Current River Cavern, Show cave in Van Buren, Missouri, US.
Current River Cavern is a show cave in Missouri that extends roughly 75 meters (240 feet) through dolomite rock and features an underground stream running continuously through its passages. The cave demonstrates how water gradually carves open spaces within rock over time.
The cave first opened to visitors in 1940 under the name Cave Spring Onyx Caverns. A detailed survey completed in 1996 documented the exact structure of the underground passages.
The cavern serves visitors as a place to understand how underground water shapes rock and discover the creatures that live in darkness. Visitors walk through passages where an active stream continues to carve its path through the formations.
Your tour takes you through the cave's main passages and allows you to see all the important areas. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket, since the ground is uneven and the temperature underground stays consistently cool.
The cave uses a wireless LED lighting system powered by batteries, which was groundbreaking for show caves when first installed. This technology allows visitors to explore safely while keeping the natural darkness of the underground environment largely intact.
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