![]() Let’s explore Twain’s enchanting Cave State, allowing its Ozark beauty and mystique to flow as easily as the Mississippi River divides the Missouri Ozarks from the tallgrass prairie state of Illinois. Those experiences, in tandem with the humorist’s genius at spinning a yarn, became the inspiration for creating beloved characters Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Mark Twain, or Samuel Clemens, spent his boyhood among Missouri hills, rivers and caves. The memory of a cave I used to know was always in my mind, with its lofty passages, its silence and solitude, its shrouding gloom, its sepulchral echoes, its fleeting lights, and more than all, its sudden revelations. We’ll delve into folklore and legendary Missouri monsters, Dalton outlaws, paranormal nuance, geology and Ozark history and historic architecture along the way. Come along with me for an Ozark adventure into the Cave State, with its majority of more than 7,300 caves located in Ozark counties. The Missouri Ozarks is an enchanting, yet unsung, destination. Salem Plateau, occupying the southeast section of the state, is much larger than the Springfield Plateau, occupying the far southwest section. ![]() The Salem Plateau and Springfield Plateau comprise the Interior Highland, or Ozarks. The Missouri Ozarks borders, generally speaking, are the Mississippi River to the east, the Missouri River to the north and state lines west and south. Note: Check out the 2001 Ken Burns documentary titled Mark Twain for insight into this complicated and beloved Missouri-born and raised humorist. Oh wait, that really did happen! Mark Twain summed it up in 1879 when he said, Twins amount to a permanent riot. ![]() Our scenic fall foliage drive spontaneously morphed into an Ozark haunted road trip, and it was the most fun imaginable without being called out by a ghost tour guide to demonstrate an energy field. Louis, Missouri inspired good-natured sibling rivalry and generated double dog dares that landed us in the most haunted hotel in the country: the 1896 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs-on Halloween, no less. As weekend road-tripping played out, the trek between Houston, Texas and St. First named Fairy Cave because it looked like “a subterranean fairyland,” the tour showcases mineral deposits and other geological formations that will leave you awestruck and amazed.Īdd Giboney Cave at Doling Park in north Springfield, Marvel Cave at the Silver Dollar City theme park near Branson and others in the area, and there are plenty of subterranean adventures to explore.Inspiration for writing Missouri Ozarks Legends and Lore is rooted in a passion for my scenic home state of Missouri and its Ozark mystique.Ī road trip through the Ozarks with my Irish twin during the peak of the fall colors was the catalyst that led me to put pen to paper and create this book. Smallin Civil War Cave in Ozark, MissouriĪ beautiful landscape of glistening crystals awaits in Branson West at Talking Rocks Cavern, a vertical cave that guests can explore using concrete handrails and steps. And for the adventurous, schedule a wild tour that will take you beyond the walking path into the depths of the cave. In the fall, explore the cave by candlelight with Smallin’ Civil War Cave’s exclusive lantern tours. The cave is open year-round for guided half-mile walking tours and is accessible to strollers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Through the tour, view 200-year-old cave drawings, fossils and rare cave life such as crayfish, endangered blind cave salamanders and multiple species of bats. The cave features a breathtaking 11-story arch that leads you back in time. South of Springfield is Smallin’ Civil War Cave that was discovered in 1818 with even more history dating back to the Native Americans who inhabited the area before settlement. Afterward, a group of 12 women first explored the cave.įrom being an underground speakeasy in the 1920s during Prohibition, to a venue for country music shows in the cave’s constant 60-degrees climate, it provides the perfect acoustics for musicians and singers.įantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri The discovery of the cave dates back to 1862 when a farmer’s dog found its way to the entrance. ![]() As the only ride-through cave in North America, riders can sit back and relax in the big red trams while the cave guides stop throughout the cave and explain how each of its formations came to be. ![]() One of Missouri’s most well-known caves is Fantastic Caverns. With over 7,000 caves documented in the state’s karst topography, tourists and locals can explore Missouri’s most beautiful and extensive underground caverns. Missouri has had the title of being The Cave State for many years. Written by Madison Yohn on December 26, 2020. Enjoy beautiful natural attractions all year long. ![]()
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