Built For Guests

When Jeff and Amy Hargroves purchased Stark Caverns, one of their first goals was to erect a new Visitors Center. Their vision was to create a welcoming place where guests could enjoy more than just a tour of the cave.

The two-story building has the look of an old-fashioned general store. A wide wrap-around porch features oversized Adirondack rockers that make a comfortable spot for guests to observe the fauna that often visits the property, including hummingbirds, ducks, geese, deer, and turtles.

A water tower allows guests to experience old-fashioned sluicing, where they are delighted to discover gems and fossils to add to their collections. Rockhounds are able to crack geodes, a spherical rock that is lined with crystals on the inside, creating their own unique souvenir.

Upstairs, there is a multi-purpose room that houses the beginnings of Stark Caverns’ museum. Artifacts on display include arrowheads, cave specimens, and antique advertising materials from years gone by. In addition, the room is available for rent for birthday parties, banquets, business meetings, and more. Recently, the room has been used as a gathering spot for Leadership Miller County, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The main floor of the Visitors Center features a well-curated gift shop designed to offer something for every visitor. Educational books about caves, wildlife and the history of Missouri are on hand, along with designer jewelry, collectible minerals, and hand-crafted gifts.

As you make plans to visit Stark Caverns, be sure to save some time to see all that the Visitors Center has to offer.