Summer season is a perfect time to visit caves near Branson to experience a once-in-life-time adventure in all the fantastic caverns in the Ozarks. The sparkling stalactites and stalagmites that are clinging to the floors and ceilings of the caves are some of the wonderful spectacles of natural caverns. Cave salamanders, cave crickets, and bats that are positioned upside down are some of the amazing sights that you can enjoy while donning a head lamp inside the caves.
These caves near Branson which are all interesting to explore include the Marvel Cave, Talking Rock Caverns, Fantastic Caverns, and the Smallin Civil War Cave.
Marvel Cave is one of the oldest caves in Branson that was opened by William Lynch in the late 1800s as a tourist attraction. The Herschend family owned the cave which is located at the entrance of the Silver Dollar City. The ticket admission to the Silver Dollar City includes the sixty minute Marvel Cave tour. This cave tour covers a walk down on the staircase to five hundred feet below to the Cathedral Room, the cave entrance room. After the tour, you will ride back up in a unique cable train.
Another Branson cave that is also owned by the Herscend family is the Talking Rocks Cavern. This cave features guided tours where visitors go down to the floor of the cave. Here, you will see grotesque rock formations like the famous bacon and curtain structures. A light and sound show will also be included in the Talking Rocks Cavern tour. You can also find a gift shop in the cave that leads to its entrance.
Located in Springfield, Missouri is Fantastic Caverns that features a rare opportunity of the only tour with a ride through this fantastic cave in America. In 1862, this fascinating cave was discovered by a dog of local farmers that crawled to the entrance of the cave. Five years later, there was an announcement in the newspaper calling for explorers who were brave enough to enter the cavern. The twelve local women who responded to the call had their names carved onto the side of a cave wall which is still visible to this day. Fantastic Caverns today is now a family owned business that features a jeep drawing tram tours through the cavern. Inside the caverns, you can find fabulous gift shop that is full of historical items and themed souvenirs.
Another beautiful Branson cave that is located in the Ozarks is the Smallin Civil War Cave. This cave is full of rich history of the Ozarks. It is also more accessible than some others in the area although it only features ramps (no stairs) and inclines. Visitors to the cave can have the opportunity to view unique cave creatures like the Blind Cave Salamander and the Birstly Cave Crayfish.
If you want to experience a great cavern escapade this summer, visit all the fantastic caves near Branson and discover the fun of cavern hopping at the Ozark Mountains.
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