Smallin Civil War Cave at a glance
Smallin Civil War Cave is at 3575 N Smallin Road in Ozark, Missouri 65721, in the Springfield region. The standard guided tour lasts 1 hour and covers half a mile on concrete paths with handrails, ramps and gentle slopes. There are no stairs. Strollers, wheelchairs and scooters are welcome on this tour.
For visitors who want more, there is a separate wild tour of 2 hours, off the paved path. The prices below are 2026 prices per person in US dollars.
Our pick: Crystal Cave near Springfield
A different cave in the Springfield area, if you want to see a second one on the same trip.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Springfield and Ozarks cave tours
Cave tours, wild adventures and day trips around Springfield, with live prices and availability.
Smallin Civil War Cave tours and prices 2026
Two tours, two very different days.
| Tour | Length | Price | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided standard tour | 1 hour | $34.95 (ages 13 and up), $18.95 (ages 4 to 12), free for ages 0 to 3 | Families, wheelchair and scooter users, anyone who wants a dry walk |
| Group standard tour | 1 hour | $32.95 and $16.95 | 10 or more paying guests, reserved at least 1 hour ahead |
| Wild tour | 2 hours | $150 to $160 plus tax | Ages 12 and up, at least 2 people |
For most visitors, the standard tour is the right choice. The wild tour is for people who are fit and ready to get wet. Confirm the wild tour price when you register.
Opening hours and season
The cave does not open every day of the week all year.
Summer
From Memorial Day to Labor Day the cave is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday it is open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Rest of the year
Outside the summer season the cave is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday depends on availability, and Thursday is closed. In December Wednesday is closed as well.
January and February
Ask about the hours before you drive.
Closed days
The cave is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do not assume daily opening from March to December. Check the day you want.
The wild tour
What to know before you sign up.
Who can join
The wild tour is for ages 12 and up. Visitors up to 17 need a parent with them. At least 2 people must take part.
Gear and clothes
Helmet and headlamp are provided. You need lace-up shoes. Payment and a liability waiver are due when you register.
Water and obstacles
Expect water at least 2 feet (61 cm) deep and some climbing obstacles. It is not a beginner tour by default, so be honest about your fitness.
The history of Smallin Civil War Cave
Facts and folklore are mixed on the tour.
The cave is a Historic District on the National Register, entered on 8 March 2018. The name points to the Civil War, but the tour blends history, folklore and geology. Treat individual stories about battles or soldiers as local tradition. The name alone does not prove a particular episode.
Compare the cave with other walks near Springfield on the Fantastic Caverns page, where it sits next to Crystal Cave. For Branson, see the Branson caves guide, and for the weather, see the best time to visit.
Smallin Civil War Cave: frequently asked questions
Does Smallin Civil War Cave have stairs?
The standard tour has no stairs. It runs for half a mile on concrete paths with handrails, ramps and gentle slopes. Strollers, wheelchairs and scooters are welcome.
How much is Smallin Civil War Cave?
The standard tour costs $34.95 for ages 13 and up and $18.95 for ages 4 to 12. Ages 0 to 3 are free. Groups of 10 or more paying guests pay $32.95 and $16.95 with a reservation.
How long is the wild tour and who can go?
It lasts 2 hours. It is for ages 12 and up, with a parent for visitors up to 17, and at least 2 people. You need lace-up shoes, and there is water at least 2 feet deep.
Is the cave open every day?
No. Thursday is closed outside the summer season, Wednesday depends on availability, and it is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Is this the official Smallin Civil War Cave website?
No. This is an independent guide to Missouri caves. It is not run by the cave or any heritage body, and it does not sell tickets itself.