Calling all Mark Twain fans! Missouri’s oldest show cave, Mark Twain Cave is one of the locations that inspired Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The cave is part of the Mark Twain Cave Complex that also includes nearby Cameron Cave. It is a registered National Natural Landmark and was first opened to the public in 1886. The cave is located in Hannibal, Missouri, where Twain lived from 1839 to 1853, age 4 to 17.
History
The cave was discovered in 1819, when a local hunter chased an animal into a small opening. Upon further investigation, he found the labyrinth of tunnels that make up the cave. Local children enjoyed exploring the cave, including Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain’s real name). He would later immortalize these adventures in his novels. After the publication of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, tourists began traveling here to see the cave for themselves. Judge E.T Cameron purchased the property, established standard tour routes, and started advertising the location as Mark Twain Cave.
Throughout the years of exploration and tours, thousands of visitors have signed and drawn on the walls of the cave. During your tour, it’s fun to look at the names and dates and try to find the oldest ones! For years, people have been searching the cave for a signature by Mark Twain. This year (2019), on the centennial of its discovery, the signature “Clemens” was found during a special tour for Twain scholars.
Tours
The Mark Twain Cave tour lasts approximately one hour. You will hear stories about some of the people who have made their mark here— Jesse James is said to have hidden in the cave before one of his infamous train robberies! The tour path is lit for an easy walk, with no stairs to climb. Make sure you bring a light jacket, as the interior of the cave is 52 degrees year-round.
You can also tour Cameron Cave in the summer. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and there is no electricity, so everyone carries their own flashlight.
Other Mark Twain Attractions
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is right down the road in Hannibal. Take a self-guided tour of his historic home, Becky Thatcher’s House, the Huckleberry Finn House, and the Museum Gallery.
The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut was Twain’s family home from 1874 to 1891. Many of his best-known works were written here.
Mark Twain started his writing career in Virginia City, Nevada, where he first used the pen name while writing for the local newspaper.
Mark Twain Cave
300 Cave Hollow Road
Hannibal, MO 63401
