Not long ago USA Today published a bucket list of the top 60 things to do in the United States before you die. Well on that list was a little place in Sullivan Missouri. But don’t let the size fool you. Meramec Cavern has a LOT of adventure packed into this one gorgeous location. Caveman Floating operates just outside the cave, and provides epic float trips on the Meramec River. Float Trips start at 1135 Hwy W, in Sullivan, Missouri. For more information, or to start planning your adventure, click here.
This amazing cave system draws more than 100,000 visitors a year from all corners of the Earth. But the cave is not the only thing you can enjoy at Meramec Cavern. The cave is located right next to the Beautiful Meramec River, and Caveman Floating has several different float trips available.
At Caveman Floating you have several options to explore the river. They have kayaks, canoe, rafts, or even a 25 passenger riverboat named the Cavern Queen!
Your adventure begins at the Caveman Floating check in office, just outside Meramec Cavern. After checking in you pick out your vessel and board a bus. You are driven about six miles up stream and the friendly staff helps you into the water, and you float back down to the cave campgrounds.
Float trips take between 3-5 hours and take you past gorgeous scenery, on our float trip we saw old bridges, tall trees, towering bluffs, natural springs, caves (some of which you can paddle inside) sandbars, a rope swing. If that wasn’t enough, we also saw deer, turtles,bass, and even a turkey.
There are numerous spots along the river, you can get out and swim, play or enjoy a cool drink.
After you arrive back at the cave, be sure to take a tour. Meramec Cavern is truly something special. This is one of the most amazing cave systems in the United States.
There is also a great zipline course. Caveman Zipline at Meramec Caverns allows visitors an opportunity to soar through the treetops and across the Meramec River in a high-adrenaline, adventure. The canopy tour includes three swinging sky-bridges and four zip rides varying in length from 200 to 1250 feet, reaching speeds of 50 mph!
With so much to see and do in one area, most people decide to stay the night at either the onsite river front campground or the beautiful Meramec Motel located in LaJolla Natural Park.
A restaurant, gift shop, candy store, mining sluice, picnic area, and even a Jesse James Wax Museum are also found on site.
For nearby lodging, click here. For a list of Missouri’s best hiking locations, click here. For a list of fun family activities in the area, click here.
