Cool Smallin Cave attracts humans and wildlife in extreme heat

Before you know it, the temperature drops about 40 degrees.

August 02, 2011|by Linda Russell, KY3 News | lrussell@ky3.com

OZARK, Mo.-- Most of us are cranking up the air conditioning and staying indoors as much as possible, but some are visiting a place that's comfortably cool year round. The tour begins out in the heat, but before you know it, the temperature drops about 40 degrees.

"We thought this would be a cool place to bring them," said James Pinson, who brought his visiting family members because it's both fascinating and physically cool.

"I couldn't get them out of the house!" Pinson said.

It's Smallin Cave near Ozark, a place with natural air conditioning.

"We're normally pretty busy in July and August anyway, because a cave's a great place to go when it's hot," said Wanetta Bright, co-owner of Smallin Cave.

People have taken advantage of the cave's average 60-degree air for hundreds of years, including the Indians and European pioneers.

"You can definitely understand why the pioneers loved this place. They used to come in and have big picnics in July and August," said Bright.

While everything outside seems to be wilting in the heat, the cave is full of life. Rare bristly cave crayfish and bats are regular inhabitants at Smallin Cave, but a raccoon, skunk, ground hog or other creature occasionally wanders in.

"One animal came in here last fall looking for a place to hibernate. We had a black bear," said Bright.

Monday, at a spot about 500 feet into the cave, staff discovered an animal that isn't normally in a cave: a roadrunner sitting in a small pool.

"You know it's hot whenever road runners start showing up in the cave," said Bright.

It's a place where even a desert dweller will take a break.

"We just asked them if they'd all like to go to the cave, and we got a yea from everyone," said Pinson.

It's the perfect place to enjoy nature on a triple digit day.

Of course, there are many more caves across the Ozarks where folks can enjoy the naturally cool temperatures. The owners of Smallin Cave believe the roadrunner may have actually been chased into the cave by a clever family of foxes that live nearby. They were able to rescue the bird and turn it loose.

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