Mark Twain Cave, Show cave and National Natural Landmark in Hannibal, Missouri
Mark Twain Cave is a limestone cavern with multiple underground passages and natural formations that developed over millions of years. The network extends through various chambers, creating a labyrinthine system that visitors can explore on guided tours.
Originally called McDowell's Cave, the site opened as a tourist destination in 1886 and became the oldest continuously operated show cave in the state. The name changed to Mark Twain Cave in 1880 after the author's literary connection transformed its reputation.
Samuel Clemens, writing as Mark Twain, featured this cave in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as McDougal's Cave, forever linking it to the boy's adventures. The novel transformed the site into a symbol of childhood exploration and freedom that resonates with readers today.
The cave maintains a steady underground temperature around 52 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) throughout the year, so a light jacket is helpful even during warm months. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip since pathways can be uneven and sometimes slippery.
The cavern contains Louisiana Lithographic Limestone, a soft limestone type found naturally only in the region around Hannibal and Louisiana, Missouri. This rare stone shapes the cave's appearance and the character of its rock formations.
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