My family visited when I was very small. It was exciting after watching old movies where the pirates of Cave in Rock were featured preying on the boatmen heading down river. Lots of history wrapped up in this area. Legend is that boosters of early Chicago came to Old Shawneetown to borrow funds. This whole area was busy when the rivers were the main form of travel. Before the prairies were drained, the roads built, before railroads. This was the main corridor of traffic for those trying to get their goods to market down the river. Plus it is a great outdoor adventure, good hike, great cave, nice view of the river. Good stop and it doesn't take all that long.
So disappointed with Cave in Rock. We hiked down the stairs and into the cave only to see that people have decided to write graffiti all over the inside of the cave. I'm sure it was nice at one time.
The price was right (free) and the kid enjoyed it. Makes a nice day trip. Not too much in the area. Make sure that you have plenty of gas left when you get there.
Must go to the Cave of course, Very cool short walk from the cabins. Rim ridge hike as well. Just off of Hwy 1 and Garden of the Gods at sunset.
Good Rock Cave within walking distance. Nice picnic pavillions overlooking the Ohio River. It was nice to watch the barges going up and down the river.
We took a nice Sunday drive to Cave in Rock State Park. Had a delicious lunch in the lodge, and took the short walk to the cave. I was expecting the park to be somewhat bigger with more things to do, but it made for a nice afternoon.
There really isn't much here, you walk down by the river to get into the cave, we went all the way to the back, the kids had a great time. Had a snack at the picnic tables and watched boats on the river.
I thought it was ok. The views were nice but there really wasn't much to do there. If you are in the area it is a nice pit stop.
The was really really cool. Walked all the way to the back of the cave and there is a huge hole in the ceiling. The only bad thing is the graffiti, such a shame to deface something so awesome.
This was something we did after we ate lunch and before we drove to Garden of the Gods State Park. It is a beautiful, if strenuous walk, to the cave. But the views are fantastic, and if you have an hour, it is well worth the trip.