The short version
Stark Caverns, at 125 Cave DriveMap near Eldon, is the easiest of the Lake of the Ozarks caves to do with young kids. It's open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, kids 3 and under are free, and wheelchairs can manage about 80 percent of the path.
The regular tour takes about an hour and covers roughly three-quarters of a mile through all four levels of the cave. Along the way you'll see Native American artifacts, ancient bear beds, Moonshiner's Dam, the Wishing Well and fluorescent minerals.
Prices
As listed by Stark Caverns on Nov. 10, 2026. Tax is extra.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults 13 and up | $30 |
| Youth 4 to 12 | $19 |
| Kids 3 and under | Free |
| Seniors and military | $27 |
| Groups of 20 or more, adults | $25 |
| Groups of 20 or more, youth | $15 |
Group rates have to be booked by phone.
Hours
Open daily, year-round, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fall the hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the first tour at 10 and the last at 4. Specialty tours run after 5 p.m. by reservation.
Extras for kids
- Sluice mining and geodes. Kids can pan for gems at the sluice and crack open a geode.
- Black light tour. For ages 8 and up, reserve online.
- Escape room. Played inside the cave, reservations required.
Accessibility
Wheelchairs can manage about 80 percent of the path. The stretch they can't reach is at the far end of the cave, where there are waiting areas. The cave offers discounted tickets for guests in wheelchairs. Call 573-867-2283 (573-TOP-CAVE) for details.
Questions
How much does Stark Caverns cost?
$30 for adults 13 and older, $19 for youth 4 to 12, $27 for seniors and military, and free for kids 3 and under, plus tax.
Is Stark Caverns wheelchair accessible?
Mostly. Wheelchairs can manage about 80 percent of the path. The part they can't reach is at the far end of the cave, where there are waiting areas, and the cave offers discounted tickets for guests in wheelchairs.
Is Stark Caverns open in winter?
Yes. It's open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Where is Stark Caverns?
At 125 Cave Drive, Eldon, MOMap, just off Highway 54 between Eldon and Lake Ozark.
Sources
- Stark Caverns: Daily tours, checked Nov 10, 2026
- Stark Caverns (official site), checked Nov 10, 2026
- LakeExpo: Stark Caverns escape room (location), checked Nov 10, 2026
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