The Cave Guide

Fantastic Caverns

Springfield, MO
60°F
inside, all year
$36
adult ticket

A ride-through cave in Springfield, Missouri: you tour it seated rather than on foot, at a cool 60°F.

The story

According to local accounts, farmer John Knox followed his dog into a small opening in the hills north of Springfield in 1862, and kept the cave quiet during the Civil War. In 1867 he advertised for explorers, and twelve women from the Springfield Women's Athletic Club became its first documented visitors; their names are still on a cave wall. The cave later served as a speakeasy during Prohibition and a country-music venue, and the first ride-through tour began in 1962.

Found
1862 (reported)
Open to visitors since
1962 (ride-through tours)

History source: KSMU and 417 Magazine.

Tickets and timing

Adults
$36
Kids
$18 (ages 6–12), free for 5 and under with a parent
Hours
Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Last tour leaves an hour before closing.
Booking
Groups of 20+ get group rates with prior arrangement.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Temperature
60°F year-round

Getting there

St. LouisKansas CityBranson

4872 North Farm Road 125, Springfield, MO 65803

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How cold is it inside Fantastic Caverns?

60°F year-round.

Do you need to book Fantastic Caverns in advance?

Groups of 20+ get group rates with prior arrangement.

When was Fantastic Caverns discovered?

1862 (reported), according to the cave's own history.

Where is Fantastic Caverns?

4872 North Farm Road 125, Springfield, MO 65803

Checked on 2026-10-22 against missouriscave.com (official site). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.

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