Mark Twain Cave

Midwest > Missouri > Hannibal > Mark Twain Cave

Grinnell Point and Swiftcurrent Lake from the Many Glacier Hotel
Jeff P from Berkeley, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Historic show cave offering guided tours through a labyrinth of passages that inspired scenes in classic American literature.

General Information

Hours:
January – March: 10:00am – 4:00pm
April – May: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Memorial Day – Labor Day: 8:30am – 8:00pm
September – October: 10:00am – 5:00pm
November – December: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Fees:
Adults: $24
Children (6–12): $14
Children under 6: Free
Group, senior, and military discounts available
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed in the cave
Seasons:
All year
Location:
marktwaincave.com

How to Get There

Take MO-79 S from downtown Hannibal, turn right onto Cave Hollow Road, and follow signs to the cave entrance.

Overview

The Mark Twain Cave is Missouri’s oldest show cave and a National Natural Landmark, offering a fascinating glimpse into the subterranean world that inspired scenes in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” This electrically lit, hour-long guided tour leads visitors through a 3/8-mile labyrinth of narrow passages and storied chambers, many of which were explored by a young Samuel Clemens himself. The cave maintains a constant 52-degree temperature year-round, making it a comfortable adventure in any season.

Beyond its literary connections, the cave has a rich and colorful history, including tales of outlaws like Jesse James and early scientific experiments by Dr. Joseph Nash McDowell. The surrounding complex includes Cameron Cave, a more rugged flashlight tour experience, as well as a winery, campground, and gemstone sluicing for families. Whether you're a literature lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast, Mark Twain Cave offers a unique and memorable journey into the heart of America’s cultural and geological heritage.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Mark Twain Cave, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.