Stone County sits in classic Ozark karst country

Stone County sits in Ozark karst country. Karst is land where water slowly dissolves the bedrock, mostly limestone and dolomite. Over time this carves out caves, springs, sinkholes, and “losing” streams that drain into the ground. Missouri has thousands of caves, springs, and sinkholes for this reason.

One well-known cave in the Branson area is Marvel Cave, at the Silver Dollar City attraction. The cave sits close to the Stone-Taney county line, so if the exact county matters to you, confirm it with the state.

Karst has real, everyday effects. Surface water and groundwater are often closely linked. What goes into a sinkhole can reach a spring or a well fast, so it matters for septic systems and rural drinking water. Sinkholes can also affect where the ground is steady enough to build.

For maps and facts on caves, springs, and sinkholes, check the Missouri Geological Survey at the Department of Natural Resources.