Stark Caverns

Each year, school groups from all over the region take trips to learn about the caverns here in Eldon, Missouri . Because education is an essential part of the mission at Stark Caverns , we are always looking at ways of improving the experience for students. In 2020, we are excited to announce the development of a new curriculum in partnership with the Museum at Prairie Fire in Kansas City . Designed to support the education standards of the state of Missouri, the goal is to create a menu of interactive learning experiences for students grades K - 8. Instead of a standard cave tour, students will visit stations throughout the cave where they will experience lessons on history, geology, biology, conservation, and engineering. Each lesson will be designed to have visual, auditory and tactile learning opportunities. Interactive learning experiences improve a student’s ability to retain information. The design of this new curriculum will allow continued expansion of activities

One of the most exciting parts of Scouting is camping out with your troop. However, in the midwest, this activity tends to be limited by weather for a good majority of the year, but no longer... StarkCaverns invites Scouts to come inside and enjoy the great outdoors. Consistently warmer inside the cave than out, your troop can enjoy camping in the cave anytime. Our facilities make it easy for you to provide an educational experience with a lot of “WOW” factor. This exciting camping adventure will include a tour of the cave, where Scouts will learn about the different types of rocks and formations native to Missouri . In addition, they’ll have an opportunity to learn how people throughout the ages have utilized caves, see tools and equipment necessary for early exploration, and experience an underground world of water and wildlife. “Scouting is a great way to connect with nature, history, and each other. We want to be a part of that journey, and we want to make it easy for

A romantic stroll, delicious food, artisan wines & beers... Where can you celebrate Valentine’s Day with this combination of activities? Underground of course. Stark Caverns invites you to share an adventure as unique as your relationship with a one-of-a-kind pairing event on February 14, 2020. Local Chef Allen Plemmons has created a brand new menu of culinary creations crafted to complement selections from a number of regional wineries and breweries. His roasted pork loin with squash hash and apple balsamic will pair beautifully with the Peanut Butter Stout created by Lake of the Ozarks Brewing Company . Seven Springs Winery will showcase their locally grown & produced Dry Vignoles alongside Plemmons’ fall chutney and goat cheese crostini. A specialty spicy pork tostada has been created to work with the flavors of black currants and cherry in Canterbury Hill Winery ’s signature “Excalibur” . Camdenton, MO based Golden Rock Winery ’s Green Apple Gewurztraminer will acc

The great thing about caves is that every single one is unique. Beautiful underground worlds created by water & time. Stark Caverns not only boasts a variety of amazing formations but also provides a journey through the history of Missouri . Opened as a show cave on May 11, 1950, tour guides have been educating guests on the uses of the cave for decades. Late Woodland period Native Americans used the cave for shelter, leaving behind bone fragments, arrowheads, and fire rings. Purchased by the Stark family in the 1800s, the cave has served as everything from a cattle barn to a skating rink. The perfect place to store produce during the long winters and to keep cool while performing regular chores like churning or spinning in the summer. Bear beds are still visible throughout the cave, along with signatures and antique equipment left behind by early explorers. Moonshiners found the crystal clear water perfect for producing shine, and the many crevices and passageways