Grab your Indiana Jones hat and jump in the jeep — we’re going exploring.
Though there’s no treasure to steal, there’s plenty to discover beneath the surface in the thousands of miles of underground caves across the United States. From rare, intricate rock designs in South Dakota to America’s largest underground lake in Tennessee, these 15 caves are your ticket to getting to know America below the surface.
Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Actually a cave system and not a singular cave, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the more than 400 miles of passageways — the world’s largest known cave system. The cave system is located within the Green River valley, and its winding chambers, pools, and limestone labyrinths are equal parts beautiful and eerie. Ten different tours offer guests the opportunity to explore the decorated, historic and dripstone areas. The cave complex is especially well known for its natural entrance and Gothic Avenue, a passageway filled with historic stone monuments and signatures from 19th-century visitors. Visitors can reserve tours online.
Meramec Caverns, Missouri
A magnificent seven-layer space, this limestone cave in Sullivan, Missouri, is believed to have once served as a hideout for Jesse James and his criminal gang. Today, the caverns are a popular tourist attraction, known for colorful formations and a large underground lake. Highlights of the caverns include the Wine Table, a rare cave structure formed completely underwater, and an LED light show projected across the formations.
Note: Meramec Caverns were recently reopened following a voluntary closure to investigate contamination concerns. As of publication, tours are not being offered in the back section of the cave, as they are still working to remedy the issue in this part.
Flickr: Marcin Wichary
Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Formed from sulfuric acid erosion of underground limestone deposits, the Carlsbad Caverns are tucked into the Chihuahuan Desert and include 119 known caves. Visitors are free to take a self-guided tour of the Big Room cavern chamber, the 750-foot Natural Entrance trail, sea ledges and deep canyons. If you’d rather explore with the guidance of a park ranger and explore additional areas, including those only accessible via ladders and lit by handheld lanterns — reserve a cave tour online or over the phone. Special events and programming include Bat Flight Tours, offered May through October, when bats exit the cave at dusk daily, and special centennial celebrations held throughout 2016.
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