Round Spring Guided Cave Tour

A guided tour of Round Spring Cave offers a unique experience on the riverways.

NPS Photo

Discover the amazing world beneath your feet!

Round Spring Cave is considered the most spectacular cave within Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Large, varied formations fill over a mile of the passage, which has been well-preserved over the years. 

There is no better way to learn about Ozark caves than through a tour! In summer, rangers conduct daily "lantern tours" of the cave, detailing local history and taking questions from visitors.  Common topics include karst topography, geology, hydrology, cave wildlife, history, and more. 

Tours are limited to 15 visitors, allowing for a more intimate experience than typical show caves. For 2024, tours are tentatively planned for June 1 through Labor Day. Contact the park for the most up-to-date schedule.

Reminder: All caves except Round Spring Cave are closed to visitation due to a highly contagious disease (White Nose Syndrome) that impacts bat populations. Please refrain from entering other caves within the park.

Details

Duration

60-75 Minutes

Cave tours typically last between 60 to 75 minutes. Tours may be shorter if the group moves quickly, while more questions/discussion can add to the time.

Activity

Guided Tours

Lantern tours lead visitors through one wing of the Round Spring Cave, showing off features such as the "Tobacco Barn," "Ice Cream Sundae," and more (if time allows). A ranger accompanies every tour, providing interpretation and answering questions from the group.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring a jacket or sweater, as it is cool inside the cave. Otherwise, be sure to read about duration, location, and accessibility before booking a tour.

ADVISORY: To help control the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that is killing bats but is harmless to people, please do NOT wear or bring anything into the cave that you have taken into other caves. This includes cameras, belts, footwear, etc. Thank you. 

Age(s)

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, to protect both themselves and cave resources. Slick mud or loose gravel may be present, so parents are expected to keep an eye on their family.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed inside Round Spring Cave.

Activity Fee

Yes

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under). Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before each tour, at the Round Spring Ranger Station.

Location

Round Spring Cave

Round Spring is located on Highway 19, about 12.3 miles north of Eminence, MO. The ranger station and cave are located near the family campground, found closest to the two-lane bridge. Reminder: Before going to the cave, visitors must purchase tickets at the Round Spring Ranger Station.

Once you have purchased tickets, the cave entrance is located just west of Round Spring Ranger Station. From the ranger station, drive downhill and keep to the left. After passing under the bridge, continue straight until you reach the parking lot. Park there - rangers will meet you at the lot, then the cave is a short walk away.

Reservations

No

Reservations cannot be made at this time. If you wish to schedule a school group or other special visit, please call the park at [phone].

Season

Summer

Round Spring Cave is typically open during the summer months, sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day. To check whether the cave will be open, call the park at [phone] or [phone].

Time of Day

Day

Tours take place daily at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm (noon), and 2:00 pm. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes before each tour, at the Round Spring Ranger Station.

Accessibility Information

Due to the natural terrain of the cave, these tours are not accessible to wheelchairs and may be difficult for those with mobility impairments. Stooping for a moderate distance is required to enter the cave, and gravel or mud may prove difficult to navigate once inside.

Service animals are allowed, given that they meet the requirements outlined by NPS policy. In short, service animals "must be trained to perform a specific task related to the disability of its handler." "Emotional support" or "comfort" animals do not qualify as service animals for the sake of this policy.