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Marvel Cave: A Journey into the Ozarks' Depths

Explore the depths of Marvel Cave, a natural wonder and historic landmark beneath Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

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Descend into the depths of Marvel Cave, a National Natural Landmark and the cornerstone of Silver Dollar City. Explore its vast chambers, stunning formations, and rich history on a guided tour, included with your Silver Dollar City admission. Discover why this cave has captivated explorers and visitors for centuries.

A brief summary to Marvel Cave

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs, as the tour involves a significant amount of both.
  • Consider the Lantern Light Tour for a unique, extended experience, but book in advance as space is limited and children under 8 are not permitted.
  • Be aware that the cave tour is not recommended for individuals with heart or lung conditions, back problems, or weak knees/ankles.
  • Arrive at the Marvel Cave Information Desk at the Hospitality House 20 minutes prior to your Lantern Light Tour.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Marvel Cave is located within Silver Dollar City at 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616. From Branson, follow MO-76 W/76 Country Blvd. Turn left onto Indian Point Rd to enter Silver Dollar City. Parking is free in general lots, with trams and buses providing transport to the front gate. Preferred parking is available for a fee. Oversized vehicle parking is also available. From the parking area, follow signs to the park entrance.

  • Taxi

    From Branson Landing, a taxi or rideshare to Silver Dollar City takes approximately 15 minutes. Expect to pay around $18-$22 for the ride. Inform the driver to take you to the main entrance of Silver Dollar City. From the entrance, follow the path to Marvel Cave within the park.

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Discover more about Marvel Cave

Marvel Cave, a captivating natural wonder, lies beneath Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. This 'wet' limestone cave boasts living formations that continue to evolve, offering a glimpse into the Earth's artistry. Originally known as Marble Cave, early explorers in 1882 mistook its ceiling for marble. Though the marble never materialized, the name stuck until after William Lynch's death in 1927. Lynch, a Canadian entrepreneur, purchased the cave in 1889 and opened it to the public in 1894, establishing it as a premier Ozarks tourist attraction. In 1950, Hugo Herschend leased the cave and, by 1960, developed Silver Dollar City around its entrance, integrating the cave experience into the theme park. Today, tours depart regularly, leading visitors 300 feet below the surface to the Cathedral Room, one of the largest cave entrance chambers in North America. The standard tour lasts approximately one hour and involves traversing numerous stairs and ramps. A trained guide shares historical and geological insights, while a unique cable train carries visitors back to the surface. For a different experience, the Lantern Light Tour offers a 90-minute exploration by lantern light, venturing into the Mammoth Room and highlighting features like the bat wall and a Spanish ladder dating back to 1541. Marvel Cave's history is as intriguing as its geology. Spanish explorers sought riches and the Fountain of Youth in the 16th century, while the Osage Indians knew the cave as 'The Devil's Den'. The cave also has ties to the Bald Knobbers, a vigilante group from the area.

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