Marvel Cave Tours and Activities

Marvel Cave showing caves
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Gaze in awe at fascinating colors and rock formations on a guided tour of this mystical cave system located inside the Silver Dollar City theme park.

Marvel Cave is a popular highlight of a visit to the Silver Dollar City amusement park. Retrace the steps of Native Americans, explorers and vigilantes as you climb staircases deep inside this magnificent national natural landmark. Visit Marvel Cave to admire its ever-changing wet limestone walls and spot stalagmites and stalactites.

Listen to the history and legends of the cave. The earliest cave record is from the 1500s, when it was familiar to the Osage Indians. Local lore claims that a band of outlaws called the Bald Knobbers disposed of enemies in the cave’s sinkhole in the mid 1800s. In the years following, several entrepreneurs led expeditions in the hope of finding valuable rocks and stones. The first tourism activities took place beginning in 1894. In 1960, the cave became a centerpiece of Silver Dollar City, a theme park replicating life in the 1880s.

Guided tours travel through otherworldly caves and tunnels, including a descent of almost 600 stairs, roughly 50 stories. Start by traveling about 300 feet (90 meters) underground to the Cathedral Room, a sinkhole that is among the biggest cave entrances in the U.S.

Duck to pass beneath the ceilings of low tunnels, watch water drip from the limestone walls and observe helictites and the huge Liberty Bell stalagmite. Visit the natural Waterfall Room, about 500 feet (150 meters) below the surface. Exit via a cable car train.

For a more intimate cave experience, join the limited-capacity Lantern Light Tour. Equipped with a personal lantern, follow a guide dressed in pioneer clothing and hear engrossing cave tales. Step into the dingy Mammoth Room, where dozens of bats hang from the walls and a ladder, believed to have been left by 16th-century Spanish explorers, was found.

The cave stands close to the main entrance to Silver Dollar City. Travel west from downtown Branson in 20 minutes by car. Free parking is available.

Admission to Marvel Cave is included with tickets to the amusement park. There is an additional fee for the Lantern Light Tour. The cave and the park’s other attractions are open from March to December. Tours last about 1 hour.

Compare 5,992 hotels close to Marvel Cave with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
120 Wildwood Dr S, Branson, MO, 65616
The price is $56 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
$56
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this golf hotel in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Silver Dollar City and Aquarium at the Boardwalk are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (68 reviews)
Above and beyond! Excellent!
"After having a horrid experience with another hotel that night we ended up here. Nick at the front desk was so friendly and kind! I mentioned my daughter loved the Aquarium octopus on the strip and asked if there was any way to possibly get a room facing that... he gave us an 8th floor room directly ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Lodge Of The Ozarks
Lodge Of The Ozarks
3 out of 5
3431 W 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO, 65616
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $90 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$90
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Branson. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,763 reviews)
Perfect Location
"Great location to everything and on the main strip of Branson. Was very clean and staff was very nice. Will stay again."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023

Lodge Of The Ozarks
Quality Inn West
Quality Inn West
2.5 out of 5
3601 Shepherd of the Hills, Branson, MO, 65616
The price is $63 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$63
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this hotel in Branson. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (349 reviews)
Great stay
"Kids enjoyed the pool and breakfast. The room was clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Quality Inn West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Southern Oaks Inn
Southern Oaks Inn
2 out of 5
3295 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO, 65616
Southern Oaks Inn
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
120 Wildwood Dr S, Branson, MO, 65616
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Lodge Of The Ozarks
Lodge Of The Ozarks
3 out of 5
3431 W 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO, 65616
Lodge Of The Ozarks
Quality Inn West
Quality Inn West
2.5 out of 5
3601 Shepherd of the Hills, Branson, MO, 65616
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Angel Inn near IMAX
Angel Inn near IMAX
2 out of 5
3311 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO, 65616
Angel Inn near IMAX
Cabins at Green Mountain, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Cabins at Green Mountain, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
3 out of 5
3864 Green Mountain Dr., Branson, MO, 65616
Cabins at Green Mountain, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hampton Inn by Hilton Branson on the Strip
Hampton Inn by Hilton Branson on the Strip
2.5 out of 5
3695 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO, 65616
Hampton Inn by Hilton Branson on the Strip
French Quarter Resort by Spinnaker Resorts
French Quarter Resort by Spinnaker Resorts
3.5 out of 5
3706 West Hwy 76 - Country Blvd, Branson, MO, 65616
French Quarter Resort by Spinnaker Resorts
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Branson
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Branson
2.5 out of 5
3226 Shepherd Of The Hills Expy, Branson, MO, 65616
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Branson
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.