EXPLORE Meramec Caverns in Stanton Missouri
Meramec Caverns: Where Outlaws Roamed and Legends Live – Big Mike’s Route 66 Adventure
Hey there, Route 66 road warriors, Big Mike here, and I’m about to tell you about a place that’s got it all: natural beauty, a whole lot of history, and a big ol’ dose of outlaw legend. I’m talkin’ about Meramec Caverns in Stanton Missouri, a must-see stop on your Mother Road adventure!
Planning a Route 66 trip? Watch my Meramec Caverns video tour to see why this historic cave is a must-see!
A Natural Wonder with a Shady Past
Now, these caverns are somethin’ special. They’re the largest commercial cave in Missouri, and they’ve been wowing visitors since way back in 1933. We’re talkin’ millions of years of geological formations, folks, with stalactites hangin’ down like stone icicles and stalagmites reachin’ up from the floor, creatin’ a scene that’s straight out of a fantasy movie. The cave is 4.6 miles long and has seven stories.
But here’s where things get real interestin’. These caverns ain’t just pretty; they’ve got a reputation. You see, back in the 1870s they were known as Saltpeter Cave. They say Jesse James and his gang used these very caves as a hideout. That’s right, the most famous outlaw in the West was rumored to have used this vast cave system, with all its hidden chambers and secret passages, to disappear from the law after pullin’ off their daring robberies.
The story goes that Jesse and his brother Frank were bein’ chased by the law, and they vanished into these caves. No one could find ’em. Some folks even say they stashed some of their loot deep inside the cave. The law tracked them to the cave but could never find them in the extensive cave system. The James Gang used many caves throughout Missouri as hideouts, so this is not out of the realm of possibility. The cave was also used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, it was used to mine for saltpeter, which was used to make gunpowder.
Now, I can’t say for sure if Jesse James actually walked these caverns, but the legend is as much a part of Meramec Caverns as the stalactites and stalagmites. And it sure makes explorin’ the cave a whole lot more excitin’!
The Guided Tour: An Unforgettable Journey
When you visit Meramec Caverns, you gotta take one of the guided tours. I recently took the tour myself, and let me tell you, it was amazing! These guides are experts, and they lead you on a well-lit paved walkway deep into the cave, pointin’ out all the incredible formations. You’ll see the famous “Wine Room,” with its Grape Arbor, this incredibly rare formation of aragonite crystals. The tour is about a mile and a quarter long, and it’s not too strenuous, so most folks can handle it.
The guides also share all the fascinating history of the cave, from its geological formation to its use as a saltpeter mine during the Civil War, and, of course, they tell you all about the Jesse James legend. They really bring the cave to life with their stories and their knowledge. There is even a light and sound show at the end.
More Than Just a Cave
But Meramec Caverns ain’t just about the underground stuff. They’ve got a whole complex of activities, includin’ a motel, a restaurant, a gift shop, and even a campground. You can take a float trip down the Meramec River, rent a canoe, or try your luck at panning for gemstones. There’s even a zipline for the thrill-seekers in the family. There is also a wax museum on site. The Jesse James Museum was a separate museum that was dedicated to the legend of Jesse James. It was opened in 1959. It has been closed for several years now, and it is unclear if it will reopen.
Big Mike’s Bottom Line
Meramec Caverns is a true Route 66 classic. It’s a place where you can explore a natural wonder, soak up some history, and maybe even walk in the footsteps (or should I say, hoof prints?) of a legendary outlaw. So, if you’re lookin’ for adventure on the Mother Road, make sure Meramec Caverns is on your list! The truth is that you will have a great time.
Route 66 Attractions in Stanton, Missouri
- Meramec Caverns Stanton, MO – Found at 1135 Highway W, Stanton, MO 63079.
