http://www.americascave.com/
I guess I've always assumed it was a tourist trap, and having finally gone there I'd have to say there is an elemont of truth to that. Above ground the gift shop is filled with cheap Chinese junk and there is a bit of a theme-park atmosphere. It was clean and well lit, however, and it was clear that the folks running the place are accustomed to accomodating a lot of tourists efficiently.
I'm not much of one for crowds or tourist hot-spots so I wasted little time forking over the fifteen dollar fee to join a tour. Below ground things were more to my taste.
Near the entrance to the cavern is a model of a Foucault Pendulum. I won't bore you with the physics. If you have an interest here is the Wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/foucault_pendulum
It would have taken hours to observe the Coriolis Effect so I took the tour guide's word that it worked and moved along.
There was a fair amount of BS in the guide's well rehearsed spiel, but to be fair he was quite knowledgeable about the speleothems, many of which are unique and spectacular. Photography is a bit tricky in a cave but herre are a couple of shots to give you an idea.
and this...
The tour is about a mile in length, all of it underground, and lasts a little over an hour. It's accessible to the disabled, believe it or not, and isn't physically demanding like some other less commercial cave tours I've taken. Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes (it's 60 degrees and damp down there) and you'll be fine.
I had a good time. I'm in no hurry to go back but everyone ought to see Meramec Caverns at least once.
When you leave, if you are headed east on I-44, find an excuse to stop at Super Smokers Barbecue in Eureka for lunch or dinner.
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