Connor’s Cave & the Devil’s Icebox

Who wants to see a cave, I do! I do!

So, while in Columbia, Missouri over the weekend to  see the Total Solar Eclipse I decided to check out Connor’s Cave.  Located in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, my friend Rose and I drove out to the park that is a whopping 2,273 acres.  The park has more than 20 miles of trails to walk and some are also great for bikers horse riders.

Our goal was the check out the the weekend cave tour.  We stopped at the ranger office but for some reason, perhaps because of the busy eclipse schedule the tour was not on. However, we were excited to learn that the cave and trails were still open to the public.  So off we went.

Parking in the lot with the truly ominous name of Devil’s Icebox, we only found a spot after one couple backed out.  Lucky us!  The walk to the cave was clearly marked and  an easy .5 miles trek.  On our way, we traversed on a very cool boardwalk.  With the ninety plus degree temperatures we were delighted to immerse ourselves in the 56 degree cave.  The ceiling soars, and at the end of the opening, best of all there is a waterfall!

The cave is easy to get to, easy to see and a wonderful way for those of all ages to enjoy a heart stopping site.

Tours of the cave are offered from April to. May and August to October.

The rest of the trail loop is a bit more challenging. While still on he boardwalk, there are LOTS of stairs, but the walk is worth it for the view, and I must admit, the excercise was good for me!

I remember from my days of working for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency’s Radon Program details about Karst geology which offers sink holes and openings in the soil.  The Devil’s Cave area and sink hole are that type of topography and offer a beautiful scene for visitors. While not so good for those trying to keep radon out of their buildings, for tourists it offers a neat landscape.

For more information about Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, call 573-449-7402.