When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. The fabulous museum explores the life and legacy of Honest Abe, including his childhood n Kentucky, his presidency, and his role in the Civil War. Have visited any of these caves? There are a few places to jump near St. Louis, but we like Flying V. The owner comes from a family of aviation specialists and is a professional pilot and skydiver himself. There are also some excellent spots to stop at along the way, such as the town of Alton for some great, cheap eats, or the Pere Marquette State park for a chance to stretch your legs and perhaps spot some birds. Onondaga Cave and Cathedral Cave at Onondaga Cave State Park, 61 Awesome Date Ideas in Wichita (Locals Guide), 6 Fun Tracks for Racing Go Karts near St. Louis. Youll feel immersed in nature as you observe Cliff Caves prowess from afar. Lighting up the formations at Meramec Caverns. For a great day trip with kids, head to the Lake of the Ozarks for a day on the water. Hike the parks three trails (one of which is over seven miles long! We suggest taking the Observation Trail, which will give you a good view of the formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. There are 4 ways to get from St Louis to Meramec Caverns by train, taxi, bus, car or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. Pro Tip: Fisher Cave is only open for regular cave tours during the warm months, so schedule your trip to Sullivan wisely! If you love the great outdoors, then Columbia is the perfect city for you. There are supposedly bats in the cave system, but we never saw any and since theyre nocturnal and its a very large cave its pretty rare to see them. 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. We respect your email privacy. I havent eaten here yet, but Im planning a stop soon. Explore the past at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, the Historic Hermann Museum, and the Gasconade County Courthouse. I havent stopped at this museum yet, but its home to several 50s era Route 66 recreations including a motel room, a soda fountain, and a diner. They offer guided tours where you will learn about a seven story mansion that was built inside the cavern and experience the "Hollywood Room," where many movies and tv shows have been filmed. You should definitely do all of the above! Meramec Caverns to St Louis - 4 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio The museum is very interesting with life-size replicas of the expedition boats and a host of artifacts from their trips. This beautiful cycling and walking track stretches for over 200 miles throughout the state, more or less following the path of the Missouri River. Before leaving town or while you make your way to your day trip destination, try one of our scavenger hunts! Missouri, about 60 miles from St. Louis, along the Meramec River. Chambanamoms.com is the top online resource for families in the Champaign-Urbana area. With the movement of more water through the limestone or dolomite, additional rock is dissolved, creating caves.Jun 18, 2014. Downtown St. James is very cute and I have a feeling that youd find some treasures in the antique stores. Their expert tour guides will lead you through over a miles length of man-made walkways constructed inside a 7-story cave. Eureka is an easy day trip from St. Louis for families. The Meramec Caverns are not just natural wonders, but they are a thorough history lesson as well. Overall, the stop was a good way to burn off some pent-up road trip energy and learn a little both history and some science as well. The Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway that travels from Minnesota to Louisiana, along the Mississippi River. Hannibal also has an antique trolley for sightseeing in the city. Growing up in Tulsa, OK with grandparents in Springfield, MO Ive been seeing the barns advertising Meramec Caverns along I-44 for over 30 years now. Maryland Heights to Meramec Caverns - 4 ways to travel via - Rome2rio The one drawback for families is that you cant push a stroller through the cavern. French for good earth, the site used to be a functioning mine before being flooded. Genevieve was actually the first permanent location for European settlers in Missouri. This post is part of a series Ive done on Route 66. Meramec Caverns. Bring your own or rent one in either town, then hit the biking paths of Katy Trail. January - February9:00am - 4:00pmMarch9:00am - 5:00pmApril9:00am - 6:00pmMay - June9:00am - 7:00pmJuly - Labor Day8:30am - 7:30pmSeptember9:00am - 6:00pmOctober9:00am - 5:00pmNovember - December9:00am - 4:00pm. Once you get your history fix, head for Capital Arts Gallery and explore nine exhibits of art by local artists. Often mentioned on lists of best road trips in the area, the Great River Road is surely one of the most aesthetically pleasing ways to spend your day away from St Louis. 10 Things to See on Route 66 in Missouri. The best of these is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, which has lots of interesting exhibitions and provides a chance to interact with the history of the period. Vintage bowling alleys arent as prevalent as they used to be, but this one just might be worth the stop to play a game or two. As its name suggests, this cavern is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies! West of Lebanon around Phillipsburg the road rambles away from the interstate all the way through Marshfield and its a particularly nice drive. Maps of the curious caves running under St. Louis neighborhoods Their selection of bottled pop almost rivals Pops in Oklahoma. Meramec Caverns Meramec Caverns is the collective name for a 4.6-mile (7.4 km) cavern system in the Ozarks, near Stanton, Missouri. 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. (Interstate 44, Exit 230) 573-468-CAVE (573-468-2283) Onondaga Cave State Park is located just over an hour from St. Louis, at 7556 Hwy. Columbia offers a vibrant downtown scene with lively restaurants, shops, and bars. Road Trip: Meramec Caverns - ChambanaMoms.com Meramec Caverns Map of the Best Caves near St. Louis Fisher Cave at Meramec State Park To start us off, Meramec State Park in Sullivan is home to the epic Fisher Cave. An intriguing natural attraction in the surrounds of St Louis is Johnsons Shut-Ins. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 Let's Roam, LLC. Near Villa Ridge, youll pass the Sunset Motel which is in the process of being renovated. Across the street from the Munger Moss is Starlite Lanes. But my more-toddler-than-preschooler 3-year-old made it through with flying colors, even if I had to carry her at the very end. Whether youre a seasoned spelunker or an eager newbie, Onondaga Cave State Park is sure to please. But I can imagine that kids of a certain age would really get a kick out of it. I have to tell you something right off the bat: you wont be entering a cave here. Let the kids get a thrill on their fair share of rides, and visit connecting Hurricane Harbor Water Park. They give you the option to add gratuity for your guide onto your credit card when you purchase your tickets which is a nice option if you dont have cash. There are also much longer backpacker trails in the park, so if you are interested in a full-day or multi-day camping trip, make sure to stop by the visitors center and get a detailed map of the area trails. Dolomite and limestone are two very common forms of rock in Missouri, and both are easily dissolved by acidic water moving beneath the ground. Rental is coordinated at the Fireside Store and Grill. Wander downtown and take their informational tours of some of the beautiful historic houses. I felt like I saw it fine just driving by. The area is usually not crowded and offers a peaceful day out of the city, immersed in nature! No matter what kind of adventure you crave, you can find it in this region! Meramec Caverns was a famous hideout of Jesse and Frank James so naturally Jesse James legacy has been immortalized in a nearby wax museum. Meramec Caverns - Route 66 Through Missouri | ROAD TRIP USA A 55-minute guided tour follows an ancient underground riverbed filled with massive formations. . Perhaps the most well-known cave in Missouri, Meramec Caverns stretches 4.6 miles along the Meramec River. St Louis to Meramec Caverns - 4 ways to travel via train - Rome2rio All cavern facilities are accessible to the disabled . You cant take strollers or wheelchairs, but its all paved and mostly a flat, leisurely paced walk until you get to the end and theres a couple of staircases to get up to one of the most impressive rooms. Whether you are passing through the area on a Route 66 Road Trip, or even spending a weekend in St. Louis, we think Meramec Caverns are beautiful and intriguing enough to visit. Question: How Far Is St Louis From Here 2, Quick Answer: How Far Is Eureka Mo From St Louis Mo, Quick Answer: How Far Is Springfield Mo From St Louis Mo. (There are plenty of SIGNS!) Ribbet. Home FAQ Quick Answer: How Far Is Meramec Caverns From St Louis. Address. Get a free demo of your event today with no money down. Cross the great river into Illinois by car, or take the train from Downtown St. Louis, and explore our second capital city on this list. Meramec Caverns has been a tourist attraction since 1933. Meramec Caverns is located at 1135 Highway W, Sullivan, MO 63080. The caverns are great. ), I tire of the strip malls and long to see some natural beauty: glorious forests, rolling hillsoh yeah, and caves, too. Weve created hundreds of adventures around the world, including several tours in St. Louis and the surrounding area. It wouldnt be an adrenaline list without a little skydiving! Experience Americas Ride-Thru Cave. One of the states premier swimming holes is at Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, where the Black River has carved out chutes and pools in the ancient rock of the namesake shut-ins area. Do you have to wear a mask at Meramec Caverns? All of the rooms are a decent size (youre never in any super huge caverns though) and it didnt feel claustrophobic at all. THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Meramec Caverns, Stanton, MO - Tripadvisor All in all, a trip to Ste. Then, spend your evening exploring the antique shops, art galleries, and microbreweries that now inhabit the charming German structures. St. Louis sometimes gets a bad wrap, but the truth is, its a fun city. 6 Best Caves Near St. Louis - Only In Your State Once everyone is seated theres a light show (and some video) choreographed to God Bless America. Lewsi Winery is a family-owned operation making small-batch wines, and Patty and Ken are excellent hosts! Have you ever wanted to take a cave tour? The Cave State has no shortage of expansive caverns for nature lovers and adventurers to explore. Spend a few days exploring St. Louis before considering a road trip. Reservations are required. The caves are the famous hideout of outlaw Jesse James, and they were also reportedly used to hide refugees on the Underground Railroad. There are plenty of picnic spots to make this a great family day out, and theres an excellent visitors centre to make your trip that bit easier. You can actually get on right across the river from St. Louiss famous arch. My grandparents live in Springfield and Ive driven I-44 across the entire statequite a bit. Besides being the largest commercial cave in Missouri, Meramec Caverns is famous for being one of Jesse James hideouts. The second cave, Cameron Cave, features one of the largest underground labyrinth systems in the Northern Hemisphere. Bonne Terre is home to the largest freshwater diving opportunity in the world! Explore iconic buildings, museums, public art, and more while you compete with your travel companions to try to make it to the finish line first! Like most large lakes, it is a playground for watersports enthusiasts. Yes, youll want to see the giant rocking chair out front (once the worlds largest but not anymore), but its a very quaint general store where you can stock up on snacks and drinks. Ive got all of the info you need! Located in the foothills Civic Pride Partners Media About Us Contact Us LanguagesLanguages English Franais Deutsch Italiano Espaol Keyword Search Home Things to DoThings to Do See & Do Dining & Nightlife Shop Stay Learn how the ancient Wine Table (World's rarest cave structure) was formed completely under water. at Meramec State Park Stay in one of Meramec State Park's many rental cabins and motel rooms. Distance: Variable, depending on departure spot and endpoints, Travel Time: Variable, depending on departure spot and endpoints. Plus Ive done roundups by state: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California. owner Lester Turilli Sr. This place is a gem. It is also perfectly situated for adventures in Missouri and Illinois. Do I need reservations for Meramec Caverns? I saw enough just driving through the parking lot. There are plenty of food options at the park, plus entertainment beyond the rides in the form of staff decked out as characters from Looney Tunes. currently part of the cave is flooded and only part of the cave is accessible. In Hannibal youll have the chance to visit the novelists childhood home, as well as browsing the extensive museum dedicated to the author and his works. Or call (573) 468-6072 for more information. But when you walk up to the door, it has a sign posted saying that everyone must be 6 feet apart and wear a mask. Read my full post about where to go on Route 66 in St Louis here. Missouri, long known as the Cave State, has almost 6,400 caves, and Missouri State Parks showcases four of the best for public tours. Missouri | Route 66 *Part 4* Route 66 from St. Louis to Springfield: Marvel at the Arch, Missouri's Largest Cave & a Giant Hillbilly By caitylincoln July 30, 2022 This post is part of a series I've done on Route 66. Once you have tackled the city, then hit the road for one of these amazing adventures! Source: Susan Sherman-Adkins / shutterstock, 15 Best Things to Do in Rochefort (Belgium), 15 Best Things to Do in Mar del Plata (Argentina), 15 Best Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast (Italy), 40 Places in the UK to See with Your Kids Before They Are All Grown Up. Springfield is the lively capital of Illinois and is filled with historical attractions. For art lovers, Columbia has a great selection of museums, including the George Caleb Bingham Gallery and the Museum of Art and Archaeology. And finally, my final trip recap where I spill the beans on how many days you need, the best itinerary, my favorite dont miss spots, and other tips. Since 1935 Meramec Caverns have been allowing road weary travellers to cool off beneath the rolling hills of the Meramec Valley in their 7.4km cavern system. But about an hour outside the city is a really fun stop for kids and their families, especially if you want to get out of the summer heat and have an experience you certainly cant have in Champaign-Urbana: Meramec Caverns. The capital city of Missouri is about 120 miles from St. Louis and makes a great day trip for those interested in Missouri history. Home Travel Guides United States Missouri (MO) 15 Best Day Trips from St Louis. Dogs are allowed in a limited number of the cabins for an additional fee. The Meramec Caverns are not just natural wonders, but they are a thorough history lesson as well. Look closely at the rocks for the signature of old rock quarrymen. Youve probably seen the billboards on the interstate (heck theres one outside of St. Joseph, I believe). For more fun ways to explore the Gateway City, check out our guide to the best things to do in St. Louis. For over a century spelunkers, map makers,. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The street is lined with cute cafes and excellent shopping. What is the cost to tour the cave? Theres the zoo, the City Museum, and Cardinals baseball. But, if you want more than the cave tours, there are enough things to do at Meramec Caverns to fill a day or two. 560 S Main St, Saint Clair, MO 63077-1515. Our visit was during Covid and Franklin County asks that you wear masks and stay apart. The neon sign has been replaced and its a good one! This area is littered with fantastic sites, for more Midwest adventures, like the attractions on our list of the 20 Best Day Trips from Kansas City for Every Kind of Adventure! While we dont recommend Kansas City as a day trip from St. Louis, this guide includes destinations between the two cities. Many travel guides include Kansas City in their recommendations for St. Louis day trips, but we would not advise taking on Kansas City in a day. Tour the stunning, domed Illinois State Capitol Building and then head for Oak Ridge Cemetery, to see the Lincoln family burial grounds. Here are the best day trips to be taken from St Louis: The state capital of Illinois is easily reachable within the day from St Louis, and is a great option for a change of scene if you still want the city life. Like most capital cities, Jefferson City has a plethora of museums and historical sites. Not going to lieI was a little apprehensive before the tour. Between the two routes, I would take the PRE 1932 route. Several movies on the subjects have been filmed in the area too! About Missouri's Buried Treasure 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. There are hiking trails alongside, or in the summer you might simply sit around by one of the crystalline swimming spots and take a dip. The tours may only last an hour or two, but your memories of the cave (or caves!) What else to do: hiking, tubing, fishing, zip lining, camping, and more. Everything for kids, teens, & families in St. Louis & the surrounding communities! Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is located in the Shawnee National Forest and offers all you would expect from a national forest. You want to have plenty of time to enjoy your destination. There's a small caf and a motel on the grounds, which spread along the banks of the Meramec River. Learn all about it at the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum. The region was the inspiration for both of his famous series, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The historic charm of St. Charles, located around half an hour from St Louis, is hard to resist. While you are in town, consider a visit to Route 66 State Park as well, where you can learn all about Americas original great road trip. Or you can ignore it. Rest tired muscles in the hot tub, and reminisce about your amazing day around the campfire. If you still have energy, there are 1.5 million acres of Mark Twain National Forest just down the road. Ive got the scoop on where to stay including the best Route 66 motels recommendations. Fisher Cave. Through Hooker is the first bit of 4 lane Route 66 built in MO, and the 90 foot Hooker Cut was the deepest road cut in Missouri at the time. St. Louis is a fantastic destination for families. They get quite a few tour buses that wipe out the selection. Enjoy the drive! Explore the scenic 20-mile Hermann Wine Trail, and do some sampling at the Chocolate Wine Trail or Berries and Barbecue event. Meramec Caverns Highway W Stanton, MO 63079. Its a shame that Cuba and Lebanon are so close together and you probably wont need to spend the night in both places. Missouri has a great portion of Route 66. And if you are looking for somewhere to spend a few . There are three different picnic areas in the park, plus a lovely outdoor classroom for the kids, with plenty of toys and equipment to keep them entertained. I diligently followed every twist and turn and was surprised to see what Id been blowing past on the interstate all those years. This 200-acre entertainment cave party center is currently only open for special events and reserved bookings due to repairs needed in some areas after last year's floods. They have a large dessert menu, but go early if your heart is set on something specific. $11.00 Children ages 5-11 from . Tickets cost $26/adult and $14/child (5-11), 5 and under are free. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 20 Best Day Trips from Kansas City for Every Kind of Adventure. Outside the river, families can hike, horseback ride, or even rock climb. Lake of the Ozarks is one of the best day trips from St. Louis for the whole family. The guides are really great and keep the tour moving quickly and tell a mix of historical and scientific facts. Theyre known for their spuds, but the burger I had was fantastic. And in all honesty, I would give this motel a shot. Meramec Caverns Meramec Caverns Location Stanton, Missouri Coordinates 381429N 910533WCoordinates: 381429N 910533W Length 4.6 miles (7.4 km) Discovery Pre-Columbian; extended system in 1933. no. The cheesy factor is pretty high in some areas of the tour, but if you love kitsch, youll enjoyit. Open for tours seasonally. What should I wear? Educational programs for schools and scouts offered. Youll be astounded by just how much detail can be carved into a cavewatch out for the bear paw prints permanently etched into the walls! Fisher Cave is located at 670 Fisher Cave Drive, Sullivan, Missouri 63080. Genevieve, the atmosphere oozes French class, and just strolling around the beautiful little town is enough! Tours are conducted along well-lighted walkways. Planning a Route 66 road trip? You can take a mile long guided walking tour through Onondaga Cave itself, opt for a lantern tour of Cathedral Cave, or commit to the bit and explore both caves. The adorable German Heritage Town of Hermann is located in Missouris wine country and is the perfect romantic date trip. River Float Trips - Sullivan, MO | Meramec State Park you need tickets to the park to go in the cave. Molly is an interesting character, so make sure to stop by and learn about her incredible life! And Id actually say if you only have time for one roadside attraction/diversion in Missouri that you should probably make it Meramec Caverns. The POST 1932 route more or less follows I-44 and theres portions where youre actually driving on the interstate so its the quicker route. Named after the patron saint of Paris, Ste. The Top Online Resource for Champaign-Urbana Area Families. Meramec State Park has cabins you can rent and plenty of camping around. It is an absolutely gorgeous and relaxing international experience, in the heart of Missouri! Youll see cows and pastures, grain silos, etc. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Explore There are 3 ways to get from Kansas City to Meramec Caverns by train, car, plane or shuttle Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner. 1135 Highway W. Stanton, MO 63080. Both roads connect back at Gray Summit about 25 miles west of town. It is pretty chilly in the cave. Once youve finished your cave tour, see all of the amenities and attractions that Meramec Caverns has to offer: their riverboats, zipline, and rafts are all notable visitor favorites. On the east side of the state, about an hour southwest of St. Louis, lies Meramec Caverns . There are many small wineries in the area, so make sure to give them a proper examination and find your favorite! Cavern tour takes one hour and twenty minutes to complete covering 1 mile round trip. Bridal Cave is a an amazing site for those who venture to the Lake of the Ozarks. For a good day trip, we recommend keeping your Travel Time below 3 hours. This cave has no electricity and visitors carry lanterns as the maneuver the passages. The big finale is the Stage Curtain theater show. Trip Advisor/ajharmman22 Regardless of when you visit, stop by the gift shop to peruse the selection of souvenirs. St. Louis Airport (STL) to Meramec Caverns - Rome2rio They tried to reattach the formation, but it broke at its weakest point so they still use the metal support. Tour the lush Hermann American Viticultural Area, one of Missouri's top wine-growing regions. It does contain steep parts and many steps. Alternatively, you could enjoy a day on the waterfalls, chutes, and slides at Johnsons Shut-Ins. It was named for Louis IX of France, as the first European settlers there were French fur traders. Rockwoods is in Wildwood along the western edge of St. Louis County, making this one of the more easily accessible cave options for St. Louis residents. The Capitol has been restored and decked out in the furnishings of the period, so it makes for a great interactive history lesson. Boasting over 3,00 nuptials, this cave also offers tours and other family-friendly events. Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park is a natural wonder created a long time ago by cooling volcanic rock. And they have theories, people! Stonehenge: On the campus of Missouri S&T, theres a half scale replica of Stonehenge (14th St & Bishop). The cave stays a comfortable 60 year-round. Travel Times may vary for you, depending on the day and hour you choose to travel. Cave tours are amazing and offer us a glimpse of our world that seems unreal, but a visit to a cave takes preparation, to ensure you have a great time as you walk underground. The entire cave complex stretches upwards past the height of a 7-story building and extraordinary formations can be seen throughout. All summer, Today in St.. Located just outside the Mark Twain National Forest, the park offers unique, elephantine rock formations. Theyve actually built a small theater into one of the biggest formations which does look an awful lot like a curtain. Mark Twain Cave is located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from St. Louis at 300 Cave Hollow Rd., Hannibal, Missouri 63401. What better place to head on a day trip from St Louis than the town known for being the gateway to wine country? Though visitors arent allowed to explore the cave alone, you can take a guided tour for a minimal fee. The sign out front is pretty great and inside its a mish mash of Route 66 souvenirs and antiques. Which state has the longest underground cave? These limestone enclosures are a marvel to behold. Or cake or brownies. Hannibal is on many St Louis lists because of its main claim to fame: it was the boyhood home of author Mark Twain.