Springfield Missouri is an eclectic mix of city savvy sights, outdoor adventures, rolling hills and green friendly shopping centers.
It is uniquely situated atop a plateau in the center of the oldest mountain range in the United States – the Ozarks. Because of its geographical position it is also home to several unique caves that just beg to be explored.
Fantastic Caverns
There are only four ride-through caves in the world. Out of those four just one is located in the United States and it happens to be situated in Springfield, MO.
Located on North Farm Road 125, “Fantastic Caverns” is a truly rare geological treasure.
Created from an ancient underground riverbed with its crystal clear pools, massive but delicate limestone formations and cool 60 degree year round temperatures this cavern provides a once in a lifetime experience for novice and expert explorers alike.
Visitors to “Fantastic Caverns” get to explore its unique, mystical recesses all from the comfort of a jeep drawn tram. The guided tour of the caverns lasts 55 minutes and visitors are encouraged to bring along a light jacket.
“Fantastic Caverns” is open daily year round from 8:00 am until dusk. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Fantastic Caverns
4872 N. Farm Road 125
Springfield, MO 65803
417-833-2010
Crystal Cave
Discovered and opened in 1893 “Crystal Caves” remains much the same today as it was back then. The pathways that visitors take through the cave are “au natural” except for a handrail to help intrepid trekkers keep their balance.
The natural rock surfaces in the cave can be slippery at times so sturdy footwear is recommended.
New areas of the cave are always being opened so visits to the cave remain exciting for both newcomers and repeat guests.
As of 2010″Crystal Caves”is open daily year round from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. Guided tours cost $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Tours generally last 80 minutes and visitors are encouraged to bring along a light jacket as the year round temperature in the cave remains a crisp 59 degrees.
Crystal Cave
7225 E. Crystal Cave Lane
Springfield, MO 65803
417-833-9599
Missouri Institute of Natural Science – Riverbluff Cave
Discovered by accident on September 11, 2001, Riverbluff Cave quickly earned the dubious distinction of being the oldest known fossil cave in the United States.
Riverbluff Cave is also unique in that since neither human hands nor air had touched the cave in over 55 thousand years it is an outstanding repository of Ice Age artifacts that would have otherwise been lost to the ages.
Air and the human touch can quickly destroy ancient artifacts so great care is being taken to preserve the site. Visitors to the “Missouri Institute of Natural Science and Riverbluff Cave” are not allowed to enter the cave itself at this time for that reason. Items taken from the cave’s excavation are on display in the adjacent museum and visitors can take a virtual tour of the cave through the magic of computer science.
Rich in bones, fossils, cave markings, petrified woods and preserved organic materials exploration has already turned up a new species of turtle and perfectly preserved remains of both short-faced bears and peccaries.
Short-faced bears, scientifically known as “Artcodus Simus”, were prominent in the Pleistocene period. Known to stand over 15 feet tall and weight over 1,400 pounds, they are considered to be the largest bear species that ever walked the face of the earth.
Peccaries are ancient wild boars that were also quite prolific in the Pleistocene period.
In addition to mammal and reptile bones, scientists have also found well-preserved animal dung that has given them new insight into the diets of many Ice Age species. These new insights were not possible before now as no samples of such organic material had ever been found so well preserved.
Due to the significance of the “Riverbluff Cave’s” contents it has been featured on both the “Discovery” and “Science” Channels.”
In addition to extraordinary exhibits not found elsewhere, the “Missouri Institute of Natural Science and Riverbluff Cave” offers coral reef workshops, indoor and outdoor fossil hunting excursions and a museum gift shop.
As of 2010 the “Missouri Institute of Natural Science and Riverbluff Cave” is open year round Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Admission is free, though donations are accepted and appreciated.
Missouri Institute of Natural Science – Riverbluff Cave
2327 W. Farm Road 190
Springfield, MO 65803
417-883-0594
Additional Information
Those adventure loving travelers wishing to learn more about Springfield, Missouri’s attractions should log onto the city’s tourism website.
