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One Tank Trips: Take a ride through Fantastic Caverns in Springfield

fantastic caverns
fantastic caverns
Posted at 5:00 AM, Jul 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-17 13:29:05-04

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri is known as a cave state, a fact that led 41 Action News' One Tank Trips crew on a recent underground adventure to Fantastic Caverns in Springfield.

Referred to as America's ride-thru cave, it was discovered in 1862 by a man named John Knox and his hunting dog. Knox was said to be superstitious and did not enter the cave, but rather kept it a secret for five years.

In 1867, Knox put out an ad in a local newspaper for someone to come and explore the cave. Twelve women with the Springfield Athletic Club responded and became the first explorers of what is now known as Fantastic Caverns.

During a trip to the cave, visitors can ride through and tour the underground path that was left behind by an ancient subterranean river.

The 55-minute tour in the 60-degree cave allows visitors to see different formations and learn about the history.

Admission to Fantastic Caverns is $25 for adults; $17 for children ages 6 to 12; and children under 5 are free.

Fantastic Caverns is located 158 miles from Kansas City, about a two hour and 25 minute drive.

For more information, visit the attraction's website.