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Mark Twain Cave Complex

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The Mark Twain Cave Complex boasts America's Oldest and Newest Show Caves. Mark Twain Cave is Missouri's first Show Cave. The cave was first shown in 1886 and is a Registered National Natural Landmark.We are located approximately one mile south of Hannibal on Highway 79. To find us, click here.

When you visit us you will find a wealth of fun and interesting things to do! We have ample parking and free picnic grounds. We welcome school groups and tour buses.

Experienced guides will escort you on the 55 minute tour of Mark Twain Cave where the walkways are level and smooth, and there are no steps. Because of the natural state of our cave it is not wheelchair accessible. Our cave stays a constant 52 degrees year round! (A light jacket or sweater is recommended on the tours.) Please wear sensible walking shoes.

Cameron Cave is a 1 hour and 20 minute tour, and several people will carry lanterns as the cave is very nearly like it was first discovered in 1925. Click here or on Tickets and Tours for more info.

Shopping is a delight in our Visitor's Center where we have a great selection of gifts, books, souvenirs and collectibles. Here you will also find Cameron's Candies offering soft drinks, candy, popcorn, and of course our yummy homemade fudge!

Cave History

We would like to share with you some of its history about Mark Twain Cave. Earliest documentation says the cave was discovered in the winter of 1819-1820 when Jack Simms and his dog when on a hunting trip. His dog chased a panther, which a sport in those days, into a small opening on the side of a hill. Since it was late in the day, he blocked the entrance, came back with his brother and torches the next day. They had to be awestruck upon what they discovered once inside. From that time on the cave has been rediscovered everyday by someone. This fabulous cave was written about in five of Mark Twain's books. The cave has been seen by millions of people since that time which includes, presidents, villains, heros and most important those of us who are interested in history, literature and science. This is the cave that is based on the story Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Let your adventure begin. Tours have gone through since 1886, marking Mark Twain Cave Missouri's oldest showcave.

Cameron Cave is Missouri's newest showcave. It was discovered on a cold wintery day in 1925 by Arch Cameron whose family opened Mark Twain Cave. He saw steam emitting from the ground while he was tending cattle on the property. After a closer look he noticed a sink hole. Immediately, he started digging at the hot ledge. That dig resulted in finding a very large room. Arch gathered an exploration group and discovered a cave much larger and complex than the labyrinth of Mark Twain Cave.



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