Onondaga Cave State Park at a glance
Onondaga Cave State Park sits near Leasburg, Missouri. The main cave tour is a lit, paved loop of just under a mile that takes about 75 minutes. It starts at the Visitor Center. The Meramec River and Vilander Bluff are part of the park too.
Cathedral Cave is the second cave in the park. It is a lantern tour, and it runs only on a limited summer schedule. You can book tours online or in the park. There is no general requirement to book ahead for single visitors.
Onondaga Cave State Park tours and prices
Admission per person in 2026.
| Ticket | Ages 13 and up | Ages 6 to 12 | Under 6 | Military and seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onondaga Cave tour | $23 (13 to 64) | $13 | Free | $20 (seniors 65 and up) |
| Cathedral Cave lantern tour | $15 (18 to 64), $13 (13 to 17) | $10 | Free | $12 |
| Both caves, same day | $32 | $18 | Free | $29 |
Combo tickets are not refunded, so buy them only when your dates are fixed.
For most visitors, the Onondaga Cave tour is the one to choose. Add Cathedral Cave only if your dates fall on a summer weekend.
Onondaga Cave tours and Missouri day trips
Cave tours near Onondaga and trips from St. Louis, with live prices and availability.
The Onondaga Cave tour
The route follows a lit, paved path of just under a mile. It takes about 75 minutes and leaves from the Visitor Center. The cave stays at around 57 °F (13 to 14 °C) all year, so bring a layer even on a hot day.
In 2026 the cave tours run daily from 1 April to 31 October. The last tour leaves at 3:30 p.m., so arrive early on busy days.
Group rates apply from 10 people. Book groups from two weeks to seven months ahead. Group prices are without tax.
Cathedral Cave in Missouri: the lantern tour
Cathedral Cave is a lantern tour of about 2 hours including the walk in. The total distance is about 2 miles, of which about 90 minutes are in the cave. Groups are limited to 20 people.
Cathedral Cave runs only on Saturdays and Sundays, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Outside that window there are no regular Cathedral tours, so do not plan an autumn or spring visit around it. The tour starts at the camping shower house, not at the Visitor Center.
Cathedral Cave is cool too, at around 57 °F. Wear sturdy shoes, because the walk to the cave is part of the tour.
Rules to protect the bats
Missouri's four state-run show caves share a rule against white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease of hibernating bats. Do not wear or carry clothing, shoes, accessories or gear that have been in another cave.
If you visit several caves on a trip, pack a separate outfit for each one. Ticks are also a seasonal issue in the park, with an advisory from 1 March to 31 October 2026, so check yourself after time on the trails.
Onondaga Cave State Park camping
Per night including tax, 2026.
| Site type | Price per night |
|---|---|
| Basic | $15 from April to October, $14 from November to March |
| Electric/Water | $32 and $26 |
| Family Electric/Water | $57 and $47 |
Camping runs all year. Water and showers are available during the reservation season from 1 April to 31 October, and water depends on the weather. Sites can be reserved up to 12 months ahead, and free sites may be available on the spot. Seniors 65 and up, visitors with a disability and military or veterans get $2 off per night with proof.
Getting there
The park address is 7556 Highway H, Leasburg, MO 65535. The cave belongs to the park at Leasburg and is not a city cave in St. Louis, so plan the trip as a day out. See caves near St. Louis for how it compares with Meramec Caverns.
For a second cave on the same trip, read the Meramec Caverns guide. For the months that suit your dates, see weather and the best time to visit.
Onondaga Cave State Park: frequently asked questions
How much does Onondaga Cave cost?
In 2026 the tour costs $23 for ages 13 to 64 and $13 for ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free. Military visitors and seniors from 65 pay $20.
How long is the Onondaga Cave tour?
The lit, paved loop is just under a mile and takes about 75 minutes. It starts at the Visitor Center.
When is Onondaga Cave open?
The 2026 season runs daily from 1 April to 31 October, with the last tour at 3:30 p.m. Outside these dates the cave tours do not run.
Is Cathedral Cave open in autumn?
No. Cathedral Cave runs only on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.
Can I do both caves in one day?
Yes, on a summer weekend. The same-day ticket costs $32 for ages 13 and up and $18 for ages 6 to 12, and it is not refundable.
Is this the official Onondaga Cave State Park website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not the official website of Missouri State Parks or the Department of Natural Resources, so use the park's own channels for the final word on tickets and hours.