Crystal Cave
Springfield, MO, 59°F inside
Temporarily closed to visitors. Closed for the 2026 season while a bridge is repaired.
A cave in Ozark National Scenic Riverways normally toured on 60–90 minute ranger-led lantern tours in summer; closed for the 2026 season while a bridge is repaired.
The story
Round Spring was a Missouri State Park from 1924 until 1969, when it was donated to the National Park Service. The cave is a natural cavern explored by park rangers on guided lantern tours in summer. The cave is closed for the 2026 season due to repair of the bridge providing access, which was damaged in the November 2024 record flood.
History source: nps.gov.
Tickets and timing
- How long it takes
- 60–90 minutes (lantern tour)
- Hours
- Summer only; closed for the 2026 season.
- Booking
- Guided tours only, with a ticket.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- 60-90 minute lantern tours described as somewhat strenuous underground hikes.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- People and pets are prohibited from swimming or wading in the spring or spring branch.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- Summer, when park rangers lead lantern tours.
- Photos
- Do not bring cameras or other items that have been taken into other caves, to help control the spread of White Nose Syndrome.
- Wildlife
- Cave wildlife and bats; to help control the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease killing bats, do not wear or bring anything into the cave that you have taken into other caves.
- On site
- campground, picnic area, river access, spring, amphitheater
Before you go
- Don't bring cameras, belts or shoes you've used in other caves.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Round Spring Cavern take?
60–90 minutes (lantern tour)
Are dogs allowed at Round Spring Cavern?
People and pets are prohibited from swimming or wading in the spring or spring branch.
Do you need to book Round Spring Cavern in advance?
Guided tours only, with a ticket.
Checked on 2026-10-22 against nps.gov/ozar (Round Spring page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.