Mark Twain Cave
The cave that inspired the scene where Tom and Becky get lost in Tom Sawyer. It is Missouri's earliest show cave, with guided tours available year-round.
Mark Twain Cave was discovered in 1819 and opened to visitors in 1886. It is Missouri's oldest show cave and a U.S. National Natural Landmark. Rather than wide chambers, the cave is a maze of narrow limestone passages. The young Clemens often explored here, and the novel's plot, in which Tom and Becky get lost and Injun Joe hides, is modeled on it. Guided cave tours take about an hour. Along the way, guides recount scenes from the book, point out signatures left by 19th-century visitors on the cave walls, and show the legendary hideout of outlaw Jesse James. Nearby Cameron Cave offers seasonal lantern-led exploration (about 1.5 hours, reservation required). The site also has gem mining, a winery and a campground. Admission is about USD 20; check the official website. The cave is about 3 km from the old town and requires a car.
Opening hours
Open year-round; summer approx. 09:00–18:00, shorter hours in winter
Nearby sights
- Lover's Leap
- Mark Twain Riverboat
- Historic Downtown Hannibal
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
- Tom & Huck Statue
- Jim's Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center
- Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse
- Rockcliffe Mansion