If you've lived in the Hannibal area and gone through the Mark Twain Cave complex more than a few times in your life, this really won't be news. However, a major travel website has just named it as one of the most family-friendly cave tours in all of Missouri.
I want to preface this by stating that much of what I've found is based on legends which may or may not be true. However, it appears there is at the very least some twisted truth in the telling of the Missouri doctor who allegedly stole corpses and at one time owned Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal.
In this season of all things creepy, spooky and altogether ooky, we can't let October get by without sharing the story of Hannibal's own "mad doctor," Dr. Joseph McDowell.
Hannibal’s first bat festival will be April 17, in celebration of National Bat Appreciation Day. Events are planned during the day at Admiral Coontz Recreation Center with sunset activities at Sodalis Nature Preserve.
Anyone taking a tour of the famous Mark Twain Cave on Highway 79, just south of Hannibal, has heard the story of Dr. Joseph Nash McDowell and his young daughter. Many of the tour guides and visitors have actually seen the spirit of Dr. McDowell's daughter.
There will be ribs to be enjoyed and a good time to be had at Mark Twain Cave Saturday, September 12 from noon to 5 p.m. as the Hannibal Free Clinic hosts its first "Rib Fest" fundraiser.