Exploring the Wonders of Meramec Caverns and Meramec Spring Park
- Vicky
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
After dropping Michael off to play more in his tournament, Lizzy and I had a full Saturday to do something together. After asking her what she wanted to do, in which she replied “Cave” how she knew there were caves in the area I don’t know because I’m 80% sure my 3-year-old can’t read. I drove us to Meramec Caverns.
Meramec Caverns is made by the Meramec River. An Osage Indian guide and a French explorer Philipp Renault were exploring the area. Renault was told by the Osage Indians that there was a cave with veins of glittering yellow metal, obviously thinking gold, Renault found the largest cave west of the Mississippi in 1720s, however it wasn’t gold but saltpeter. In the 1890s, the cave was used for cave parties in the summer months to avoid the heat. The largest room called the ‘ballroom’ was used for a dance floor. In 1941, during a drought the water table even in the cave dropped revealing another section of the cave, this section had artifacts that proved that it was once a Jesse James hideout. In 1947 another new passage was found opening the cave even further.
When we arrived, I was figuring we would have to wait a bit before a tour but they announced that there were spots still open for one about to go into the cave, so Lizzy and I got lucky and didn’t have to wait at all! We also were lucky that this tour had a few different kids. Lizzy loved looking around and obviously this isn’t her first cave experience. She loved it when the tour guide did the total darkness part because Lizzy currently has light-up Paw Patrol shoes. So did people enjoy getting to experience Lizzy’s enthusiasm at having her shoes be the only light, yes thankfully.
Lizzy enjoyed hiking the last section of the cave and was able to explore at her own pace. Once we were out, she was excited to try the mechanical horse. She then asked if we could have ice cream. Now it might be January, winter but it’s never too cold for ice cream. She picked out “Magic Ice cream” it was called Krazy Colors so I don’t understand the toddler logic that it was magic, I would think rainbow ice cream would have been a better description.
Afterwards we went to the gift shop, Lizzy was insistent about buying a hat and Christmas ornament. I told her fine but gave her her own money and told her to go to checkout herself. She surprised the cashier with giving her the stuff and the cash. Then proudly wore the hat.
After getting back into the car, Lizzy asked for another cave. I found one but by the time we got there realized it was closed for the winter and also Lizzy fell asleep. So, after some quick thinking and remembering what the lady at Prairie Barn suggested we drove to Meramec Springs Park for a small picnic and to play at the playgrounds.
Lizzy and I enjoyed exploring the springs park by looking for playgrounds then walking by the springs watching people trout fishing. Lizzy asked one fisherman what they were doing and the guy said he was fishing. Lizzy watched him for awhile and then asked why isn’t he catching any fish. The guy probably realizing he got burned by a 3-year-old smiled and was like guess they aren’t hungry and later moved on. We explored. We saw fish, which Lizzy pointed out saying she wants to go fishing with Papa in the summer but she needs a Let it Go fishing pole. We also saw a crawdad.
After being scared by the siren that stated fishing was done or as Lizzy calls it the moose cow sound. We went back to the first playground and Lizzy saw some kids playing. Said kids are three kids between 11 and 13. Lizzy not being shy goes up to the probably 13-year-old and asks if she could play with them. The 13-year-old being shocked about the clear request said yes. So, Lizzy and the teenager played for a bit before it was time for us to go.
It was a fun day of just exploring various parts of nature and playing.
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