The Ozark Mountains in Missouri offer a wealth of caves that are easy to tour. Here are a few that are open to the public:
Onondaga Cave: One of America's most spectacular caves because of the great abundance and quality of formations. Located in Onondaga Cave State Park off Interstate 44 about seven miles southeast of Leasburg in Crawford County. Concrete, lighted walks with handrails wind through interior. Allow one hour minimum. Admission: $7; $5 over 65 and ages 13-19. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (573) 245-6600.
Onyx Cave: Part of Onyx Mountain Caverns. Features 35-foot-high onyx formations and insight into Woodland Indian culture. Located off Interstate 44, about three miles west on North Outer Road in Newburg in Pulaski County. Tour lasts about one hour, following concrete, lighted walks with handrails. Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $7.75 adults; $3.75 children 5-12; under 5 free. Phone: (573) 762-3341.
Fantastic Caverns: Only ride-through cave tour in North America. Located off Interstate 44 at 4872 N. Farm Road 125 in Springfield in Greene County. Tour follows path of ancient underground river. Open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: $14.95 adults; $7.95 children 6-12; children under 5 free. Phone: (417) 833-2010.
Ozark Caverns: Features Angel Showers, a never-ending shower of water that seems to come out of the solid-rock ceiling. Located in Lake of the Ozarks State Park, off Route A in Camden County. Tour lasts about one hour, following park naturalist carrying lanterns. No electrical lighting or paved walkways. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., June through August; call for other hours. Closed November through March. Admission: $4 adults; $3 children 13-18; $2 children 6-12; children under 5 free. Phone: (573) 346-2500.
Jacob's Cave: Famous for world's largest geode and prehistoric bones (mastodon, bear and peccary). Located on Route TT near Versailles in Morgan County. Tour lasts about one hour, follows walking path. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. off-season. Admission: $10 adults; $5 children 4-12. Phone: (573) 378-4374. Web site: www.jacobscave.com
Meramec Caverns: A 400 million-year-old complex of mineral formations. Located off Interstate 44 at Stanton in Franklin County. Visitors learn how nature created an ancient limestone "Wine Table" and a seven-story "mansion." Tours last about one hour following concrete, lighted walkways. Open daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. June; 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. July-Labor Day; hours changing in fall. Admission: $12.50 adults; $6 children 5-11; children under 5 free. Phone: (573) 468-3166. Web site: www.americascave.com
Also on the Internet: Missouri Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.state.mo.us
Missouri Department of Conservation:www.conservation.state.mo.us/nathis/caves/