Crystal Cave Near Springfield Missouri: Natural Beauty

Missouri is filled with caverns and caves. Roadside signs direct tourists to Jesse James' Hideout and many other caves. I would have never found the Crystal Cave if my boyfriend hadn't been there before.

Off the beaten path just five miles from Springfield, Missouri, Crystal Cave is privately owned by Loyd and Edith Richard. Loyd still conducts the tours and was our host during our visit. He led us down the stairs and unlocked the iron gates. It was obvious that Loyd has delivered this tour speech many times as he reminded us not to touch the formations and that the only thing man-made inside are the lights guiding the way.

The cave was opened in 1893 by Alfred Mann and remained in the family for almost 100 years. When Mann's last remaining daughter passed away, she left the Crystal Cave to Estle Funkhauser, Edith Richard's sister. Loyd and Edith bought the cave in 1982.

We arrived later in the day than we anticipated after getting lost on several of Missouri's back roads. A sign on the door of the gift shop directed us to come on up the hill to the Richard's house. Loyd was in the middle of eating his lunch but finished quickly to guide his last two visitors of the day.

I've only visited a few other caverns prior to this and was struck by the simplistic beauty. There are no colored lights in Crystal Cave to give illusions that aren't there and the paths are natural - dirt or stone. Some railings have been installed through the years but care has been taken to not destroy the formations. Since buying Crystal Cave in 1982, Loyd and Edith have spent time excavating paths to open more of the cave to visitors.

Loyd patiently explained all of the major formations and some of the smaller details. Rather than create legends such as some of the major commercial caves, the Richards tell the simple truth. There is evidence that Indians did use the cave such as smoke stains on some of the formations.

Loyd took what I considered to be a sadistic joy in directing me to pose for various photos throughout Crystal Cave. Some of the paths had a low overhead and came with a warning that "these rocks are solid".

For tour hours and information, call 417-833-9599. The current admission fee is $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children and our tour lasted about 90 minutes. Even in the summertime, it's wise to carry along a jacket because it is much cooler inside Crystal Cave than on the surface.

Sources: Crystal Cave ; Rural Missouri