The City of St. Louis as well as St. Louis County are both significant karst regions, each of which have or have had an abundance of caves and a rich cave history.

Most of the caves and sinkholes within this region have been severely altered or in some cases destroyed by development.

Within the City of St. Louis, many caves were historically used by beer brewers from the mid 19th century up through the introduction of mechanical refrigeration in the 1870s. Many of these caves are extensive with a rich history.   Check out our page on the Caves of the City of St. Louis.

Within St. Louis County, many caves were filled in an obliterated in the post World War II residential expansion, but many caves which survived are found in and around residential areas, particularly in the areas of Oakville and Mehlville.

Over the years cavers associated with the St. Louis based Meramec Valley Grotto and MSS have been active in documenting and exploring the St. Louis area karst.

Articles and Stories

Caver Joe Light talks about St. Louis caves on NPR’s Fresh Air 

St. Louis Post Dispatch article on Cherokee Cave with Joe Light