Bridal Cave, Show cave at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, US.
Bridal Cave is a limestone cave at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri with formations extending roughly one mile through the rock. A quarter of the cavern system is accessible to visitors on guided tours.
The first five rooms opened to visitors on October 16, 1948, after the original entrance was enlarged to allow access. Since then the site has developed into an established tourist attraction.
The cave takes its name from a 1933 story about an Osage Native American wedding between Buffalo and Irona, documented in Indian Romances by R.G. Scott. This legend shapes how visitors understand the place and its significance today.
The cave maintains a steady temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, so bringing a light jacket is wise. Access is available by boat or on foot, with ample parking available for guests.
Inside the cave lies Mystery Lake, an underground body of water roughly 18 to 20 feet deep containing ancient wooden structures. Scientists cannot precisely determine the age of these wood remnants because deterioration has made dating difficult.
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