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Meramec Caverns

1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080 · Sullivan, MO

Why you should go…

Advertised on barn roofs and billboards since the 1930s, Meramec Caverns is the most-visited cave in Missouri and a certified Route 66 legend, about an hour southwest of St. Louis. Guided 80-minute walking tours cover 1.25 miles of limestone chambers, ending at the seven-story Stage Curtain, one of the largest cave formations of its kind. Folklore holds that Jesse James used the caverns as a hideout, the gift shop leans in. Tours depart every 20 to 30 minutes; the cave stays a constant 60 degrees.

  • #cave
  • #route 66
  • #jesse james
  • #day trip
  • #underground

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Meramec Caverns, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Local Gem

    Adam Puchta Winery

    Under $25

    America's oldest continuously family-owned winery, pouring Missouri wines since 1855.

    36 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Hermann Wine Trail

    Free

    A self-guided wine trail linking family-owned wineries along the Missouri River near Hermann.

    37 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Hermann Visitor Information Center

    Free

    The visitor center for Hermann, a Missouri River wine country town known for German heritage and historic wineries.

    37 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    WOW Entertainment

    $25–$50

    Family entertainment complex with mini golf, duckpin bowling, golf simulators and virtual reality.

    39 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family favorite

    Grant's Farm

    Free

    The Busch family's 281-acre estate: free admission, a tram through roaming deer and bison, goat-feeding chaos, and the famous Clydesdales.

    45 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Saint Louis Zoo

    Free

    One of America's top-rated zoos, 14,000 animals in beautiful Forest Park habitats, and admission is always free.

    51 mi awayMore like this