Cave Formations
The Musical Chimes
A fan favorite, the Musical Chimes are the very definition of “hard rock.” The Chimes are cave formations called draperies, and are very thin, so delicate that light can shine right through them. When these draperies are tapped on by your trained tour guide they reverberate like a drum, producing a unique sound. This formation has been an icon at Bluff Dwellers Cave since its inception in 1927. Many of the tour guides are one of a kind musicians when playing the Musical Chimes.
The 10 Ton Balanced Rock
This is one you just need to see in person!
As the cave was still forming, water actively flowing through the limestone, this huge slab of limestone came loose and gently landed on the bedrock below in one piece! If this rock had fallen as the cave is now, full of air, it would have broken into pieces. Today you can see it sitting along the tour route, appearing to be perfectly balanced.
75’ Rimstone Dam
One of the most interesting geological formations is the 75′ rimstone dam located near the original discovery point of the cave. Measuring at 75′ in length, the dam is one of the most impressive formations at Bluff Dwellers Cave. Formed naturally over thousands of years, this rimstone dam is one of the longest known to the state of Missouri.
Other Formations
Bluff Dwellers Cave is decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, saw tooth drapes, flowstone, cave popcorn, cave coral, and cave sponge and more. Your tour guide will show you the beautiful calcite formations that were delicately formed over thousands of years, unhampered by the chaotic life of the surface world. Come enjoy the tranquilty of cave life, where geology takes time to get everything just right.