The Cave Guide

Stark Caverns

Eldon, MO
1 hr
on the main tour
$30
adult ticket

A cave near Lake of the Ozarks with one-hour guided tours through all four levels, about 80% wheelchair accessible.

The story

Native Americans first occupied the cave, and pottery and other artifacts have been found inside and outside. In 1967, human remains of four Native Americans from the Late Woodland Period were discovered during digging near the entrance. Early settlers used the cave, and Charles Stark received a land patent for 120 acres in 1859, using the cave as shelter for cattle and for summer chores. During the Civil War, the cave was a meeting place and supply depot for Confederate guerrillas. In the early 1900s prohibition era, the cave was used as a moonshine distillery and speakeasy with a dance floor in the Ballroom. A group led by Floyd Hammitt opened Stark Caverns as a tourist attraction in 1950. Jeff and Amy Hargroves purchased the cave in early 2017 and reopened it for tours in July 2017.

Open to visitors since
1950

History source: starkcaverns.com.

What you'll see

  • Moonshiner's Dam
  • Wishing Well
  • Grand Canyon
  • Ballroom

Tickets and timing

Adults
$30 + tax (Adult 13 & Up)
Kids
$19 + tax (Youth 4-12); Free (Child 0-3)
How long it takes
1 hour
Hours
Open daily, year-round; fall hours 10am–5pm, first tour 10am, last tour 4pm.
Booking
Online booking required for the Black Light Tour, the escape room and anything after 5pm.

Getting around underground

The walk
Approximately three-fourths of a mile; paved pathways; 80% wheelchair accessible.
Wheelchairs
About 80% wheelchair accessible, with wide paths and places to rest.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Dogs
No pets allowed except service animals; never leave pets in a hot vehicle.
Temperature
57-58 degrees year-round

Good to know

Minimum age
All ages for daily tour; Black Light Tour requires ages 8 and older.
Photos
Photography is allowed except for Native American artifacts. No flash when photographing cave wildlife.
Food and drink
No food is allowed inside the cave; water bottles are allowed. Picnic areas are available outside.
Wildlife
Visitors may see salamanders, bats, or crayfish; no flash photography to avoid disturbing them.
On site
Gift shop, Sluice mining, Geode cracking, Picnic areas, Camping, Escape room

Special tours and events

Black Light Tour (ages 8+) and a moonshine-themed escape room inside the cave.

Getting there

St. LouisKansas CitySpringfieldBranson

125 Cave Drive, Eldon, MO 65026

Directions in Google Maps

Distances are straight-line from each city center.

Questions people ask

How long does a visit to Stark Caverns take?

1 hour

How cold is it inside Stark Caverns?

57-58 degrees year-round.

Can you visit Stark Caverns in a wheelchair?

About 80% wheelchair accessible, with wide paths and places to rest.

Are dogs allowed at Stark Caverns?

No pets allowed except service animals; never leave pets in a hot vehicle.

Do you need to book Stark Caverns in advance?

Online booking required for the Black Light Tour, the escape room and anything after 5pm.

Is there a minimum age for Stark Caverns?

All ages for daily tour; Black Light Tour requires ages 8 and older.

Where is Stark Caverns?

125 Cave Drive, Eldon, MO 65026

Listed in: wheelchair-accessible caves, caves with camping or lodging

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

Other caves in Missouri

See all 20 caves in Missouri