City: Springfield, MO

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (417) 833-9599

Address: 7225 North Crystal Cave Lane

Description: Crystal Cave was one of the area’s first tourist attractions, opened for tours by Alfred Mann back in 1893. The cave remained in the family until the 1960s. Now operated by Loyd and Edith Richardson, the cave offers a guided 80-minute tour. Wear your Nikes for the trip that takes you down into limestone that was the seabed of the Ozarks millions of years ago. You can actually see the fossils! You’ll also see evidence of Native American inhabitants, marvel at the Upside Down Well, and see the Rainbow Falls and the Cathedral. Crystal Cave is a “living cave” (one that is growing), so note the spelotherms in many unusual shapes and forms. To get to the cave, take exit 80B off I-44 on Springfield’s north side. It continues out of the city and becomes MO H. Weather permitting, the cave is open year-round. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children 4 through 12.