Out and About: Meramec Caverns
September 6, 2016
It’s impossible to miss the exit to Meramec Caverns, thanks to the 15 or so signs that are put along the road to remind you to take exit 230 just off of Interstate 44.
Meramec Caverns offers all sorts of activities for all ages. When you first arrive, you will see a campground with over 40 sites to choose from to suit your needs. All camp sites have a grill and a fire place and if you can’t live without electricity, there are multiple sites with electricity and some campsites have a small overhang as well. Some campsites are located along the Meramec River, which provides endless opportunities for you and your family.
If camping isn’t your thing, then you have other options. Meramec Caverns offers canoe, kayak and raft rentals that can range anywhere from $30 to $224 depending on how many people you have in your group. A bus will take you on a five minute drive from the campsite to Meramec State Park and start you off on your six mile float back towards the campground. An 11 mile float is also available, but only for canoes and kayaks. As for rafts, the six mile float is the only available option.
Another adventure you and your family can embark on is the Meramec Cavern cave tour. Rates are $21 for adults, $11 for children 5-11 and children under the age of four are free. A trained ranger will take you on a one and a quarter mile round trip that will take roughly one hour and 20 minutes. The cave will show you some of the most stunning cave formations in the world and stretches upward past the height of a seven story building.
A few more activities the area offers is a boat tour that takes you a mile upstream and lets you see some beautiful scenery along the way. The Caveman Zip line is another attraction that can provide the whole family with a thrilling adventure. The Zip line takes you through the treetops around the Meramec River and you get a great view of the surrounding area, not to mention that you can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour.
Overall, Meramec Caverns can offer the whole family a great day or weekend trip that will create memories, moments and learning opportunities that can last a lifetime. Be sure to check out Meramec Caverns with your friends and family before the attractions start to close down due to the cold weather that is heading our way in the coming months.
