Although there are other subterranean structures you can visit on foot, such asthis unique Florida park featuring stunning caves, Missouri’s Fantastic Caverns is the only place in the U.S. where you can experience nature’s amazing underground structures while riding in a jeep-powered tram. In fact, there are only three other similar drive-through caves in the world. With very little walking required, including a ramp from the parking lot to the visitor center, these caves are suitable for individuals with mobility issues, seniors, and families with young children. As described onTripAdvisor, this experience is described as “a relaxing and effortless tour for anyone with young children or aging joints.”
The caves are closed just a few days annually, and access is exclusively via guided tours that take visitors along a former underground riverbed using a tram. Tours start as early as 8 a.m. and continue until 9 p.m. during the busy summer season, with each tram carrying a maximum of 25 guests. The temperature inside remains consistently at 60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, making it a pleasant escape during hot weather or an ideal option on rainy days. Many travelers find the tour to be a great value, and groups of 20 or more can enjoy significant savings by reserving a group rate ahead of time.
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Creating a Cave That Is Open to All
In 1862, a local landowner named John Knox ventured into a concealed entrance with his dog and uncovered a beautifully preserved cave system located on his land. With the assistance of a group of 12 courageous and ambitious women, he created what would eventually be the only commercial cave of its kind in the United States, open to all. When the original gas emissions began to harm the cave, clean-burning propane systems were installed in the jeeps, giving rise to America’s first drive-through cave.
Today, the 55-minute tour includes breaks and commentary from energetic and captivating guides who are excited to tell cave stories, spanning from the secretive to the remarkable. Surprising tales about hidden bars, live country music performances, and the Ku Klux Klan will make you picture the early times after the cave was discovered. The cave is illuminated to highlight some of its most impressive formations. It’s hard not to feel amazed by the unique environment that developed in the darkness. Try to find some of the original cave inhabitants resting among the hanging stalactites above.
Don’t miss the chance to smile for a picture during your cave tour, which you can buy later at the gift store. It makes a great keepsake from your trip to Fantastic Caverns, a significant location in America’s geological heritage.
Create Your Own Memories at the Starting Point of Route 66
Just 10 minutes from Interstate 44, which runs through Springfield, Missouri — the home of the famous Route 66 — lies Fantastic Caverns. This historic highway will mark its 100th anniversary in 2026, attracting travelers to the numerous notable sites spread across its 2,400-mile route through eight states. One ofthe top sights on Route 66, Springfield’s own History Museum on the Square showcases an exhibit focused on this significant era in American history. Experience the atmosphere of Route 66 with the 75-vehicle collection at the Route 66 Car Museum, a privately owned assortment covering eight decades.
As the “Queen of the Ozarks,”The county’s 105 parks showcase the natural beauty of Springfield. Outdoor lovers can enjoy more than 100 miles of trails for recreation, fishing, observing over 170 types of birds, and spotting local wildlife like deer, foxes, and wild turkeys. There are scenic hiking paths suitable for all skill levels, ranging from easy for families to more challenging. Cyclists should prepare for the Ozark Greenways’ street and paved trails, which received the 2025 League of American Bicyclists Gold award for promoting bike-friendly businesses that support the community.
For those looking for something unconventional, a trip to Pythian Castle offers a blend of history and supernatural stories. Situated close to the city center, the Knights of Pythius initially constructed Pythian Castle as an orphanage. The structure is now recognized as a haunted house featuring ghost tours, murder mystery experiences, and captivating stories. Afterward, take a visit to one of the many independently owned antique stores, vineyards, and breweries in the area to find seasonal presents and delicacies that reflect the essence of the Ozarks.
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