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In the Mark Twain National Forest a little less than 1/2 mile out the backdoor of our cabins, the All American and The Pines, is a small unnamed cave that visitors can explore after the cave ban is lifted. This is the cave that is the focus of ArdPark's on-going "use your national forest land" promotion. It is a unique cave because it has an entry and an exit. A small yellow metal sign designating it as a natural landmark hangs on a tree near it's front. Spelunkers will have to "duck walk" into the cave about 30 to 40 feet to reach a room where they can stand. To continue through the cave to its small exit hole, cavers must slither on their stomachs. Tim has led many enthusiastic youth through this cave over the years. Elbow and knee pads are nice to have for this trip. |
Fisher Cave at Meramec State Park (Sullivan, Missouri) Distance from ArdPark Cabins & Campground - 50 minutes (46 miles) Meramec State Park is home to Fisher Cave where guided tours are offered seasonally. Fisher Cave has a stream running through it, contains wildlife fossils and offers a wide variety of huge columns and well preserved beauty. The cave is closed October 16 to April 15. Area Information, Directions and Area Map |
Onondaga Cave State Park (Leasburg, Missouri) Distance from ArdPark Cabins & Campground - 25 minutes (20 miles) Maintained and operated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, visitors can experience 2 caves in one stop. First is a National Natural Landmark -- Onondaga Cave. With it's spectacular beauty and history, a river running through it, and paved lighted walkways, Onondaga is a must do activity. Having been there several times over the years, we highly recommend taking the time to explore this one. Onondaga Cave guided tours are available March to October. Second, the park is also home to Cathedral Cave. A more strenuous treck guided with lanterns and given by appointment on weekends only but, again, well worth the visit. The park has a special event each year for Halloween. For more information about Halloween happenings, please visit our Fairs, Festivals & Events page. Tour Information, Area Information, Area Map |
Along the Courtois Creek (Steelville, Missouri) Several caves are located along the Courtois Creek, including Bear Cave, Fault Cave and Sewer Cave. Little Scott Cave is also found along the Courtois Creek about 30 minutes east of Ozark Outdoors. Bat Cave, inside the Huzzah Conservation Area, is now gated and no longer open to the public in order to protect the endangered bats. This route provides spelunkers real opportunity to seek, find and explore! Related Article (see pages 19-21) Reference Material - U.S. Geological Survey |
Onyx Mountain Caverns (Newburg, Missouri) Distance from ArdPark Cabins & Campground - about 50 minutes (45 miles) Opened to the public in 1990 and used for shelter by the Woodland Indians, this large cave resides in the beautiful Gasconade River Valley, 12 miles west of Rolla. National forest joins the property and boasts the largest sink hole in the state. Onyx Mountain Caverns claim fame to history not found in other area caves. Tours are available 7 days each week. Area Information |
Credit USFWS |
Credit John & Karen Hollingsworth/USFWS |
~The Place You'll Never Want to Leave~ |
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTICE: AS OF APRIL 2010, THERE CONTINUES TO BE A BAN ON CAVE EXPLORATION IN THE MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST DUE TO THE WHITE NOSE SYNDROME THAT IS KILLING THOUSANDS OF BATS. CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE FEDERAL CLOSURE ORDER THAT IS PUNISHABLE BY A LARGE FINE AND/OR IMPRISONMENT IF VIOLATED. Click here to review the March 4, 2010 National Forest Service, Eastern District Update Click here to review Frequently Asked Questions About White Nose Syndrome |
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Highways 8 and Y Steelville, Missouri 65565 1-866-914-4702 tandc@ardpark.com |