Keener Cave, Missouri facts for kids

Keener Cave, also known as Keener Cave Resort or just Keener, is a fascinating ghost town located in southern Wayne County, Missouri. A ghost town is a place where people used to live and work, but now very few or no one lives there anymore. The U.S. government's GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) still lists Keener as a "populated place," even though it's mostly empty today.

Discovering Keener Cave: A Missouri Ghost Town

Keener Cave is a special place that tells a story of the past. It's a reminder of communities that once thrived but later became quiet. Exploring places like Keener Cave helps us learn about history and how towns can change over time.

Where is Keener Cave Located?

This former community and its cave are found on the west side of the Black River. You can find it along Missouri Route JJ, just north of the border between Wayne County and Butler County. Another community called Keeners is nearby, just to the southeast. That town is located on the east side of the Black River in Butler County.

How Did Keener Cave Get Its Name?

The community of Keener was most likely named after a family. This family was very active in the local lumber industry. The lumber industry is all about cutting down trees and turning them into wood for building and other uses. A post office, which is where people send and receive mail, was opened in Keeners in 1877. However, it only stayed open for a short time, closing in 1879. After the post office closed, the community slowly faded away, becoming the ghost town we know today.