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Visit Ozark Caverns in Lake of the Ozarks State Park and discover what lies beneath the surface!
Caves are common geologic features in areas like the Ozarks, which is underlain by thick layers of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite. Water, seeping through subterranean cracks in these rock formations, begins to enlarge some of the fractures. As the dissolving action of the water continues, the cracks eventually become large, water-filled conduits that form parts of extensive underground drainage systems.
As these water-filled systems gradually are drained by deepening surface valleys, they become the air-filled passageways we know as caves.
A walk through Ozark Caverns is a journey through one of these large, drained conduits. It is a walk into an environment where geologic processes can proceed unhindered by many of the erratic, erosive forces that shape the surface landscape. In the protected cave environment, dripping and seeping water can redeposit carbonate materials in the form of soda straws, helictites, stalagmites and a host of other geologic wonders that can be seen in Ozark Caverns.
Angel Showers, an unusual cave phenomenon, is a featured part of the Ozark Caverns tour. The never-ending shower of water seems to come out of the solid ceiling of rock.
The protected cave environment also allows visitors to contemplate the claw marks left in the sediment fills by animals that sought shelter here thousand of years ago.
Four species of salamanders, four species of bats, and 16 species of invertebrates live in Ozark Caverns. Four of the invertebrate species live exclusively in caves, never venturing out of the protected environment. Ozark Caverns is home to many small, secretive cave animals, such as the blind grotto salamander, which sometimes can be seen on cave tours.
There is also much to see on the surface. Coakley Hollow Trail, which is a one-mile, self-guiding interpretive trail, begins and ends at the caverns parking lot. This trail crosses a variety of habitats including a glade, fen and an Ozark spring branch. It is also a good place to see spring wildflowers. Trail booklets are available at the visitor center. There are ample picnic sites on the grounds.
Tours
- Traditional Tour
- This interpretive tour lasts approximately one hour and is a half-mile round trip. Topics discussed include general cave development, speleothem formation, cave life, or other topics visitors wish to discuss with the guide. Appropriate for all ages.
- Speleology Tour
- This interpretive tour lasts approximately one to one and one half hours and is a half-mile round trip. Designed mainly for adults, this tour will give adults the chance to discover and examine in more detail various aspects of the cave system. Offered June 1 through Aug. 15 only.
- Children's Tour
- This interpretive tour lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is about a quarter-mile round trip. Designed for children five and above, this tour will give children a chance to learn and explore the cave on a basic level. All children must be accompanied by parents. Offered June 1 through Aug. 15 only.
The cave is 56° F. A light jacket is recommended.
Schedule
| April 16 through May 31 and Sept. 1 through Oct. 14 |
Traditional tours of the cave are given at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only |
| June through Aug. 15 | Traditional tours of the cave are given at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Speleology and children's tours are offered on select days; please call ahead for that information. |
| Aug. 16 through Aug. 31 | Traditional tours of the cave are given at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. |
| Oct. 15 through April 15 | The cave is closed. |
| Schedule may change without notice. We reserve the right to limit tour size. | |
Admission
| Children (ages 5 and under) | free |
| Children (ages 6-12) | $4 |
| Youth (ages 13-18) | $5 |
| Adult (ages 19 and over) | $6 |
| Educational groups will be admitted at half price for each category and must schedule tours at least two weeks in advance (subject to availability). | |
For more information, you may call 573-346-2500.
