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Stark Caverns: A Journey Through Time

Explore Missouri's Stark Caverns: A world of geological wonders, Native American history, and family fun awaits near Lake of the Ozarks.

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Explore the depths of Stark Caverns, a captivating natural wonder near the Lake of the Ozarks. Discover stunning geological formations, Native American artifacts, and a colorful history spanning millennia within this accessible and family-friendly cave system.

A brief summary to Stark Caverns

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the cave paths can be wet and uneven.
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave maintains a constant cool temperature of 57°F (14°C).
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the gravel road leading to the caverns can be challenging in inclement weather.
  • Consider booking your tour online in advance, especially for specialty tours like the Black Light Tour or Escape Room.
  • Allow extra time to enjoy the outdoor activities, such as sluice mining and hiking, and to relax on the Visitor Center's covered porch.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Stark Caverns is located at 125 Cave Dr, Eldon, MO 65026. From Lake of the Ozarks, head east on Highway 54. Turn onto Cave Drive and follow it to the caverns. Parking is available on-site, with ample space for vehicles of all sizes, including trailers and RVs. The road to access the caverns is gravel, ending in a fairly steep hill down to the caverns. Parking is free. Be prepared for potentially challenging road conditions in inclement weather.

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Discover more about Stark Caverns

Stark Caverns, located near the Lake of the Ozarks in Eldon, Missouri, offers a unique journey through geological wonders and human history. The cave's history stretches back to its formation during the Ordovician Period, with fossils embedded in its walls. Evidence suggests Native American tribes used the caverns as far back as the Early Archaic period. The cave was known informally by several names until 1950 – Stark's Cave, Aurora Cave, Aurora Springs Cave, Miller County Cave and the Mammoth Cave of Miller County. In the early 1800s, settlers discovered the cave, and it was later named Stark Cave after its first owner, Charles Stark. The cave has served many purposes over the years, including use as a hideout during the Civil War, a moonshine distillery and speakeasy during prohibition, and even a dance hall and skating rink. Today, Stark Caverns is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours through its impressive formations. Visitors can explore four levels of the cavern, marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, and fluorescent minerals, and learn about the cave's geology and history. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 57°F (14°C) year-round. In addition to the traditional cave tour, Stark Caverns offers unique experiences such as black light tours, which reveal the fluorescent minerals within the cave, and an escape room located inside the cave. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as sluice mining, geode cracking, and hiking trails.

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