Stark Caverns

Rocks that glow. That’s the easiest way to describe  fluorescent minerals . A more technical definition is that certain minerals absorb light, and under the right conditions, release it to reveal a different color. Experts agree the best conditions for viewing fluorescent minerals are in the dark using an ultraviolet light. Putting these thoughts together, Stark Caverns has developed a unique, guided tour that allows you to view a number of these minerals first hand.  Outfitted with helmets, safety goggles, and a hand-held black light, guests are able to experience a variety of colors that naturally occur inside of the cave. Your experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will explain the science of fluorescence while highlighting unique formations and deposits of calcite, iron, manganese , and nickel.  Stark Caverns is one of only a handful of caves in the country able to offer this experience, due to the prevalence of calcite and our wide walking ...

Geodes are like nature’s own Easter eggs. Often spherical in shape, their tough outer layer hides a beautiful lining of minerals that vary in size and color. Formed by a number of different methods, they are most often found in specific geological areas, including volcanic and sedimentary deposits. Popular not just among geologists and rock hunters , people from all walks of life are intrigued to discover what lies inside a geode. To discover the hidden secret, geodes are cracked open in a variety of ways, from chisel & hammer to sophisticated machines. Stark Caverns offers guests a hands-on experience to crack open their own geodes using the pipe cutter method . After purchasing a geode in the gift shop, visitors are able to proceed to the front porch cracking station where their guide will oversee the process. Wearing protective goggles and gloves, guests place their geode inside a segment of chain which creates pressure points around the geode. Pressing the le...

Interested in taking a cave tour, but not sure what to expect? That is often the case as tourists ponder the option of visiting one of Missouri’s amazing caves. Stark Caverns is a great experience for first-time cave-exploration. Our wide, paved walking paths make the cavern 85% wheel-chair accessible, and allow even the most claustrophobic individuals plenty of breathing room.  Stepping inside the cave is always a wow moment as visitors are exposed to the grandeur of Stark Caverns. The vast width and breadth of the cave is immediately visible as folks begin the tour by crossing the boardwalk through the center of the cavern. Surrounded by unique formations, your tour guide will explain how people and wildlife have utilized the cave for shelter, food, and protection across the ages. Carved by water from dolomite and chert , visitors will be able to see formations like soda straws, draperies, and cave bacon. Fossilized seaweed and crinoids offer a glimpse of the M...

A New Adventure Based On The Caverns History With Moonshining! This summer, you are invited to play “Bootlegger’s Bequest”; a new Cave Escape Adventure at Stark Caverns ! Friday and Saturday evenings, the cave becomes an escape room where you and your friends can try your luck to find the clues, solve the puzzles, and unlock the secrets to beat the clock and escape the cave. “Cave Escape has been a fan favorite for the past few years here at Stark Caverns,” says Operations Manager, Chaz Jesiolowski. “With this new storyline, we’re tapping into the history of the cave, which was used by moonshiners in the late 1800s. We want to give players a chance to really immerse themselves into the story which is what makes escape rooms so much fun.” Escape rooms have grown in popularity over the past decade, but Stark Caverns is still unique as one of the only places to play inside an actual cave. Operational changes have been put in place this year amid current health concerns to create...

Come Inside & Enjoy The Great Outdoors! Stark Caverns is excited to announce that we will open for tours on Thursday, May 7, 2020.   The safety and wellbeing of our guests and employees is our first priority, and we will continue to do our part to prevent the spread. Stark Caverns is closely following the recommendations provided by the CDC .   Each tour size is limited, and tickets must be purchased in advance online. Guests will also have the option to purchase the entire tour time. During your visit, we recommend following normal social distancing guidelines, maintaining 6’ between non-family members, washing your hands before and after your visit, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Masks and facial coverings are appropriate and welcome. In fact, Stark Caverns is so committed to helping stop the spread, that we are donating $1 to the UnitedWay of Central Missouri’s COVID-19 Response Fund for every paid guest that chooses to wear a mask during t...

Tell Us Your Cave Story! Student authors are invited to submit their “Cave Story” for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate and two passes to Stark Caverns. Caves have provided plenty of inspiration for great stories over the years, in both fiction and non-fiction categories. As an education and community-focused organization, Stark Caverns wants to encourage young writers to use their creative writing skills to tell a few more. Stories can be about an actual visit to Stark Caverns, or a completely made up adventure of the writer’s design. Photos of the cave are available on the Stark Caverns website or social media platforms to provide some inspiration, along with a few fun writing prompts if you need help getting started. The contest is open to all students ages 5 – 17 and prizes will be awarded in each grade group: K - 3; 4 - 6; 7 - 8; 9 - 12. Stories can be fiction or non-fiction and must be submitted online by Saturday, May 9, 2020. Selected stories may be shared by S...

Most merit badges require plenty of study and preparation. In addition, they also require some hands-on experience. Our goal is to help Scouts working on their merit badges meet a portion of those requirements during their visit to Stark Caverns .   For example, BSA Scouts interested in archaeology can make Stark Caverns one of their research sites. We’re easy to find on a map, our tour offers plenty of information about the Native Americans who used the cave during the Late Woodland Period , including tools, lifestyle, and artifacts. Materials gathered during your visit will help to prepare the required group presentation, and meet the requirements for studying a culture that lived here more than 100 years ago. GSA , Trail Life , and BSA all have camping requirements that can be fulfilled at Stark Caverns. Not only will scouts experience a unique adventure , spending the night inside the cave; but they can also fulfill requirements in expedition planning , cooki...

Educators are invited to enjoy an evening of refreshments and learning on Thursday, February 27. This free event will offer a preview of the new in-cave, hands-on learning program being unveiled this year for elementary and secondary school students at Stark Caverns. In cooperation with the Museum atPrariefire , an affiliate of the American Museum of Natural History , Stark Caverns has developed an exciting new curriculum that aligns with MissouriLearning Standards . Students will experience a series of learning stations with lessons in Social Studies, Science, and English Language Arts, designed with auditory, visual, and hands-on elements. Complimentary appetizers, wine, beer, and beverages will be served. Educators are welcome to stop in anytime between 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm and are encouraged to allow at least thirty minutes to enjoy the experience. Stark Caverns appreciates the investment that educators make in their students, so there is no cost to attend the event, al...

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...