Fantastic Caverns

Fantastic Caverns is a limestone cave system near Springfield featuring naturally formed passages with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones throughout. The passages wind through the earth for miles, revealing the geological layers that built up over thousands of years.

Twelve members of the Springfield Women's Athletic Club became the first documented explorers in 1867, leaving their names carved in the stone. The cave later served conflicting purposes before becoming the public natural attraction it is today.

The cave transformed from a troubled past into a destination where visitors today experience the underground landscape as a natural wonder. Local families and tourists alike come to connect with the geology beneath their feet and appreciate what lies hidden below the surface.

The underground passages stay cool year-round, so bringing a light jacket keeps you comfortable regardless of the season. The paths are well-maintained and easy to walk, making the experience accessible to visitors of different abilities.

This is the only completely ride-through cave tour in North America, where visitors travel in Jeep-drawn trams rather than walking. The route traces an ancient underground river path that shaped the passages over countless years.

Location: Missouri

GPS coordinates: 37.28739,-93.35850

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:54