Missouri is likely not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of underground geological formations. However, the Show Me State lives up to its nickname. Under the great plains and rolling hills of this Midwestern state lies quite an adventurous landscape. Meramec Caverns, near Stanton, is almost literally a hidden gem. At just 65 miles from St. Louis, this amazing cave system is one of the largest in Missouri, and is among the best stops to make on your trip along Route 66. The naturally cool 60-degree temperatures inside the cave network make it even more worthwhile during Missouri’s hot summers and cold winters.
Despite a fairly narrow surface appearance, the Meramec River was still able to carve out the ground’s limestone to create the Meramec Caverns. This process began as far back as 400 million years ago, and the results equal the height of a seven-story building. You’ll definitely feel like Indiana Jones as you wind through the more than 4 miles of caves here, each with quintessential geological components like stalagmites, stalactites, and streams of water.
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Learn the Meramec Caverns history with a guided tour
Meramec Caverns neon sign on a cave wall above a log cabin. – Kit Leong/Shutterstock
To see the main highlights of Meramec Caverns, go on a 1.25-mile guided tour. These occur every 20 to 30 minutes and last a little under 90 minutes. One of the biggest highlights is a formerly underwater formation known as the Wine Table. With a flat surface atop three narrow columns, it really does resemble a table. The round botryoidal clusters look like grapes as well, hence the name Wine Table. The Ballroom is another point of interest: a huge cave that actually functions as a ballroom for special events. A tour can also teach you about Meramec’s connection to the outlaw Jesse James. If discovered artifacts believed to be his are any indication, James hid in these caves during the 1870s while on the run.
What makes Meramec Caverns all the more special are its light shows in the Theater Room cave. Along with images of American landscapes, LED lights beam onto a 70-foot wall in this cave in a unique display dedicated to the country’s military and first responders. The Theater Room Light Show is included with every tour and is a can’t-miss spectacle.
Meramec Caverns are within Meramec State Park
Meramec River with greenery reflecting on the water. – Stillgravity/Shutterstock
While Meramec Caverns can be a simple day trip from St. Louis, the surrounding Meramec State Park makes this destination worth an extended visit. After going through the caverns, head to the Meramec River for a floating trip in a kayak, canoe, or raft. As the leaves change colors, this 5-mile float becomes a picturesque autumn recreation escape. However, you’ll need to rent these onsite as bringing your own watercraft is not allowed within the privately-owned cavern territory. During the summer months, you can leave the navigating up to a tour guide by taking a 30-minute ride on one of the Cavern Queen riverboats, which run from June through August.
Meramec State Park is a riverside paradise with great camping spots too. Camp at the state park’s campground or at the neighboring Arapaho Family Campground, which does allow you to bring your own watercrafts, or you can rent them there. If camping isn’t your thing, check out Meramec State Park’s cabins and motel. Book lodging and river float trips online at the Meramec State park website.
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Read the original article on Explore.