The aptly named Fantastic Caverns is a subterranean cave complex that follows the path of what was once an underground river. Ride in a jeep-drawn tram through the cool caverns. From your seat, admire the natural features of the cave, including dangling stalactites and gangly stalagmites.
Listen as your guide tells you about the story of the cave’s discovery. A local farmer first came upon the cave in 1862, when his dog crawled in through a narrow opening. Five years later, a team of 12 women adventurers from Springfield, armed with ropes and ladders, ventured inside the cave to explore further. Look for graffiti of the women’s’ names, which they carved into the wall back in the 1860s.
Board the tram and begin your journey along the cave’s well-lit passageway. Inside, the cave is still and quiet, the silence interrupted only by the occasional sound of a water droplet hitting the floor. As you move along, examine the strange formations inside the chambers, which include stalactites and stalagmites, soda straws (narrow and hollow cylindrical tubes), cave pearls (small spherical formations), massive columns and flowstones (flat, sheet-like mineral deposits). As you inspect the features, listen as the guide explains how each was slowly formed over many thousands of years.
The temperature inside Fantastic Caverns remains at a steady 60 F (15 C) year-round. During summer, bring an extra layer of clothing to ensure you are warm enough in the subterranean environment. In winter, the cave is usually significantly warmer than the conditions outside.
Find Fantastic Caves in Springfield, Missouri. The cave is open daily with the exception of major public holidays, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from early morning until dusk. It can be visited only as part of a guided drive-through tour. A fee is charged, though children age 5 and under go free with an adult. Because of the drive-through nature of the tour, this is a particularly good option for young children, the elderly and anyone with limited mobility.
