Archaeology Day and Live Bird Program

at Graham Cave State Park

9/19/2026 | Graham Cave State Park | Danville, Mo.

Come celebrate Missouri Archaeology Month at the site of one our most archaeologically significant caves. Artifacts collected from Graham Cave indicate that humans occupied this cave as early as 10,000 years ago. In 1961, it became the first archaeological site to be designated a National Historical Landmark.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a variety of archaeology-themed games, activities and displays will be available in the Lower Picnic Area and near the cave entrance. Try your hand at ancient skills like making fishhooks from bone and throwing darts with an atlatl. The atlatl is a tool that early humans used for hunting prior to the invention of the bow and arrow. Archaeologists have found atlatls on every continent except Antarctica.

The archaeology activities will be held in conjunction with a live bird program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary. WBS representatives will be stationed at a table in the Lower Picnic Area from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will have a chance to see a few different birds of prey and ask questions. For safety reasons, pets will not be allowed near the birds.

This event is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Event times:

  • Archaeology Day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • World Bird Sanctuary program: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Graham Cave State Park Contact Information:

  • Address: 217 Highway TT, Danville, Mo.
  • Phone number: 573-564-3476