Over 12,000 years old and formed by limestone the Bluff Dweller’s Cavern, nestled in Noel, Missouri is really a sight to behold.
Originally the Paleo-Indians , also know as the Bluff Dwellers, we’re know to have lived within the caverns, hence the cavern name.
To get to the caverns you have to walk up a flight of rugged stone steps. Which the sign assures you is the hardest part of the visit to this amazing cavern.
Once you arrive to the top beside to take moment to turn around and take in the stunning view out below towards the parking lot and beyond.
The cavern it self was discovered in 1925 by Aurthur Browing, who at the time owned the property. While at the time of discovery there was only a head sized opening, soon the site was excavated and opened to the public in 1927.
Upon reaching the top you are greater by the information boot where you can buy tickets to tour this wondrous cavern. At $12 for adults and $6 for children it’s a great family outing.
However, the caves are rather dark and at one point in the tour they turn off all lights to demonstrate just how dark the cavern is. Keeping this in mind I wouldn’t suggests this for anyone afraid of the dark.
Once on the tour there are amazing rock formations all around, it’s really a sight to see.
It is important to note that while pictures are allowed you are not to touch any of the cavern walls. Oils from the human skin can actually cause damage to these thousand of year old rocks.
The cavern is known for being the home of several species of salamanders. While you can’t be guaranteed you’ll spot one during your tour, everyone does get a glimpse of the infamous cave duck!
After the tour you can make your way to the Bowing Museum and gift shop. There are lots of neat gems, rocks, fossils and photos of the Browing family. In fact the property is still owned by the Browing family.
The caverns were truly a sight worth seeing. I enjoyed them so much I want to do more pseudo spelunking. If you’re in the Ozarks area around Noel, Missouri I definitely recommend checking out Bluff Dwellers Caverns.
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