Missouri has a whole other world under the surface of the Earth.
The Cave State is nicknamed for the7,500 recorded cavesthat sprawl below it including a vastnetwork under St. Louis.
The initial cave was first used by theOsage Nationas a refuge from extreme weather.
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In addition, according to local lore, the cave was the second-to-last-stop on theUnderground 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.
Courtesy of Missouri State Parks
Partygoers turned the large room near the entrance into a giant dancefloor nicknamed the ballroom.
While working in his cave, Dill found a crevice leading to an upper level.
Thanks to all of Dills discoveries, there are seven levels of caves to explore all loaded with history.
Courtesy of Missouri State Parks
Tours of Meramec Caverns take place daily (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas) with a trained ranger.
Courtesy of Missouri State Parks
