This U.S. State Has a 7-story Cave-and Fall Is the Perfect Time to Visit

"Home to the largest cave west of the Mississippi, Meramec Caverns has some of the rarest and largest cave formations in the world, including the ancient limestone " wine table " formation. The caves are impressive on their own, but part of what makes them such an interesting place to visit is the role they have played in history. The initial cave was first used by the Osage Nation as a refuge from extreme weather."

"It was then mined for saltpeter, aka potassium nitrate, and used as a Union-held gunpowder manufacturing plant during the Civil War. In addition, according to local lore, the cave was the second-to-last-stop on the Underground Railroad. In the 1890s, the cave saw a dramatic shift. It became a destination for underground parties, which allowed locals to escape the summer heat."

Missouri contains roughly 7,500 recorded caves, including a vast network beneath St. Louis and the accessible caves at Meramec Caverns and Meramec State Park. Fall foliage enhances the park experience along the Natural Wonders Trail, with maples, ashes, hickories, and oaks providing seasonal color. Meramec Caverns is the largest cave west of the Mississippi and features rare formations such as the ancient limestone " wine table " formation. The cave has served as an Osage refuge, saltpeter mine, Union gunpowder plant, possible Underground Railroad stop, and a late-19th-century social venue that included a "ballroom" dance floor, later becoming a show cave and tour site.

Read at Travel + Leisure