Meramec Caverns
The best-known cave along Route 66, said to have been a hideout of the outlaw Jesse James; the cave ends with a light show at the 'Stage Curtain'.
Meramec Caverns is located in Stanton, about 90 km from downtown, and is the largest commercial cave in Missouri. Its advertisements once appeared on barns all along the old Route 66. A tour of about 80 minutes passes stalactites, flowstone and an underground lake, ending at the 'Stage Curtain', where a light-and-music show takes place. The cave stays around 14°C year-round, so bring a jacket. Admission costs about US$30, and in summer you can add river floating and zip-lining.
Opening hours
About 9:00–17:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Mid America Adventure (formerly Six Flags St. Louis)
- Grant's Farm
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
- Delmar Loop
- Saint Louis Art Museum
- Saint Louis Zoo
- The Hill