Archaeology Day, Live Bird Program and Public Meeting
9/19/2026 | Graham Cave State Park | Danville, Mo.
On Sept. 19, Graham Cave State Park will host its annual Archaeology Day event and its annual public meeting, along with a live bird program. The event will begin with archaeology-themed activities at 9 a.m. The live bird program will start at 11 a.m., and the public meeting will follow at noon.
The entire event is free and open to the public. There is no need to register. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Event Schedule:
Archaeology Day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Artifacts collected from Graham Cave indicate that humans occupied this cave as early as 10,000 years ago. Graham Cave became a National Historic Landmark in 1961 -- the first archaeological site to receive this designation -- and it remains one of the most archaeologically significant caves in the United States. Archaeology Day is a celebration of Graham Cave's cultural history and archaeological legacy.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a variety of archaeology-themed games, activities and displays will be available in the Lower Picnic Area and near the cave entrance. Visitors will get to to test their skills at ancient activities, including making fishhooks from bone and throwing darts with an atlatl. The atlatl is a tool that early humans used for hunting prior to the invention of the bow and arrow. Archaeologists have found atlatls on every continent except Antarctica.
Live Bird Program: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., representatives from the World Bird Sanctuary will be stationed at a table in the Lower Picnic Area with a few different birds of prey. Visitors will have a chance to see the birds and ask questions. For safety reasons, pets will not be allowed near the birds.
Public Meeting: Noon to 1 p.m.
The public meeting will take place in an open house format at the picnic shelter. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will be on hand to provide information about the park and answer questions. Visitors are encouraged to share comments about the park and its operations.
Public meetings are held annually for all state parks and historic sites to foster two-way communication with the public. These meetings give park staff and division leadership the opportunity to provide information about the parks, and they allow visitors to ask questions and provide feedback. A complete list of public meetings scheduled for 2026 is available online.
Graham Cave State Park Contact Information:
- Address: 217 Highway TT, Danville, Mo.
- Phone number: 573-564-3476