Friends helping the Park preserve the natural and historical significance of Onondaga Cave State Park through education and recreation.
The mission of Onondaga Friends Association (OFA) is to assist Onondaga State Park in providing more opportunities for interpretive education, increasing public awareness of conservation and biodiversity of our caves, and to promote the unique ecological environment that is Onondaga Cave State Park. We fund these vital conservation and education efforts through offering unique cave tours, community memberships, and volunteer opportunities.
When you visit Onondaga Cave or any of our beautiful Missouri State Parks, you don’t have to pay an entrance fee. Missouri is one of only eight states in the nation that keeps its parks entirely free to the public, and that is thanks to the Parks, Soils, and Water Sales Tax.
This one-tenth of 1% sales tax (only 10 cents for every $100 spent) provides about 75% of the budget needed to operate, maintain, and improve our park system, alongside vital soil and water conservation efforts. Every 10 years, Missourians have the opportunity to vote to renew this funding. It is on the upcoming August 4, 2026 primary ballot as Constitutional Amendment 1.
It is NOT a new tax: It simply renews the existing, highly successful funding that Missourians have overwhelmingly supported since 1984.
Know the facts: There has been some confusion floating around conflating park funding with separate conservation topics (like how the Missouri Department of Conservation/MDC handled Chronic Wasting Disease). Amendment 1 has nothing to do with MDC or wildlife management. It is entirely directed to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to keep our state parks open, safe, and free for everyone.
Let’s ensure future generations can experience the wonder of Onondaga Cave without a price tag at the gate. Please remember to vote YES on Amendment 1 on August 4th!
Upcoming Events
On August 1, escape the summer heat and step into the cool, 57°F depths of Onondaga Cave for a concert experience like no other. We are thrilled to welcome St. Louis, Missouri’s own Flea Bitten Dawgs!
Capture the perfect shot on our slow-paced Onondaga Cave Photo Tour, take an exclusive evening Cathedral Cave Night Tour, or push your boundaries on an adventurous, rugged Off-Trail Tour.
Explore Onondaga Cave State Park’s scenic hiking paths and accessible paved trails, rich with diverse plants and wildlife. Beyond the trails, you can enjoy daily guided cave tours, a gift shop, campgrounds, and other outdoor recreation.
