Check Weather Conditions

  • We are open everyday for tours except Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.
  • If the weather calls for snow or ice, call ahead to make sure the caverns are open. Visitor safety is a top priority so we will close the caverns if the weather or road conditions become too dangerous.
  • Expect to walk several hundred feet on an uncovered gravel pathway to the cave entrance – bring a warm coat in the cool seasons and a rain jacket and umbrella for rainy days.
  • The road to access the caverns is gravel, ending in a fairly steep hill down to the caverns. These roads may be challenging in inclement weather. Make sure your vehicle is suitable for these conditions.

Dress Appropriately

  • Wear comfortable shoes, preferably with a closed toe and good traction. You will be walking three-fourths of a mile over the course of your tour in areas that are near gravel, dirt and rocks. Several portions of the pathway are wet and could be slick.
  • Have a light jacket or sweater to wear in the caverns – 57 degrees can feel chilly for many folks. We have sweatshirts for sale in the Gift Shop.
  • Dress casually and be prepared to be dripped on during the caverns walk. We call these drips “Cavern Kisses.”

Come Prepared

  • Bring bug spray and/or sunscreen depending on the weather and your personal needs, especially if you plan to stay awhile and enjoy the grounds.
  • Strollers are welcomed and may be used for 75% of the tour. Thin and lightweight strollers are the best option.
  • If one of your guests will be using a wheelchair, you’ll want to designate someone who can help push the wheelchair on some of the sloped or rough areas of the pathway.

Stay Awhile

  • Visit the Gift Shop and purchase a memento of your trip
  • Pan for gemstones or fossils
  • Pick out a geode to crack on the porch
  • Get a snack or a soda
  • Bring a picnic lunch and eat at one of the two picnic areas
  • Walk around the pond and listen to the frogs. See if you can spot a turtle or a goldfish
  • Sit in a rocking chair on the porch and watch the many hummingbirds

Take in Other Local Attractions

  • Bagnell Dam
  • Bridal Cave
  • Jacobs Cave
  • Outlet Shopping
  • Truman Reservoir
  • Ozark Yacht Club
  • Check out FunLake.com for current events and activities in the Lake Area

Stay the Night at a Nearby Hotel

Be sure to check out our preferred hotel partners here:
Stark Caverns Preferred Hotel Partners


Still Have Questions?

Read our FAQs.