Description: Located west of Branson, on top of the Roark Mountain the National Natural Landmark, the Marvel Cave. Discovered by Osage Indians in the early 16th century when one of their tribesmen fell through the sinkhole entrance, the cave is one of Branson’s most popular tourist attractions, in operation since the mid-20th century. Rooms in the cave include the Cathedral Room, one of the largest cave entrance rooms in North America, the Mammoth Room, where most of the cave’s bats hibernate, the Dungeon, where iron oxide has stained the walls blood-red and the Lakes Passage, home to subterranean lakes Genevieve and Miriam. Formations include the 55 foot tall stalagmite known as the Liberty Bells, and the massive Sentinel, a column in the Cathedral room that tour guides joke is the only thing holding up the roof above. Two types of tours are available at the cave. The traditional tour is free and lasts about an hour, while the Lantern Tour costs $10 a person. On the Lantern Tour, the electric lights in the cave are shut off and visitors light their way with their own lanterns, as the tour guide explains the history and folklore of the cave and area.
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