Step inside Meramec Caverns, Missouri’s largest commercial cave, and explore stunning underground formations on a private guided tour. Experience colorful light shows and captivating geology that will amaze and inspire.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including children and seniors, with mostly flat walking inside the cave.
Wildlife
History
Meramec Caverns have a rich history dating back thousands of years and were once used as shelter by Native Americans and rumored hideouts by outlaws.
Conservation
The caverns employ careful environmental management to preserve delicate formations and educate visitors on minimizing human impact.
Meramec Caverns
Step inside Meramec Caverns, Missouri’s largest commercial cave, and explore stunning underground formations on a private guided tour. Experience colorful light shows and captivating geology that will amaze and inspire.
Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Missouri, is a long-established tourist attraction offering guided cavern tours, lodging, campground facilities, and river experiences. The site is home to Missouri's largest commercial cave and features rare underground formations showcased on the guided Cavern Tour and the iconic Theatre Room Light-Show. Visitors can book historic cave tours that highlight geology, cave history, and notable formations.
Beyond the cave, Meramec Caverns operates the La Jolla Natural Park motel and campground. Motel rooms include double and triple bed options with mini fridges and microwaves; a pet-friendly double room option is available seasonally. Campground choices range from primitive tent sites to electric sites suitable for RVs with up to 50 amp service, with sites numbered for reservation.
Seasonal outdoor experiences include guided float trips down the Meramec River, where families can canoe or raft to the caverns, and the Caveman Zipline, a guided zipline course with multiple sky-bridges and high-speed runs. Amenities at the park include shaded picnic areas, riverfront sites, barbecue pits, playgrounds, and restrooms.
Meramec Caverns maintains a focus on safety and visitor information through guided experiences and staffed facilities. Operating seasons and amenities are clearly posted for motel stays (April–October) and outdoor activities. As a long-running commercial attraction in Sullivan, Meramec Caverns combines natural geology, family accommodation, and outdoor recreation to deliver reliable visitor experiences throughout the season.
On-site staff provide directions, safety briefings, and ticketing; reservations are recommended for popular experiences and lodging during peak summer and holiday weekends for accurate availability and planning.
Tours Offered
11 Experiences
Cavern tours, zipline, floats, lodging
Location
Sullivan, MO
Situated on the Meramec River
RV Power
50 amp Sites
Electric hookups for RVs
Camping Options
Primitive & Electric
1–7 night stays available
Reserve a Cavern Tour, Caveman Zipline run, float trip, motel room, or campground site—check seasonal availability and book ahead.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cavern floors can be uneven and slippery, so sturdy closed-toe shoes with good traction are highly recommended.
Bring a Light Jacket
The cave maintains a cool temperature year-round, usually around 58°F, so dressing in layers ensures comfort during the tour.
Follow the Guide Closely
Stay with your guide to avoid missing important information and to ensure safety in the dimly lit cavern.
Limit Flash Photography
Flashes can disturb the cave environment and other visitors; use low-light settings or no flash to capture your experience respectfully.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Provides good traction and foot support for navigating uneven cave floors.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you warm in the cave’s consistently cool environment.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated before and after the tour; water is not consumed inside the cave.
Camera with Low-Light Settings
Capture the beauty of the cave formations and light show without flash.