You don’t have to get married to enjoy Bridal Cave

Even as the temperature rises, there’s still plenty to do here at the lake. A visit to Bridal Cave north of Camdenton is a great way to cool-off as the dog days of summer begin.
Local folklore tells the legend of Bridal Cave.
Centuries ago the Osage Indians discovered the pristine beauty that lies beneath Thunder Mountain. Local folklore tells of a legendary Indian wedding ceremony held in the cave in the early 1800s.
Today this magnificent natural wonderland is called Bridal Cave. In keeping with the tradition of the Native American legend, the Cave can be reserved for a romantic wedding chapel. Over 2075 couples from around the world have exchanged vows in the stalactite adorned Bridal Chapel.
Discovering the secret of “mystery lake”
Word spread fast among the pioneering settlers of this wondrous cavern. After decades of primitive exploration, this astounding natural treasure was officially protected in 1948 for generations to come. Ongoing exploration of this massive cavern recently uncovered chambers of incomparable beauty including the crystal clear waters of Mystery Lake. Two years of painstaking development were needed to reveal the once rumored passages. Now visitors can experience the intriguing marvel that only a handful have seen.   
Guided tours leave every few minutes and last approximately one hour.  Tours are conducted over concrete pathways through the Cave’s refreshing 60 degree environment.  
Park interpreters lead visitors through room after room of incredible mineral deposits. Giant columns, delicate soda straws and massive draperies abound throughout the cave. Millions of years of struggle between water and rock have created this cavern with more onyx formations than any other known cave or cavern.  Thousands of school children each year explore Bridal Cave as part of their educational program.  A tour through Bridal Cave is a family adventure you will never forget.
Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park are nestled right on the shoreline of central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.
Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park is the only major Lake area attraction accessible by both boat and car. 
Located on the 10 mile marker of the Big Niangua arm of Lake of the Ozarks, Bridal Cave plays host each year to thousands of guests who enjoy recreating on this crystal clear branch which many consider the most pristine part of the Lake.  Only minutes from Bridal Cave is historic Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
Folks wishing to visit the cave by water will find that Bridal Cave maintains docking slips for boats of any size.  Boaters are not the only visitors who make use of the boat dock, for many take the opportunity to feed the giant Carp which is a favorite activity of children of all ages.
While at Bridal Cave discover the trails.
Winding along the northern slopes of Thunder Mountain lies one of the Ozarks’ truly unique outdoor experiences - Thunder Mountain Trail.  This one half mile walking path starts just above Lake of the Ozarks and proceeds past picturesque rock bluffs and ancient maple and cedar trees.  Spectacular lake views are common as are the opportunities to see the abundant wildlife.  Many lucky hikers have spotted turkey, deer, red fox, and even the bald eagle.
Along the trail you will pass two open air classrooms designed specifically for the “Discovery Tour” which is an adventure in learning program presented for area schools. 
Each year thousands of school children visit Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park and gain hands on experience in environmental education.   
One of the oldest area homesteads is encountered at a shady rest stop along the trail.  
The sturdy Cullen Home was constructed of hand hewn logs but unfortunately was consumed in a fire at the turn of the century.  All that remains is a massive stone fireplace as a reminder of pioneer craftsmanship.  After refreshing yourself at the homesite travel a little farther and walk up to the the entrance of Bear Cave.  
According to local story this cavern received its name from the short nosed brown bears that used it as a home and were hunted there in early days.  Recent excavation of the cave has turned up interesting fossils of animals that date back to the Ice Age such as the snowshoe hare.  In order to protect the ecosystem of Bear Cave it is not open to the general public but is available for group tours on a limited basis.
Information courtesy Bridal Cave
Contact this reporter at joycem@lakesunleader.com