A large natural cave in a bluff above the Ohio River, inside a state park. You walk in on your own; there are no guided tours. High water or heavy rain can close access, so call before you go.
The story
The cave has been a landmark for Ohio River travelers for centuries. The French explorer M. de Léry recorded it in 1729 as "caverne dans le roc." After the American Revolution, river travelers used the opening as a waypoint and occasional shelter. Stories later tied it to outlaws such as Samuel Mason and the Harpe brothers, but Illinois historians caution that those hideout tales lack convincing documentary evidence. The cave appeared in the 1962 film How the West Was Won, and Illinois acquired land for the park in 1929.
History source: dnr.illinois.gov.
Tickets and timing
- Hours
- Park open to the public; cave access can close for high water, heavy rain or other conditions. Call 618-289-4325 before traveling.
Getting there
Cave-in-Rock State Park is in or near Cave-in-Rock, IL.
- Bowling Greenabout 99 miles
- Nashvilleabout 118 miles
- St. Louisabout 137 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Checked on 2026-10-23 against dnr.illinois.gov (Cave-in-Rock State Park pages). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.