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Pacific, Missouri: Route 66 Mining Caves

An exposed bluff with caves cut into it when Route 66 was widened in 1932. The caves are fenced off, but they have their own parking lot.

Address:
W. Osage St., Pacific, MO
Directions:
Downtown. On the north side of W. Osage St. (Route 66) at its intersection with N. 3rd St. Has its own little parking lot. If you drive up N. 2nd St. and turn left, you'll find an overlook at the top of the caves.
Admission:
Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Route 66 Mining Caves

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Route 66 Mining Caves

Take a few minutes to drive around the block and go up to the top of the caves, to Blackburn Park. The view is incredible. You can see Rt 66 as it runs though Pacific. In one direction you can see more sandstone cliffs.

There's another small park up there where you can picnic, as well as a cannon on display with an informational plaque about the importance of that location during the Civil War.

[Deanna B, 03/25/2023]

Little figures.

Route 66 Mining Caves

The tiny children sculptures in the cave alcoves are a nice touch.

[MeganE, 07/12/2018]

Mining Caves.

Mining Caves with Serenity Park

The silica mining caves in Pacific were exposed to the outside world in 1932 when the sandstone bluffs were excavated for the widening of Route 66. The adjacent Serenity Park was originally intended as a memorial garden for deceased children, but it now also includes a memorial for fallen military personnel. Don't overlook the small, rather odd, statuettes of kids nestled up high into one of the cut-outs.

[Mike Gassmann, 09/20/2016]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Original Monster TruckOriginal Monster Truck, Pacific, MO - 1 mi.
Black Madonna Shrine and GrottoesBlack Madonna Shrine and Grottoes, Pacific, MO - 6 mi.
Big BenderBig Bender, Dittmer, MO - 11 mi.
In the region:
Christman Studio and Sculpture Park, St. Louis, MO - 27 mi.

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