State Parks and National Parks

Onondaga Cave State Park

Known as the Cave State, Missouri is home to more than 5,500 caves, thanks to the soft sedimentary bedrock of the central Ozark region.

The state's best-known cave is Onondaga. Its fame rests on the abundance and quality of its stalactites, "draperies" and cave coral created by the gradual deposit of dissolved minerals.

For years a tourist attraction operated by "America's No. 1 Caveman," Lester B. Dill, the cave has been the centerpiece of Onondaga State Park since the early 1980s. Trained guides lead tours of the cave, which is equipped with paved walkways and electric lights and open from March 1 through Oct. 31.

Affiliated with the park and 10 miles away is the 317-acre Vilander Bluff Natural Area, which contains some of the highest bluffs along the Meramec River. The river affords great views of the bluffs, and the bluffs, in turn, offer a great view of the river valley.

Fifty of the park's 68 campsites have electrical and/or water hookups. One campground is at the river. There are also showers, a store, an RV dumping station and modern restrooms. Some campsites can be reserved by calling 877-422-6766.

The 1,317-acre park also features more than six miles of hiking-only trails, nature programs and boat and canoe launches.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources.