Celebrating 140 Years of Underground Wonder!
In 1886, local adventurer Charles Christopher borrowed a boat and ventured behind a spring, uncovering the hidden wonders of Onondaga Cave. This year, we proudly commemorate 140 years since this remarkable discovery. From its prominent display at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair to its designation as a protected National Natural Landmark, Onondaga has captivated countless generations of visitors. Join us in celebrating over a century of history by visiting the cave this season!
Learn more about the timeline of Onondaga Cave State Park on the Missouri State Parks website:
https://mostateparks.com/page/onondaga-cave-state-park/brief-timeline-onondaga-cave
https://mostateparks.com/page/onondaga-cave-state-park/cave-history
Deep History: A Sacred Landscape
While 1886 marks the year when local settlers first navigated a boat into the spring to explore the caverns, the human history of this area stretches back much further. The Meramec River basin is the ancestral home of the Osage Nation and prehistoric Indigenous peoples. Although Onondaga’s natural entrance is an active, water-filled spring and not typically used for shelter, caves and flowing springs carry deep spiritual significance in Osage culture. The Osage Nation honors Onondaga Cave as a sacred site—a powerful, living connection to the earth that was revered long before its mapping occurred.