STL - We're planning a cruise / picnic / tour of Meramec Caverns
03-31-2009, 09:09 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 09-06-2006
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 1,222
STL - We're planning a cruise / picnic / tour of Meramec Caverns
We're planning a cruise / picnic / tour of Meramec Caverns
Looking to get some ideas from other Gateway HHR club members and any other HHR owners who would like to join us...
Angie and myself are planning a cruise / picnic / tour of the historic Meramec Caverns early this summer for our club.
We would like to find a common centralized meeting place in the St. Louis County area and cruise down Highway 44 / Route 66 together as a group.
After arriving in Stanton, MO line up our HHR in the Meramec Caverns camping grounds and picnic along the Meramec River grounds in front of the cavern grounds.
Later after our picnic lunch, get everyone together for a group tour of the caverns.
Since we plan to be outside - we are hoping to select a time of the year where our temperatures are warming up. Also because the Meramec Caverns is quite cool inside all year round, we'd prefer to pick a weekend in maybe June?
** How does everyone's schedule look in June (mid or late month) preferably on a Saturday.
Let's hear from others to find out how their schedules look? Post 'em here so we can start planning.
Again... anyone is welcome to join us!!!
03-31-2009, 09:11 AM
#2
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Join Date: 09-06-2006
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 1,222
A little history about Meramec Caverns / notorious legend Jesse James hideout....
Nestled agelessly among the lush foothills of Missouri's rolling Ozark's, these magnificent caverns chronicle over 400-million years of history including: The formation of caves and stalactites, fossils and limestone, Indians of Missouri, European miners and explorers, dramas of the Civil War, train robberies and great escapes, ballroom dances around the 1900's, the Great Depression, World War II, Hollywood movies, and the list goes on.
Beneath the fertile rolling hills of the Meramec Valley, lies a complex of mineral formations and color as rare and unique as they are beautiful. These jewels of nature which took millions of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns.
Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. All cavern facilities are accessible to the disabled. Learn how Mother Nature built an ancient limestone "Wine Table" and an entire 5-story mansion... all underground.
The Stage Curtain, the largest single cave formation in the world, is the crown jewel of Meramec Caverns. This extraordinary mineral deposit which measures 70 feet high, 60 feet wide and 35 feet thick is called America's number one cave scene. Estimated to be 70 millions years old, the Stage Curtain is the focal point of a dramatic light and musical presentation which climaxes an informative cavern tour.
HISTORY:
The history of Meramec Caverns is rich with the treasures of time. Going back through the centuries, the Indians revered the cave as the home of their god. An 18th century French miner, Jacques Renault, found the Cavern's greatest natural resource, saltpeter, which is used in the manufacture of gunpowder. Spanish lead miners used the caves as did slaves who were sheltered there as part of the 'Underground Railroad.'
During the Civil War, a Federal powder mill in the cave was blown up by Confederate guerrillas of whom Jesse James was a member. Jesse James, as a member of the Quantrill's Guerrillas, gained knowledge of Meramec Caverns back in 1864, when the guerrillas captured the gunpowder mill. In the early 1870's he and his band used the cavern on numerous occasions because it afforded a complete hideout for men and horses.
In 1933, Lester B. Dill, noted caveologist, discovered five upper levels of the Caverns. Further exploration revealed 26 miles of underground passages. Meramec Caverns was opened to the public as a tourist attraction in 1935.
FACILITIES:
Comfortable lodgings are provided at the quiet Meramec Caverns Motel. Modern units come with television, air conditioning, and electrical heat. Meramec Caverns' La Jolla Natural Park holds a cache of scenic beauty and conveniences for visitors. Numerous trees shade the picnic area and riverfront campgrounds where trailer hookups, showers and restrooms, sheltered pavilions, barbecue pits and a concession stand are located. The motel and campgrounds are open April through October.
With a mid 1800's mining village background setting, children can "pan for gold" at the Sluicing Operation! Canoe rentals and scenic boat rides are also available in season. A unique gift shop as well as a large restaurant and snack area are conveniently located in the caverns.
MERAMEC CAVERNS
Box 948
Stanton, MO 63079
Call 573-468-CAVE
www.AmericasCave.com
03-31-2009, 09:18 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 09-06-2006
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 1,222
Cavern Tour common questions...
What is the cost to tour the cave?
Admission to the cavern tour is $18.00 per adult, $9.00 for children 5-11, children 4 and under are free.
Do you need reservations?
Reservations are only needed for groups of 15 or more.
How long does the tour take?
The tour takes one hour and twenty minutes to complete. It is a walking tour covering 1 1/4 mile round-trip. Abbreviated tours (45 minutes in length) are available upon request.
Are there long waits for tours?
No. Tours depart every 20-30 minutes throughout the day.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Meramec Caverns is wheelchair accessible. Of the 80 minute tour, the first 50 minutes covers flat terrain with the last 30 minutes containing one flight of stairs. Stairs can easily be by-passed through use of a nearby ramp, but requires the assistance of a physically fit person. Electric scooters are permitted.
What is the temperature inside the cave?
The temperature of the cave is a constant 58 degrees.
What should I wear?
Since the cave is at a constant 58 degrees a light jacket is recommended along with comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. Our Gift Shop has a large selection of warm, comfortable, and affordable sweat shirts and jackets for purchase.
Is the cave safe for kids?
Yes, the cave is safe for young children. Being a commercial or show cave Meramec Caverns undergoes strict inspections to ensure the safety of it's visitors. Children should be supervised by a responsible parent or adult at all times making sure children stay on the designated walkways at all times.
Are stollers allowed?
No strollers are not allowed on tour. Due to the grooves in the concrete walkway (which allow moisture and water to drain from the walkways) the small size of the stoller wheels tend to cause excessive vibration to the stroller and the child. Backbacks or Child carriers are suggested. Use caution when carrying child or infant for the ceiling is low in some areas.
What is the cost to tour the cave?
Admission to the cavern tour is $18.00 per adult, $9.00 for children 5-11, children 4 and under are free.
Do you need reservations?
Reservations are only needed for groups of 15 or more.
How long does the tour take?
The tour takes one hour and twenty minutes to complete. It is a walking tour covering 1 1/4 mile round-trip. Abbreviated tours (45 minutes in length) are available upon request.
Are there long waits for tours?
No. Tours depart every 20-30 minutes throughout the day.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Meramec Caverns is wheelchair accessible. Of the 80 minute tour, the first 50 minutes covers flat terrain with the last 30 minutes containing one flight of stairs. Stairs can easily be by-passed through use of a nearby ramp, but requires the assistance of a physically fit person. Electric scooters are permitted.
What is the temperature inside the cave?
The temperature of the cave is a constant 58 degrees.
What should I wear?
Since the cave is at a constant 58 degrees a light jacket is recommended along with comfortable, non-slip walking shoes. Our Gift Shop has a large selection of warm, comfortable, and affordable sweat shirts and jackets for purchase.
Is the cave safe for kids?
Yes, the cave is safe for young children. Being a commercial or show cave Meramec Caverns undergoes strict inspections to ensure the safety of it's visitors. Children should be supervised by a responsible parent or adult at all times making sure children stay on the designated walkways at all times.
Are stollers allowed?
No strollers are not allowed on tour. Due to the grooves in the concrete walkway (which allow moisture and water to drain from the walkways) the small size of the stoller wheels tend to cause excessive vibration to the stroller and the child. Backbacks or Child carriers are suggested. Use caution when carrying child or infant for the ceiling is low in some areas.
