Discovered in 1720 by French explorer Philipp Renault, the caves have been a host to many different activities throughout the years.
Renault and his team was lead to the area by Osage Indian legends talking about the walls being made of glittering gold. This got his attention fast. From there boats they saw a huge hole in the side of the riverbank. It measured 20ftx50ft and they knew they found the spot.
Once inside they couldn't believe their eyes. It was huge but they didn't realize they had just discovered the largest cave West of the Mississippi river!
The team found the walls that glittered Gold but it wasn't the precious metal we know. It was filled with Saltpeter. Here is one of the mining holes.
For 144yrs, from 1720 to 1864 this mine produced the Saltpeter for use in the production of Ammunition. During the Civil War, the Confederate troops found the Union Gun Powder factory and destroyed it.
Starting in the late 1890's, locals started using the caves for a dance hall and somewhere to escape the heat of the day. The main room was just over 300ft into the cave and was large enough to house a 50ftx50ft dancefloor! This area is now nicknamed the "Ballroom".
In 1933 Lester Benton Dill, a local cave explorer made a discovery that would add many of the sights found there today. These included the Upper Levels and the "Stage Curtain" where the Theatre Room is. They have a full lightshow projected onto the 70ft cave wall. (video below).
During a drought in 1941, they discovered some air coming from under where the underground river flowed. It was there they found the Hideout of the infamous Jesse James.
Jesse and his gang would ride horses to the cave entrance but were never found inside the cave itself. They would crawl down into the underground river and under the cave wall to a secret room on the other side. Once inside the room they could exit the other side where the river came out. This area was known as the Loot Rock.
They found strong boxes traceable to a local train robbery, rifles, and shackles. This place has some history!
Cave Photos
These are a bunch of pictures from inside the cave. Each area has it's own name but I can't remember them all. By far my favorite part of the cave was this reflection pond. Believe it or not, this water is only 6 inches deep but the reflection from the ceiling makes it look bottomless. Have a look!
They have all kinds of lights along the path, lighting up different colors on the cave formations.
More of the Stalactite and Stalagmite formations along the path.
Modern Cave Activities
Since it's discovery you can see the Caves have had several functions. Currently they host a modern campground with fees ranging from $23-$35 a night with electric hookups. They also have a motel onsite from $79 a night.
They offer canoe and raft rental with a winding 6 mile trip down the river bringing you back to the Caves. Kayak rental starts at $32 and Canoes are around $50. This includes your transportation to the launch area.
You'll also find a few different Zip lines with one over 1250ft in length and you reach speeds of 50mph. Near the Zip lines you'll also find a Caveman Climbing wall. Plenty of activities for the whole family!
God Bless America Light Show
Inside the cave in the Theatre Room, they put on a 6min light show projected on the 70ft cave wall. It's amazing and gives me the goosebumps when I listen to it. Enjoy the show!
If you are ever in the Sullivan Missouri area I highly recommend you check these out! #haveyoubeenhere before? Any cool stories about the Caves I missed? Let us know in the comments and Happy 2023!!!
