Meramec Caverns and Zip Line

This one is local to us, only about 30 minutes from home, so we visit Mermec Caverns to get away from the heat when it is hotter than a blister bug in a pepper patch or to ride the zip line, or to do a river float trip our hick family. Did you know you can bring your own boat for the beer cooler... well, you can.

Rating:

5 cold beers out of a six-pack after a hot day mowing the lawn! This place is midwest family friendly and is a great place to disconnect from the electronic devices and just be family.

This is a cave and cavern system that is approximately four and a half miles of underground fun in the Ozarks, near Stanton, Missouri.

This is a guided tour and you walk deep into the cave under the hills. The guides talk about the geology and colorful history of the place. Everything from civil war use, to Jessie James escaping into it, to the ballroom dancing in the 1930's. They also show you what absolute darkness is when they turn out the lights for a moment. It gets as dark as looking into a sack of black cats (dark).

There is a lot more to do on the grounds and they are well maintained. We have had more than one family event here and have taken advantage of the camping area outdoor grills, picnicking area, and all of the fun outlined below.

Zip Line Adventure

Soar through the tree tops and across the Meramec River. This zip line takes you to 4 platforms with 2 of the lines covering seriously long distances. The last platform is significantly higher than the others and it will have you looking up the stairs and saying,"still climbing, huh", and humming "Stairway to Heaven". Barbra Jean Jo Barbara isn't a fan of heights, but even she liked the rush of stepping off of the edge of a platform towering above the trees, being attached to the cable by an "easy off - easy on" zip line trolley,...come to think of it, she is crazy.

Riverboat Rides This is fun for the kids, but don't get too excited, this isn't a riverboat like you may have seen in old time photos. This is a small boat with a canvas covered top on the Mermac River.

Think original Willie Wonka's "Wonkatania" on the chocolate river but less fancy, but same brown river. It a relaxing, history filled, half hour long ride with 25 or so people on board.

Canoe and Raft Floats Take a six or eleven mile float on the scenic Meramec River. Ask about the speed of the river flow the day you do it or you may be on the river for a very long time. A shuttle bus will take you up river and you can float back to your car (it will still be in the parking lot, they don't push it into the river or anything) back at the caverns. Reservations are required and this river starts looking like a hillbilly log jam late in the day on weekends, so call and make your reservations.

Note: you will want to pack plenty of sunscreen, snacks, beverages, a trash bag, and a couple of high pressure water cannons. Water balloons and other "water battle" toys make the float more fun. Also a good sealed waterproof box or bag is important to keep the electronics dry - see above "water battle" toys.

Pan for Gold While parents shop at the Mine Store for beautiful rock gifts or at Granny's Candy Store for homemade fudge, children can pan for fool's gold, fossils, and other gemstones in a 19th century setting. The kids love that they walk away rich with their new treasures.

Plenty to do and a very family friendly place to play outside.

Tip:

Sunscreen, pack some sunscreen, did I mention sunscreen? I know, "we are going to the caves, why do we need sunscreen. You are in the caves for about an hour, the rest of the day you are outside.

Price:

Zip Line: $49.00 Adults, $39.00 Children Riverboat rides: $10.00 Adults, $7.00 Children 5-11.

Float trips: Canoes Sunday - Friday $40 per canoe Saturday $45 per canoe (and Holiday weekends) Rafts & kayaks also available.

Pan for gold: Small bag of mine rough $6.99, Large bag of mine rough $9.99, Arrowhead mine rough $6.99, Emerald mine rough $9.99