Devil's Well: Missouri's Subterranean Secret

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Explore Missouri's hidden wonder: Descend into Devil's Well and witness the beauty of its vast underground lake within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

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Devil's Well

Devil's Well, located near Salem, Missouri, is a collapsed sinkhole leading to the state's largest underground lake. A spiral staircase descends into the earth, offering a glimpse into this unique geological formation.

A brief summary to Devil's Well

Devil's Well Rd, Salem, Missouri, 65560, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Devil's Well.

Visit during daylight hours, as the site is not open at night.
Bring a flashlight or spotlight for a better view of the underground lake, even though there is a motion-activated light.
The road to Devil's Well is steep and rough; it's not recommended for trailers or large motorhomes.
Consider hiking the 4.6-mile trail to Cave Spring to see where the water from Devil's Well emerges.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Montauk State Park

Montauk State Park: Ozark Oasis

Getting There

Car

From Salem, Missouri, head north on Highway 19. Turn west onto Route KK and continue for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Devil's Well Road and follow it for a couple of miles to the parking area. The road is steep and rough. There are no parking fees.
Public Transport

Take a bus or shuttle to Salem, MO. From there, arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to Devil's Well, approximately 10 miles northwest of Salem. Taxi/rideshare costs may vary.

Discover more about Devil's Well

Devil's Well, nestled within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Salem, Missouri, offers a mesmerizing look into the earth's depths. This geological wonder formed when the roof of a massive underground cavern collapsed, creating a sinkhole and revealing a stunning subterranean lake.Descend via a spiral staircase to a viewing platform approximately 100 feet below the surface. From here, you can gaze upon the crystal-clear waters of the underground lake, which stretches approximately 400 feet long and 100 feet wide, with depths reaching up to 80 feet. The water level can fluctuate depending on the weather. The sheer size of the underground chamber has been compared to being large enough to fit a Navy destroyer.Devil's Well is more than just a pretty sight; it's a window into the karst geology of the Ozarks. The well is part of a larger hydrological system that feeds Cave Spring on the Current River. Water from Devil's Well has been traced to Cave Spring, about 4.6 miles away, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the underground waterways.The site is open daily during daylight hours, and there is no admission fee. A motion-activated light illuminates the viewing platform, but bringing your own flashlight is recommended. For those seeking a longer adventure, a 4.6-mile hiking trail connects Devil's Well to Cave Spring.