Stark Caverns

At  Stark Caverns , our number one priority is the health and safety of our guests and employees. To do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, Stark Caverns will temporarily suspend all tours and activities beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Please continue to follow us on social media at @starkcaverns and stay connected with us online. # SlowTheSpread   # SafetyFirst   # LakeOfTheOzarks   # StarkCaverns

Are you passionate about culture, nature, & history? Do you love interacting with those around you about the beauty and nature of Missouri? Put your talents to work at Stark Caverns! Our Operations Team is looking for dedicated, hard-working individuals to add to our growing team. Candidates should have a professional, clean appearance, excellent interpersonal skills, and be comfortable with store technology. The ideal candidate will enjoy working outdoors and educating oth ers about Stark Caverns as well as continuing their knowledge to be the best they can be. Candidates should also be comfortable speaking to groups and enjoy social interaction. Responsibilities include assisting customers in the store, leading customers on tours of the cave, serving customers during educational & entertainment events, and helping with general maintenance & upkeep of the property. Work hours vary based on staffing levels, special event needs, and weather. To apply, go to  h...

Did you know that the state of Missouri is home to over 7,600 caves? Called “The Cave State” , Missouri is a treasure trove of underground exploration. The fascination with caves covers a spectrum of human interest. Some enjoy the occasional cave tour while others spend all of their free time researching and planning muddy crawls through undiscovered spaces. Whatever your fascination, Missouri has plenty of opportunities for you to learn more about caves and caving. Created by time, pressure and water, each cave is unique. Some are small, offering nothing more than a crawl space under the surface; while others are spacious labyrinths that go on for miles. Beautiful formations are made from minerals like dolomite , onyx , calcite , and chert . These delicate creations can stand the test of time or be destroyed by compounds as simple as the oil in your fingertips. That is why conservation is such a big part of the caving discussion in Missouri. Education is necessary to preserv...

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...

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...

Looking for a way to wow your guests? Create an event they’ll always remember by inviting them to join you at Stark Caverns . Our multi-purpose room located above our Visitors Center is perfect for birthday parties, bridal showers, or group meetings. This open room features hardwood flooring and plenty of light. Tables and chairs can be easily configured for business, food or games. Perfect for hosting 10 - 50 guests. Waterways and gorgeous formations inside Stark Caverns create a unique setting for your event on the in-cave patio. This paved space allows you to host events for 25 - 120 guests. Historically, this space has been used for community gatherings including dances and weddings. Stark Caverns has a number of table and chair configurations for you to choose from. Options for beverages and catering are available, along with projection & screen equipment. Receive a discounted rate when you bundle your event with a group tour.   Getting a quote is...