.jpg){kind=link}
Spectacular underground passages, massive flowstone formations, and a nationally significant cave system reveal the beauty and geology of a subterranean landscape carved over millions of years.
Cave tours: Operate seasonally, generally April through October
Visitor center hours vary seasonally
Cave tour fees apply and vary by tour type and age group
Open year-round for day-use areas
How to Get There
From Sullivan (8 mi): Take I-44 to Leasburg, follow Route H south across the Meramec River, and continue along the scenic roadway to the park entrance and visitor center.
Overview
The Onondaga Cave State Park protects one of the most impressive cave systems in the Midwest. Designated a National Natural Landmark, the cave features vast chambers adorned with towering stalagmites, delicate soda straws, flowstone cascades, cave draperies, and other intricate mineral formations created by thousands of years of water movement through limestone bedrock. Guided tours lead visitors deep underground, where illuminated passageways reveal an extraordinary world of geological beauty hidden beneath the Ozark landscape.
Above ground, the park encompasses scenic forests, river bluffs, and recreational opportunities along the Meramec River. Hiking trails provide access to overlooks and natural habitats, while nearby cave systems offer additional exploration opportunities. The combination of remarkable underground scenery, diverse natural resources, and educational interpretation makes the park one of Missouri's premier destinations for geology enthusiasts, photographers, families, and travelers seeking to experience the hidden wonders of the Ozarks.
Things to Do
Tour Onondaga Cave
Onondaga Cave is one of Missouri's most spectacular cave systems and is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Guided tours take visitors through beautifully decorated passageways featuring massive flowstones, stalactites, stalagmites, cave draperies, and other impressive underground formations.
Explore Cathedral Cave
In addition to the park's namesake cave, visitors can take guided tours of Cathedral Cave, a less-developed cave known for its large chambers, unique formations, and opportunities to experience a more natural cave environment.
Enjoy the Meramec River and Natural Scenery
The park offers access to the Meramec River for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking, camping, and exploring the park's scenic forests, springs, and limestone landscapes.
Top Trails
Vilander Bluff Trail
Length: Approximately 1.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Approximately 250 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic trail climbs to a limestone bluff overlooking the Meramec River Valley, providing panoramic views of the surrounding forest and river corridor.
Blue Heron Trail
Length: Approximately 0.8 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
The Blue Heron Trail follows a relatively level route through woodlands and along portions of the river, offering opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and enjoying the park's natural beauty.
Sources: Missouri State Parks official Onondaga Cave State Park information, including Onondaga Cave tours, Cathedral Cave tours, Meramec River recreation, camping, park features, and visitor amenities. https://mostateparks.com/park/onondaga-cave-state-park Additional trail, cave, and visitor information verified through Missouri State Parks trail resources and park guides. https://mostateparks.com/park/onondaga-cave-state-park/trails
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Onondaga Cave State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.