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Short answer: Meramec Caverns runs a one-hour-and-twenty-minute walking tour of 1¼ miles; the cave’s own page prints $30.50 for ages 12 and up, $27.50 for military, $16.50 for ages 5 to 11 and free for under 5. Strollers are not allowed.
- Tour length1 h 20 min1¼ mile round trip, lit walkways
- Adult 12+$30.50military $27.50
- Ages 5 to 11$16.50under 5 free
- Cave air60°Fthe site says year round
How we checked: the cave’s own tours page, americascave.com/tours/. Rates are printed there with the words “subject to change”. Our earlier place page, read October 30, 2026, did not find tour prices; this page adds the ones the tours page prints. All read on November 3, 2026. Hours, prices, rules, closures and road status change, so check the named agency or business before you rely on them. Anything we could not check is marked Not Confirmed where it appears. General guidance on this page is labelled as general guidance. This is not safety, medical or legal advice; where a safety or legal rule appears, the quoted words are the official source’s own.
The Tour
The cave says guided walking tours with trained rangers leave every 20 to 30 minutes starting at 9:00 am, along well-lighted walkways. It says the tour covers 1¼ miles round trip, takes one hour and twenty minutes, and that strollers are not permitted. The site calls the cave the largest commercial cave in Missouri and says the ancient limestone Wine Table formed entirely under water. It also says the cave stays a cool 60 degrees year round. Our legend page covers the Jesse James story separately.
Rates
| Who | Rate as printed |
|---|---|
| Age 12 and up | $30.50 |
| Military | $27.50 |
| Children 5 to 11 | $16.50 |
| Children under 5 | Free (the FAQ says 4 and under) |
| Adult season pass | $36.00 |
| Child season pass (5 to 11) | $20.00 |
The cave prints group rates for 15 or more by advance reservation, with one free pass for every 20 tickets, and a 45-minute shortened group tour with less walking. Reservations are only needed for groups of 15 or more, per its FAQ.
Hours by Month
The tours page prints a calendar of hours without printing a year, so which year it covers is not confirmed. As printed:
| Dates | Hours as printed |
|---|---|
| January 1 to 4 | 9:00 to 4:00 |
| January 5 to February 27 | Closed |
| February 28 to April 30 | Mon to Fri 9:00 to 4:00; Sat and Sun 9:00 to 5:00 |
| May 1 to 22 | Mon to Fri 9:00 to 5:00; Sat and Sun 9:00 to 6:00 |
| May 23 to June 30 | Mon to Fri 9:00 to 6:00; Sat and Sun 9:00 to 7:00 |
| July 1 to August 9 | Daily 8:30 to 7:30 |
| August 10 to September 7 | Daily 9:00 to 6:00 |
| September 8 to 30 | Daily 9:00 to 4:30 |
| October | Daily 9:00 to 4:00 |
| November | 9:00 to 4:00; closed Thanksgiving Day |
| December | 9:00 to 4:00; closed Christmas Day |
The banner at the top of every page of the site says “Open daily, 9AM-4PM”, which matches October to December but not the closed weeks in January and February. Phone the cave before a winter visit.
Getting There
Getting There
- DirectionsI-44, Exit 230, per the cave’s banner, which reads “Stanton Missouri”; our earlier place page recorded the address as 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080.
- Phone573.468.CAVE (573-468-2283)
- Also on siteThe cave lists a gift shop, restaurant, zipline, river float trips and lodging. We did not read their prices or schedules, so they are not covered here.
Keep Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Meramec Caverns cost?
The cave’s own tours page prints $30.50 for ages 12 and up, $27.50 for military, $16.50 for ages 5 to 11 and free for under 5, with a note that rates can change.
How long is the Meramec Caverns tour?
One hour and twenty minutes on a 1¼ mile round trip walk, per the cave.
Do I need a reservation?
The cave’s FAQ says reservations are only needed for groups of 15 or more.
Can I bring a stroller?
The tours page says strollers are not permitted.
Sources
- Meramec Caverns, tours, hours and rates, read November 3, 2026 (operator page, no update date printed)
- Meramec Caverns home page, read November 3, 2026 (operator page)
- It’s Missouri, Meramec Caverns place page, read November 3, 2026 (our page, read October 30, 2026)
Read on November 3, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's Missouri, “Meramec Caverns Tours: Rates, Hours and The Cave Walk”, itsmissouri.com/visit/tours-and-day-trips/meramec-caverns-tours/ (updated ). By the It's Missouri editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.