Activities

  • cave_tours

    Take a tour of both Onondaga and Cathedral caves. Click here for more information.

  • camping

    Basic and electric/water campsites are available. Click here for more information.

  • hiking

    Hike through the natural features of the park on four trails. Click here for more information.

  • fishing

    Cast your line in the Meramec River or an oxbow lake. Click here for more information.

  • boating

    Bring your boat or canoe to access the Meramec River via the park's canoe launch or boat ramp. Click here for more information.

  • Interpretive Programs

    Nature programs are presented on a variety of topics. Click here for more information.

  • picnicking

    Enjoy a picnic lunch at a picnic table or the picnic shelter. Click here for more information.

  • Bicycling

    Ride on a short trail between the visitor center and campground. Click here for more information.

  • swimming

    The Meramec River has a number of popular swimming holes. However, the river is not within the park and no lifeguard is on duty. All swimming is at your own risk.

  • Playground

    A new playground made of recycled plastic products is in the campground.

Park information

Descend into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder: towering stalagmites, dripping stalactites, and active flowstones help make the cave a National Natural Landmark and illustrate why Missouri is often called “The Cave State.” Visitors can take guided tours into the underground wonderland. But if you prefer the surface, the park’s Vilander Bluff Natural Area provides a panoramic view of the Meramec River. Easy access to the Meramec River allows visitors to canoe or fish in a bucolic setting.

See video

Park Hours

The park is open year-round for camping and day use.

Visitor Center hours

  • Summer Hours (On-Season)
    March - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday
    April through October - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
  • Winter Hours (Off-Season)
    November through February - Closed

Store hours

  • Summer Hours (On-Season)
    March - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday
    April through October - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
  • Winter Hours (Off-Season)
    November through February - Closed

Onondaga Cave hours

Onondaga Cave tours 

  • Tours are offered April 15 through Oct. 16 at scheduled times throughout the day, depending on the season and available staffing. 
  • At a minimum, tours are offered every two hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and increase to several tours per day from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 
  • Please call the visitor center prior to arrival for a definitive tour time schedule.

Cathedral Cave tours

  • Cathedral Cave will open for school group tours starting April 15 and public tours starting May 15.
  • May 15-31 and Sept. 1-15 - 1 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m., Sunday
  • Memorial Day through Labor Day - 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m., Sunday
  • Tours may be available by special arrangement.  Please contact the park naturalist for more information.