Hiking - Meramec Caverns

 Hiking - Meramec Caverns (80 minute tour)

We woke to another overcast day with rain predicted all day (spoiler alert - the sun came out during the morning and it never really rained, just spit). So we headed to Meramec Caverns which had great reviews and they lived up to the reviews. The caves are commercially owned and cost $24 entry. They were opened to the public in 1933. There is a paved path and handrails along the entire tour. It’s a guided tour and he told about the history and the formations inside. Apparently Jesse Jane’s and his posse hid out in the caves, and through internet research, I learned that it was also a stop on the Underground Railroad. Two famous scenes were filmed here- one with Tom Sawyer and Becky, and another with Lassie. We saw stalactites, stalagmites, and these formations- soda straws, popcorn, and bacon. There was a homogeneous hall of stalactites which were protected by plexiglass. It was beautiful. At the end, we sat in rows and watched a movie of ‘God Bless America’ where the curtain was lit up and scenes were shown on the drape.  I thought $24 was high for a cave, but I have to say that I really enjoyed seeing these caves. Breathtaking!!

Spaghetti Hall

Popcorn Walls