#4 Meramec Caverns (Missouri)
Missouri is referred to as the “Cave State” because there are more than 6,400 caves that have been identified, yet only twenty are open to the general public for guided tours. Because of its location alongside historic Route 66, its reputation as a previous refuge for bandit Jesse James and his crew, and its history as a destination along the Underground Railroad, Meramec Caverns is the biggest and most popular system of the group.
Nowadays, well-lit guided tour roads are flanked with artificial props, neon signage, and mood lighting in a variety of colors. An old limestone structure called the “Wine Table”—which they refer to as the “world’s rarest cave structure”—and a seven-story “mansion” constructed beneath are among the attractions that Meramec’s 150,000 annual tourists may look forward to seeing.
Starting at 9:00 a.m. every day, tours are provided every 20 minutes. Tickets cost between $13 and $24 for adults and children aged 5 to 11.
