If your road trip toward the Ozarks cuts through Illinois or Missouri, you’ve likely noticed the blaring billboards along the interstate that try to lure you into Meramec Caverns. I’m from up North, and any time I’ve traveled South, I always see these signs. Still, I always thought it was some tourist trap not worth my time.
That was—until someone convinced me it was worth stopping to see. Read on to find out what Meramec Caverns has to offer and whether you want to add a stop for it during your family vacation to the Ozarks.
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The Experience
I wasn’t expecting much as we pulled off the interstate and followed the signs to Meramac Caverns. Boy, was I surprised at the sight I was about to see.
As we pulled into the grounds, I quickly realized that this place was much more than a crappy cave tour. The adventure begins in the parking lot; as you park your vehicle, you can enjoy watching tourists zipline from the towers just overhead! Also in the parking lot, there’s easy access to the Meramec River, where you find people enjoying the water. A riverboat hut is located near, where I imagine they provide boat tours.
During this visit, we only came to see the caves. So, as soon as we finished absorbing the sights, we went inside to find the tour. We found the ticket booth (but tickets are also available online), purchased tickets, and then waited for the tour time, which gave us about twenty minutes. We chose to wait in line during this time to make sure we got a front spot during the tour. The line forms inside the building at the entrance of the cave.
Our tour group included approximately 30 people or so. The tour guide took our tickets and let us in, where we could look around freely until the official start. The guided tour was interesting and informative, but sometimes challenging to hear, depending how far away the guide was. That's okay because the beauty of the cavern speaks for itself.
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The experience lasted for quite a while, an hour and twenty minutes, with lots of walking (the tour is over a mile). There was some optional climbing, and even a beautiful light display presentation projected on the formations inside the cavern theatre. It was a show that delighted our ears with the patriotic tune of “God Bless America.” It was truly a unique experience.
Afterward, we warmed up (it gets cold in the caverns) and got lunch and ice cream in the restaurant. We took a gander at the items in the gift shop before we headed back home. We left with a new perspective on this place known as Meramec Caverns. We left with the feeling that we needed to return another time to enjoy the full experience that this venue has to offer.
What Else Does Meramec Caverns Have to Offer?
If it’s winter during your visit, there’s not a lot else going on here other than the extraordinary cave tours. But if it’s summer… well, that’s a different story. There is so much more to do when the weather is nicer.
Stay Overnight at Meramec Caverns
Meramec Caverns tour was great, but it's more than just beautiful caves in the summertime. This place is a resort in itself (during the summer, anyways). You can stay right on the river at the campground from April through October in your tent or RV for a reasonable cost. There’s a camp store in case you forgot any essentials, plus a shower house to get cleaned up after a day full of adventure.
If you forgo packing your camping gear, you can also stay on site at Meramec Caverns Motel for under $100 per night. The place is only open from April through October, so you can enjoy all of the outdoor activities that Meramec Caverns offers seasonally.
Adventurous Activities to do at Meramec Caverns
If anyone in your family enjoys a thrill, try out Caveman Zipline. This adventure is reasonably priced (with a discount for active military) and can be a fun way to spend a few hours for those in your group. There are some limitations on who can participate: Must be over 10 years of age, weigh between 80-250 lbs, and not pregnant. Currently, ziplining is open from April through October.
If the zipline is too scary, there are other adventurous climbing options for ages 3+ with a 35-250 lbs weight requirement, including:
40’ Caveman Climbing Wall
Quick Jump (age 8+)
Ropes Course (age 8+)
Little Kids Rope Course (37”+ height, ages 3-10)
Read: Zipline in the Ozarks >>
Play on the Water at Meramec Caverns
In case you didn’t know (we didn’t), Meramec Caverns is located right on the Meramec River. You can float down the river in kayaks, canoes, or rafts available for rent from Meramec Caverns! There are age restrictions on the kayaks and canoes, but if your kiddos are over three years old, you’re good to go with a raft, which can accommodate your entire family. This adventure can be a little pricey, but it promises six miles of fun.
Riverboat rides are another way to enjoy the river with less risk of tipping or getting wet! This short tour lasts 30 minutes in the Cavern Queen riverboat. And the pricing is affordable for families.
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Planning Your Visit
Meramec Caverns is a great place to visit any time of year. However, if you’re coming during the summer months, keep in mind that there’s a lot more to do, and it may warrant a longer stay in the area.
Meramec Caverns is open year-round, but tour days and times are limited throughout the colder months. Before you go, verify the touring hours and check that any activities that you’d like to do will be operational.
If you plan on staying at the campground or motel during the summer months, be sure to reserve your spot early. For cave tours and other activities, you can reserve tickets online or book them in person during your visit.
Keep in mind that you can bring dogs to camp, float, or stay in the motel (for a fee), but not inside the facility or in rafts on the river. There is a kennel service available for free so that you can enjoy the cave tour.
If you have children under the age of 3, you might want to wait to visit Meramec Caverns until they are a little older, so that they can enjoy all of the activities.
Is Meramec Caverns Worth it?
Yes! The cave tour was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we would recommend to everyone. We were shocked to learn about all of the additional things to do at Meramec Caverns during the summer. We would totally go back and camp here to enjoy the rest that this place offers!
Tips to Book Your Trip
Here are a few helpful links to plan your trip to Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Missouri
Rent a Car: Roadtrips are the best way to experience the Ozarks, get the best rates on Economy Bookings
Reserve Your Camping Spot or Hotel Room: Book online with Meramec Caverns
Get Tour Tickets: While walk-ins are welcome, you can reserve tickets ahead of time here