Caves in Missouri

Note: State cave tours are typically only given from mid-May through mid-September.

Some of the information comes from this website which lists many more, especially private, caves in Missouri.

Within 30 minutes of Columbia

Devil’s Icebox
- In Rock Bridge State Park
- Wild cave, tours have been suspended indefinitely due to white nose syndrome
Connor’s Cave
- In Rock Bridge State Park
- Small cave
- Always open to explore without guidance
Hunter’s Cave
- In Three Creeks Conservation Area
- Requires permit
- Hunter’s Cave– @Three Creeks Conservation Area – Cave Entrances (Natural) on Waymarking.com

Meramec Caverns – 2 hours 5 minutes
- Commerical cave
- close to, but not associated with, Meramec State Park, which has its own cave
Meramec State Park – 2 hours 6 minutes
- Camping
- “The Meramec River flows by majestic bluffs, wooded areas and a dramatic cave entrance. More than 13 miles of hiking trails are available for exploring the park, and visitors can swim, fish, raft and boat in the river. A modern campground, cabins and motel give visitors a choice to stay the night or even longer. Exhibits in the visitor center interpret the natural and cultural features of the park. No visit to the park would be complete without a tour of Fisher Cave with handheld lights. “
Onondaga Cave State Park – 2 hours 15 minutes
- Camping
- “Descend into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder: towering stalagmites, dripping stalactites, and active flowstones help make the cave a National Natural Landmark and illustrate why Missouri is often called “The Cave State.” Visitors can take guided tours into the underground wonderland. But if you prefer the surface, the park’s Vilander Bluff Natural Area provides a panoramic view of the Meramec River. Easy access to the Meramec River allows visitors to canoe or fish in a peaceful and scenic setting.”