Posted on 07/10/2023 2:55:30 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Marvel Cave is the deepest cave in Missouri.
The deepest cave in Missouri, which sprawls over 500 feet below the surface of the Earth, was first discovered by the Osage Nation in the 1500s. Not long after, Spanish explorers in search of riches and the fountain of youth made the journey into the cave and returned empty-handed.
The fountain of youth has yet to be found, but riches — albeit from an unexpected source — were discovered by miners in the 1800s. They came to the cave, which was later named Marvel Cave, in search of marble and iron. But instead of precious rocks and metals, they found bat guano — commonly known as bat droppings. At the time, the excrements could be sold for fertilizer and ammunition for $700 a ton (that’s more than $20,000 today), according to Mindy Bianca Public Relations, which handles press for the destination.
The unlikely source of wealth is still present in the cave today, but the estimated 70,000 bats — and their feces — are no longer the main attraction. Hot air balloons have floated aloft inside the cave’s cavern and square dances have taken place in its temperate 60-degree climate. And by 1960, the mining-site-turned-tourist-destination became the centerpiece of Silver Dollar City, a theme park in Branson, Missouri.
The 1880s-themed park has all the attractions you’d expect from a park that was named the No. 1 amusement and water park in the U.S. by Tripadvisor in 2023. There are 30 rides and attractions, 40 live daily shows, 13 acres of waterslides and waves, and a scenic lake cruise with dinner and entertainment. And while there is more than enough to do above ground, the heart of the park remains 500 feet below ground.
Visitors looking at a waterfall inside Marvel Cave in Missouri COURTESY OF SILVER DOLLAR CITY The journey under the Earth begins with a dramatic 300-foot descent to the 20-story-tall Cathedral Room — the largest cave entry room in the U.S. Along the way, visitors pass a 40-foot-high underground waterfall and rock formations set nearly 500 feet below the Earth’s surface. (These rock formations are alive and still growing.)
Hidden among the wet limestone cave’s darkest nooks are the endangered blind cave salamander and the bats that made the miners rich in the 1800s. Both creatures are rarely seen by visitors, yet remain an important part of the cave’s story and ecosystem.
The return to daylight, which is a 1,070-foot-climb from the cave’s depths, is aided by a cable train.
Tours of Marvel Cave take place daily, weather permitting, and are included with a ticket to Silver Dollar City. Even so, Mindy Bianca Public Relations notes that only 200,000 to 300,000 of Silver Dollar City’s two million annual visitors — that's between 10 to 15 percent — actually visit the cave.
In addition to fewer people and comfortable temperatures, the team notes that those willing to wait until the end of the day can join the Lantern Light Tour, where visitors can experience what it was like for the miners who descended into the vast darkness aided only by the light of lanterns.
Marvel Cave and Silver Dollar City are located just west of Branson in the Ozark Mountains.
I remember reading that. I rode that in their early years. What a ride. They had trouble with snakes in the early years. But it was as thrilling a ride as I ever want to be on.
Ah, what would the day be without a visit from H. E. Pennypacker, wealthy American industrialist.
Back in the 80s, I worked at a packing plant that processed utility cattle for hamburger. We had a semi driver that his job was to take a full load everyday to Kansas City caves. I guess Wendy’s had a grinding facility down there.
I’ve got 12 pcs. of chicken on my bucket list.
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12 piece bucket of KFC with 3 sides, no drinks, $47.00 around here.
I don’t eat chicken but my son showed me the receipt.
“Southern Missouri is lousy with caves.”
Not just southern Missouri, look up Cherokee Cave in ST. Louis.
My pleasure.
We’ve traveled through most of the continental US, so if there is somewhere you are thinking of going, give me a shout. If I’ve been there, I can tell you some cool things to see/do.
Bidenflation.
Visited Silver Dollar City and Marvel Cave in 1966 or so. We drove through St. Louis on the way and saw the arch nearing completion. Great memories from childhood. The cave, as I recall, was amazing.
We drove through St. Louis on the way and saw the arch nearing completion.
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Don’t go up in it if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Don’t get in the elevator if you’re claustrophobic.
Don’t stand in line unless you really like waiting in long ass lines.
However, the view is great once you get up there.
Take in a Cardinal game too, stadium is very near the arch.
If you don’t mind paying $50 for a second tier seat and $6.50 for a warm cup of Bud Light. After the game take the missus for a bone jarring horse and buggy ride down cobble stone streets for $30 each. (Buggy driver accepts credit and debit cards and expects a generous tip.)
Ha! “Through” being the operative word. I-55 was under construction at the time. Dad did his best with the old, red Buick. We kids got car sick on the winding Ozark roads. Family Vacation!
Now that’s bunker
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