stained
formations, two natural water falls and canyon passages; each turn and each
room an intriguing surprise of beauty.
Ozark Caverns is a state owned cave. Great care is taken not to disturb
anything of nature. The cave stream exits the mouth of the cave and forms
a fin in front of the cave (fresh water swamp); too shallow for fish, but
just right for a vast array of exotic plant and animal life native to this
area. Ozark Caverns is famous for its Angels Shower, a must for any cave
enthusiast. Tours are conducted through the cave with electric lanterns.
Touring the Show Caves at the Lake of the Ozarks offers a day of fascinating
experience and unforgettable fun for the whole family. You will want to plan
a half a day around visiting one of these caves. The kids will love it!
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Information provided by Frank Hurley, Owner of Jacob's Cave
Presented as a Public service by On-Demand Data, LC.
Copyright © 1995-1998 by On-Demand Data, LC. All rights reserved.
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