Current River State Park
Current River State Park: A Retreat into History and Nature
Round Spring Cave: An Ozark Underground Adventure
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Round Spring Cave in Missouri's Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Explore unique formations and diverse wildlife!
Explore the depths of Round Spring Cave, a stunning natural cavern within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. With guided lantern tours, discover unique geological formations and diverse cave wildlife in this well-preserved subterranean world near Eminence, Missouri.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Round Spring Cave
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Eminence, Missouri, 65466, US
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Getting There
Driving
From Eminence, Missouri, head north on Highway 19 for approximately 12.3 miles. Look for signs for Round Spring and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Turn into the Round Spring area and follow the road towards the Round Spring Ranger Station. Park in the designated parking area near the ranger station. From there, it's a short walk to the cave entrance. Note that there are no entrance fees for the park itself. Parking is free.
Walking
From the Round Spring Ranger Station, walk downhill and keep to the left. Pass under the bridge and continue straight until you reach the parking lot for the cave. The cave entrance is a short walk from the parking lot. Follow the trail leading to the cave entrance. Be prepared for a slightly uphill walk on a natural surface.
Local tips
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Check the official National Park Service website for current tour availability and schedules, as tours are seasonal and subject to change.
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Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces and potentially slippery conditions inside the cave.
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Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave temperature remains cool year-round.
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Arrive early to secure your spot on a tour, as group sizes are limited.
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Combine your cave visit with a walk around Round Spring and a picnic to fully enjoy the scenic area.
Discover more about Round Spring Cave
Round Spring Cave, nestled within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, Missouri, offers a captivating journey into the underground. This natural cavern is renowned for its well-preserved geological formations, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into the subterranean wonders of the Ozarks.The cave's history stretches back to 1936 when it was first opened as a privately run show cave. In 1970, the National Park Service took ownership, transforming it into an educational resource. Today, the NPS offers guided lantern tours that delve into the cave's geology, hydrology, karst topography, and the fascinating wildlife that call it home.Visitors can explore chambers adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, shaped over thousands of years by the forces of nature. The cave maintains a consistent temperature of around 14°C (57°F), so a light jacket is recommended. The lantern tours, typically lasting 60-90 minutes, navigate through corridors that may require some crouching and careful footing.Round Spring itself is a highlight, with approximately 26 million gallons of water flowing from it daily. The spring rises from a circular pool, about 55 feet deep, before flowing under a natural bridge to meet the Current River. The area surrounding the cave and spring offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and immersing oneself in the natural beauty of the Ozarks.Note that Round Spring Cave tours are currently suspended for the 2025 season due to flood damage to the bridge leading to the cave, with a replacement scheduled for July.
A brief summary to Round Spring Cave
Use Round Spring Cave as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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