Crystal Cave


Useful Information

Location: 7225 Crystal Cave Ln, Springfield, MO 65803.
Near Sringfield. I 44 exit 80B, north on Hwy H to the intersection of Hwy H and Hwy KK. Turn left and the cave is on your immediate right.
(37.325446, -93.261762)
Open: All year daily 9-13.
[2006]
Fee: Adults USD 9, Children (5-18) USD 5, Children (0-4) free.
[2006]
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: T=16 °C
Guided tours: D=90 min.
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Crystal Cave, Loyd and Edith Richardson, Owners, 7225 N Crystal Cave Lane, Springfield, MO 65803, +1-417-833-9599.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1893 opened for the public by Alfred Mann.
1967 inherited by Estle Richardson, who cared for the Mann sisters.
1982 bought by Lloyd and Edith Richardson.
19-OCT-1992 declared a Greene County historical site.

Description

Crystal Cave is famous for its numerous calcite formations. Like always, there are many formations with fantastic names. More interesting may be the fossile crinoids found in the cave. It is the only show cave in the Ozarks, where those petrified animals can be seen. The cave has numerous helictites too.

This cave is in a very natural state. Most time the visitor walks on natural cave floor, and the formations are often in your reach. This is uncommon, as it would be easy for visitors to destroy unique speleothems. Thats the reason why this cave is so different, the owner Loyd Richardson guides his cave personally, sharing it with his guests. He explains what to do and why it is necessary. This makes the cave visit an unique experience.

The first recorded owners of Crystal Cave were William A. Wallace and then William Jenkins. It was opened to the public in 1893 by Alfred Mann, an englishman. It was the second commercial cave in Missouri, Mark Twain Cave at Hannibal was already open since 1886.

Update [2010]: We were informed, that the owner is in bad health and the cave currently closed. Please call in advance if you plan to visit the cave.