Fantastic Caverns, about 10 miles north of downtown Springfield, claims a distinction unique among American show caves: it is the only cave in the country where visitors take a fully ride-through tour, seated in Jeep-drawn tram cars rather than walking. The cave was discovered in 1862 when a local farmer's dog chased a rabbit into a sinkhole opening. A group of women from Springfield explored it the following year — their names are still scratched in the cave walls. The cavern was eventually developed as a tourist attraction, and the tram system was introduced in the 1970s to minimize impact on the delicate formations.
The tour runs roughly 55 minutes and winds through chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and other speleothems (cave formations). The temperature inside stays a constant 60°F year round, making it a welcome cool retreat in summer heat. The cave was also briefly used as a speakeasy during Prohibition, adding to its colorful history. Tickets are moderately priced and tours depart frequently; no advance booking is typically required.