Located at 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803, Fantastic Caverns is the only ride-through cave in North America. The 55-minute tour takes place inside a Jeep-drawn tram that follows a path left by an ancient underground river. As you move through the cave, you can take pictures and watch the natural formations. One of the cave’s most fascinating facts is the cave’s history. In 1862, the cave was discovered by a landowner. He advertised the cave and invited cave explorers to explore. Twelve women responded, armed with torches, lanterns, ropes, and ladders. Once inside, they discovered pristine chambers and large formations.
The cave is home to a variety of cave animals. The animals found here are called troglomorphs. They live underground in the constant darkness and don’t ever see the sun. The cave is filled with stunning rock formations that look like they were hand carved and were created from redeposited minerals millions of years ago.
Located near Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns is an interesting place to visit. The cave’s history includes many interesting facts. It was discovered in 1862 by a farmer, and five years later, women explored it for the first time. Today, the cave is privately owned, and tours are conducted in jeeps. This way, the tour does not disturb the fragile environment. Guests can spend about 55 minutes in the cave.
While the caves are commercial, they still represent a natural wonder. They must be preserved and protected. The cave’s delicate flowstones and fluted draperies are a stunning sight. They are also filled with spindly stems of flowers. However, without the necessary access, most visitors would not be able to appreciate this beauty.
The temperatures inside Fantastic Caverns are usually around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the cave a year-round attraction for all visitors. Even during the hottest months of the year, the cave is typically cooler than the outside conditions. The tour is accompanied by a video that explains the connections between cave life and the formation of the caverns.
Tours last about an hour and are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Because the passageways are so narrow, the number of people per group is limited. Educational and nonprofit organizations may enjoy discounted rates. The cave is not handicap accessible. But, it is a fun place for families with small children.
Despite being a popular tourist attraction, Fantastic Caverns did not always stay that way. Over the years, it changed hands several times and changed names. While some owners opted to keep the cave private, others decided to open it up to the public. Some even built music venues within the caves and turned the largest room into an amphitheater. During the 1950s, the caverns hosted a Farmarama concert that was broadcast on NBC radio stations. The show also featured a number of notable country musicians, including Ray Price, Jeannie Riley, and Lefty Frizzell.
The cave is operated by Herschend Family Entertainment and is one of the state’s largest caves. It is also one of the longest-running public tourist attractions in the Ozark Mountains region. The cave is open to the public from mid-March through mid-January. Admission to Silver Dollar City allows access to the cave.
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