In the midst of so many Branson attractions such as Silver Dollar City, championship golf, unique museums, and more live shows than you can count, it’s easy to overlook the natural wonders of one of Missouri’s most beautiful cities. Among these wonders is Talking Rocks Cavern, an underground wonderland that has been named Missouri’s most beautiful cave and has something for everyone in the whole family.
History of Talking Rocks Cavern
This hidden gem of the Ozarks was first named “Fairy Cavern” by Truman Powell, the first man to explore the cave. His reasoning for the name was that it looked like a “subterranean fairy land.” Years later, Waldo Powell, son of Truman Powell, claimed the rocks in the cave seemed to tell stories as to how they were formed. When Silver Dollar City purchased the cave in 1969, it was renamed Talking Rocks Cavern.
Things To Do
There is so much to do in the caves besides admiring Mother Nature’s handiwork. The experience begins with an hour long tour of the cavern through a process they like to call “edutainment.” The cave guides are sure to keep you entertained throughout the tour as well as teach their visitors all about the history of the cave, its geological information, and the mineral deposits.
Talking Rocks Cavern is the perfect place to visit all year round. No matter how hot or cold the air may be, in rain or shine, the caverns are always a comfortable 63 degrees and are unaffected by the weather outside!
On the surface of Talking Rocks Cavern, there are still many more activities to partake in that teach you even more about the environment in a fun and enjoyable way. A 9-hole mini golf course provides a challenging experience while also leaving fact signs about the water cycle at each hole.
Gem mining (aka sluicing) is a popular activity at Talking Rock Caverns. After purchasing a bag of “mining rough” in the gift shop, guests are able to sift through the bag’s contents using the sluicing troughs to see what treasures are in store. You will also be given a gem identification card so you know exactly what gemstones you receive when you find them.
For the nature lovers out there, Talking Rocks Cavern provides four different nature trails you can choose from. There is a trail for any hiker of any experience level, and they provide an easy way to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Each trail leads to a different destination whether it be a lookout tower, The Springhouse, or even beautiful waterfalls.
Talking Rocks Cavern Mascot
Yes! You read that right! The caverns actually have their own mascot, a tiny cave dweller known as the cave salamander. This red skinned creature is known as a troglophile, or cave lover, and can live it’s entire life within the caverns without any sunlight. It’s a good thing these brave creatures aren’t scared of the dark!
Talking Rocks Cavern Prices
The enjoyment of the caves plus all its other attractions come at a very reasonable cost! The cave tour starts at $12 for kids.
Talking Rocks Cavern is located at423 Fairy Cave Ln. Branson West, MO 65737. The cavern is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Visit their website for more information, or call the staff at (417) 272-3366.
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