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Reviews, get directions and contact details for Onondaga Cave State Park

Onondaga Cave State Park

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Onondaga Cave State Park is a Missouri state park located on the Meramec River approximately southeast of the village of Leasburg. The park was established in 1982. Park activities include cave tours, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.HistoryIn 1850, the area was settled by George and Statirah Cresswell, who moved to the region from Washington County, Missouri with her adopted family. The family built a mill on the Meramec River near Saranac Springs. When a large flood destroyed Cresswell's mill in 1881, the property was purchased by William Henry Rollision Davis. A new mill was built on the property further away from the river at Davis Spring (now Onondaga Spring).In 1886, while studying the outlet of the spring that powered the new mill, a local resident by the name of Charles Christopher discovered that a cave existed behind the spring. With a borrowed boat and two of his friends (John Eaton and Mitis Horine), Christopher entered the cavern and spent an entire day exploring the tunnels within the property. Inspired by their adventure, Christopher and Eaton acquired the land over the cave and began developing their discovery as the "Mammoth Cave of Missouri", spawning a property dispute with Davis that lasted more than fifty years.At the time, "cave onyx" was in demand for architecture, and many caves in the area were being harvested for this purpose. Funds for development of the cave was something neither Christopher or Eaton could spare. Unable to decide whether to continue the cave as a mine or as a tourist destination, the pair had the cave surveyed in 1897 for mining but also gave tours to make the money needed to develop the caverns further. Arthur Hitch, one of the first tourists in the cave system, released a publication about the cave using Eaton's own flash-powder photographs.

Address: 7556 Hwy H, Leasburg, MO 65535, USA
Phone: (573) 245-6576
State: Missouri
City: Leasburg
Zip Code: 65535


Opening Hours

Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

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Reviews
Beautiful park, nice walking trails, clean bathrooms and hot showers, recycling program, kids activities and playground. Wish we had found this in the summer, looking forward to coming back during the open season to see the visitor center and the caves. We enjoyed the scenery, tranquility, and it was a short drive to get to any area restaurants or grocery stores- so prepare before you hit the campground. Camping spaces are well maintained, there are sites with electric and reservations can be made ahead of time.
8 years ago (04-12-2017)
Amazing cave tour!!! Approximately 1 hour long walk through a beautiful cave system. Paved walkways and electric lights (no flash light needed). Pro tip: go to the bathroom before you go on the tour. If you really have to go pee ( I was going to piss in my pants) just drop to the back of the group and go pee when everyone else is in front of you!
7 years ago (27-12-2017)
Very nice state park and campground. Good rates, good for family quite and the river runs through the park. Cave tour also for the mole people to see. Been there about 6 times and never been full, were are drop-in campers so it works well for us.
7 years ago (26-12-2017)
One of the nicest state parks I have ever visited in Missouri. The staff and camp hosts are wonderful. The park is beautifully maintained and some of the nicest shower / bathrooms I've had in any state park.
8 years ago (06-12-2017)
Had a fun time with family going through the cave. Learned a lot about stalagmites and stalactites. Watch your footing though, it's really slipper sometimes. The view is amazing.
7 years ago (04-01-2018)
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