Leave your routine behind: September events planned for southeastern Missouri state parks

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 03, 2026 – Looking for something out of the ordinary? Check out this diverse schedule of events slated for southeastern Missouri state parks and historic sites.

Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. – Cathedral Cave Off-Trail Tour at Onondaga Cave State Park.
This tour is perfect for beginning cavers who want a more intense cave experience, one that goes beyond the lighted tour with rails and trails. Each tour is led by an experienced guide who will provide general instructions and share information about the cave's biology, geology and history. During the tour, participants will climb, crawl and get a little muddy. They will spend four to five hours in the cave and some additional time outside the cave. Each tour is limited to 15 people aged 13 and up. Paid registration is required. The fee is $75 per adult and $55 per youth. All interested guests will be asked some questions to determine whether they are able to complete the tour, and they will be shown a video of what to expect inside the cave. After registering, they will receive a list of items to bring. Caving helmets will be provided. To register, call the park at 573-522-3760. Meet at the park visitor center, located at 7556 Highway H in Leasburg.
Saturday, Sept. 5, at 8 p.m. – Cathedral Cave Night Tour at Onondaga Cave State Park.
The Onondaga Friends Association is once again hosting a nighttime tour of Cathedral Cave at 7556 Highway H, Leasburg. As you hike the trail under the stars and step into the cool, silent depths of Cathedral Cave, you'll see incredible rock formations in a completely different light. Once you're in the cave, you might even catch a glimpse of a rare cave-adapted grotto salamander! The tour will depart from the campground woodlot at 8 p.m. and last approximately two hours, including the hikes to and from the cave. The walk to the cave covers about a quarter mile on Deer Run Trail, and the round-trip cave tour is about two-thirds of a mile. The trails are occasionally hilly and slippery, and the cave has a year-round temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. You are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes with good traction and bring a light jacket. Flashlights will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to receive your gear. Tickets are $15 for ages 13 and up and $10 for ages 6-12. Participation is free for children younger than 6 years of age. You can purchase tickets online at Onondaga Friends Association Cave Tours or pay with cash upon arrival. If you plan to pay upon arrival, please call the park at 573-245-6575 to preregister.
Saturday, Sept. 12, at 11:30 a.m. – Public Meeting at Dillard Mill State Historic Site.
The public is invited to an open house-style meeting for Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will be on hand to provide information about the historic site and answer questions. The public is encouraged to share comments and ask questions about the site and its operations. The open house will take place at the mill and start at 11:30 a.m. at 142 Dillard Mill Road, Davisville.
Saturday, Sept. 12, at 8:30 p.m. – Starry Sky Night at Onondaga Cave State Park.
Join astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot to view the cosmos with a high-powered telescope. This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Although a telescope will be provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own. In the event of poor viewing conditions, the program will be pushed back one week to Sept. 19. Onondaga Cave State Park is located at 7556 Highway H, Leasburg.
Sunday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Onondaga Cave Photo Tours at Onondaga Cave State Park.
Step beyond the standard tour and take your time documenting the intricate details of Onondaga Cave with a photo tour! The cave's newly upgraded lighting system highlights the stunning textures and colors of the cavern. Bring your tripod or handheld camera and join a guide for a slow-paced journey designed specifically for those behind the lens. These tours are sponsored by the Onondaga Friends Association. Please visit their website at Onondaga Friends Association Photo Tours to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are $23 apiece. Conditions in the cave include limited lighting, concrete walkways, metal handrails, a cool temperature (57 degrees Fahrenheit year-round) and high humidity (nearing 100%). Be sure to dress warmly, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring your own photography equipment. No photography equipment will be provided. Onondaga Cave is located at 7556 Highway H in Leasburg.

The primary source of funding for the state park system is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The tax provides about three-fourths of the division's budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding for Missouri's Division of State Parks comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds.

For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit Missouri State Parks Events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit Missouri State Parks. The Division of State Parks is part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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