Zipping around Meramec Caverns. expand. May 14, 2010. Updated Oct 16, 2010 3:25am CDT ...

Meramec Caverns became a true show cave and tour site when it was purchased by Lester Benton Dill in 1933. While working in his cave, Dill found a crevice leading to an upper level.

Meramec Caverns' cave tours have continued since Dill's purchase of the caves 90 years ago. Les Turilli is the current owner of Meramec Caverns and he’s a fascinating person.

He has restored numerous formations in a number of caves throughout the Ozarks, including 1,140 repairs in Fantastic Caverns, 954 repairs in Breakdown Cave, 235 repairs in Fisher Cave of Meramec ...