Are you a Cave or Cavern enthusiast? Well, Arkansas is the state for you. Arkansas caves are abundant due to the state’s mountainous region, soil composition, and water flow. Boasting nearly 2,000 documented caves in north Arkansas, eight are privately-owned, commercial tour caves open to the public. The U. S. Forest Service operates Blanchard Springs Caverns near Mountain View. Access to the caves varies
The highest concentration of caves is in the northwest and north-central areas of the state. This area is known as the Ozark Mountains which spread out across 4 different states (Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and a small part of Kansas).
How are Arkansas Caves created?
The caves and Caverns in Arkansas are mostly created by the eroding effects of water and wind on the soft limestone over time.
A lot of time!
Some of our largest caves formed ages ago as completely water-filled cavities. Over geologic time, the Ozark Plateau was uplifted, and rivers carved valleys ever deeper into the bedrock, creating bluffs and causing cave passages to be above the water table and to drain.
Before planning your trip, please check the status of the cave. Many have reportedly been temporarily closed or open at certain hours
Arkansas Caves
- Onyx Cave (1893) – Eureka Springs
- Cosmic Cavern (1927) – Berryville
- Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome (1928) – Marble Falls
- Old Spanish Treasure Cave (1930s) – Gravette
- Blanchard Springs Caverns (1973) – Blanchard Springs
- Bull Shoals Caverns (1958)- Bull Shoals
- Eden waterfalls Cave – Arkansas
- Hurricane River Cave – Harrison
- War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake – Rogers
9 Best Arkansas Caves
So, let’s take a look at some of the beautiful caves this state has to offer.
1. Onyx Cave
Pricing: Adults are $12 plus tax and kids 4-13 are $8.00 plus tax. 3 and under are free.
About Onyx Cave
Onyx Cave is a small show cave located about six miles (9.6 km) east of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It has been a tourist attraction since 1893, making it the oldest show cave in Arkansas. The cave does not contain onyx, but rather flowstone, also known as “cave onyx”. During the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, many such caves were named similarly.
Visitors are guided through the cave by audio headsets which inform them about chambers and rock formations. Since the cave has only one public opening, visitors exit the cave the way they entered. The cave stays at an average temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit (13.8 degrees Celsius) year-round.
In 1969, some scenes from the B-movie ‘It’s Alive’ were filmed at Onyx Cave. Obviously, you can see why this was the perfect backdrop for the movie.
In October 2017 the cave and surrounding acreage were put for sale for $500,000.
2. Cosmic Caverns – Arkansas Caves
Pricing: Adults are $20 plus tax and kids 5-12 are $10 plus tax. 4 and under are free.
About Cosmic Caverns
Cosmic Cavern is Arkansas’s largest privately owned show cave. This Cavern was discovered in 1845 but wasn’t developed until 1927. The cave tour is approximately a 1hr and 15-minute walking tour in the warmest cave in the Ozarks, at a steady 64 degrees and 96% humidity. So, when it comes to Arkansas caves this one tops our list.
Located in Berryville, AR, known as one of the top Show Caves in the United States.
The cave stays a warm 64 degrees in the winter and a cool 64 degrees in the summer. It is the perfect temperature no matter what season of the year you choose to visit! Featuring a 9-foot soda straw, the longest known in the Ozarks, and 2 bottomless cave lakes. Obviously, this is perfect for a winter visit.
The first lake, South Lake, has had trout in it for nearly 50 years. Some of the trout have gone blind and most have lost their color.
One of the lakes was discovered in 1993 in the “Silent Splendor” section which made national news. This was Arkansas’ most delicate discovery. The bottom or end of these lakes has yet to be found. So, the newly discovered area, “Silent Splendor” is hailed as a must-see attraction in Arkansas.
3. Mystic Caverns
Pricing: Adults are $11.95 plus tax and kids 5-12 are $5.95 plus tax. 4 and under are free. Currently temporarily closed
About Mystic Caverns
Mystic Cavern is a splendidly decorated cave with regal columns, spherical stalactites, electrified helictites, and a 28-foot pipe organ. Following a knowledgeable guide, you will walk in the footsteps of the first settlers to the Ozarks.
Undisturbed and picture-perfect formations were found when Crystal Dome was discovered in 1967. Delicate soda straws, pools with cave pearls, sawtooth draperies, and abundant pure white flowstone draw the eye throughout the tour.
Furthermore, the 8-story dome glistens from the bottom of the Crystal Bell all the way to the top!
Highway 7 South, 7 miles south of Harrison, Arkansas, 72601
870.743.1739
4. Old Spanish Treasure Cave
Pricing: Adults (ages 13 and up) $19.50 + tax. Children (ages 4 through 12) $10.50 + tax. Walk-ins are always welcome as availability allows.
About Old Spanish Treasure Cave
The Old Spanish Treasure Cave was finally opened to the public in the 1930s after several other failed attempts to find the treasure. The hunt still goes on today. The cave has never been fully explored, and new territories are charted every year.
The cave is still open to the public, offering guided tours throughout the year. Panning for gemstones, crystals, and fossils is another activity offered at this attraction. The cave stays at a constant 56 degrees year-round.
The cave formation is known as a karst cave. This formation is still a topic of geological research. Basically, it is formed from water containing carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolving limestone.
Unlike when salt and gypsum are used, water is not able to dissolve limestone without a little help from carbon dioxide. When limestone contains cracks, water oozes into the rock and starts to widen the cracks and solute caves inside the layers. Through the cooling and heating of this water, the formation of caves is made. So, come see the spectacle in person.
5. Blanchard Springs Caverns
Pricing: Adults are $15 plus tax and kids 6-15 are $10 plus tax. 5 and under are free.
About Blanchard Springs caverns
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a cave system located in the Ozark–St. Francis National Forest in Stone County in northern Arkansas, 2 miles off Highway 14 a short distance north of Mountain View.
It is the only tourist cave owned by the United States Forest Service and the only one owned by the Federal government outside the National Park System. Blanchard Springs Caverns is a three-level cave system, all of which can be viewed on guided tours.
Also offered is a “Wild Cave” tour which allows access to undeveloped parts of the cave to more adventurous visitors. It follows the upstream section of the cave, allowing visitors to see all three levels as the original explorers did, continuing beyond where the Discovery Trail ends.
704 Blanchard Springs Road
Fifty-Six, AR 72533
6. Bull Shoals Caverns
Pricing: Adults are $19.95 plus tax and kids 5-11 are $9.95 plus tax. 4 and under are free.
About Bull Shoals Caverns
Bull Shoals Caverns is one of the world’s oldest limestone caverns in the Ozark mountain range. At 59 degrees year-round Bull Shoals Caverns, located in central northern Arkansas, are still alive and growing today.
A human dwelling was first documented starting in 300 BC via Carbon Dating. It’s been stated that Native Americans used this cave about 10,000 years ago. In 1958 the caverns were open to the public for tourism.
Geologists say that the caverns were created approximately 350 million years ago during the Ordovician period. Streams flow throughout the cavern and a waterfall is located at the deepest part. Almost every known formation found in caverns throughout the United States is found in Bull Shoals Caverns.
Among these are stalactites, stalagmites, drapolites, box work, columns, cave pearls, flowstone, and many others. To name a few of the lifeforms that inhabit Bull Shoals Caverns there are salamanders, pipistrelle bats (very small), frogs, and camel crickets.
So, besides the cave, this area offers plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family.
1011 C S Woods Blvd, Bull Shoals, AR 72619
7. Lost Valley Trail – Eden Falls Cave
Pricing: There are no fees for day use of the area, camping is no longer permitted.
About Eden Falls Cave
Eden Falls Cave is a geological feature at the end of the Lost Valley Trail. Visitors may crawl 200 feet through the cave into a large room with an underground waterfall that feeds into Eden Falls and Clark Creek below.
Eden Falls Cave is a wild cave with no developed pathways or artificial lighting. Visitors entering the cave should have at least 3 sources of light and be prepared to get wet and muddy while crawling on hands and knees. Helmets, gloves, and kneepads are advised. Undoubtedly, this cave may not be for just anyone.
Lost Valley Rd, Kingston, AR 72742
8. Hurricane River Cave
Pricing: Adults are $11.75 plus tax and kids 5-12 are $5.75 plus tax. 4 and under are free. Currently temporarily closed
About Hurricane River Cave
Hurricane River Cave is a river cave, showing the typical erosional forms produced by flowing water. The cave river, obviously named Hurricane river, was used by a nearby sphalerite mine, which operated between 1870 and 1920.
At this time the cave was discovered by the mine owners who tried to investigate their water supply. The graffiti of the mine owners’ early exploration can be seen on one spot on the ceiling.
There is a spectacular waterfall coming out of a cave right above the cave entrance. It falls into a pool in front of the entrance, which looks a bit like the cave was entered through a waterfall. Although, while the cave itself has a cave river, there is no such thing as an upper level with a river.
A former owner installed a pump to create this waterfall artificially. The river is flowing under the boardwalk in some parts of the cave, covered by concrete slabs. Other parts of the tour show dry sections of the cave.
Hurricane River Cave, PO Box 240, Pindall, AR 72669, Tel. +1-870-429-6200
9. War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake
Pricing: Adults are $21.00 plus tax and kids 4-12 are $12.00 plus tax. 3 and under are free.
About War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake
War Eagle Caverns‘ breathtaking adventure wanders throughout huge rooms while the guide explains the incredible “domes” and other formations located in the first half-mile of this huge cavern. Caves resident bats and salamanders have also been known to make appearances during the tour. Of course, you will want to keep your eyes open during this tour.
After the tour enjoy our pristine walking trails and scenic lake views as you make your way back to our gift shop. The cavern stays at a constant 58 degrees year-round, is stroller accessible, and is pet friendly making it the perfect adventure for the entire family. Tours leave about every 20 minutes each day throughout the season. Furthermore, the Last tour leaves one hour before closing.
21494 Cavern Drive, Rogers, Arkansas 72756
info@wareaglecavern.com
479-789-2909
What is the Largest cave in Arkansas?
Cosmic Cavern
Cosmic Cavern is Arkansas’s largest privately owned show cave. This Cavern was discovered in 1845 but wasn’t developed until 1927. Cosmic Cavern’s cave tour is approximately a 1hr and 15-minute walking tour in the warmest cave in the Ozarks, at a steady 64 degrees and 96% humidity. So, this one definitely needs to be on your list.
Which cave in Arkansas is the deepest?
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Venture Over 300-Feet Deep Below The Earth At This One Of Kind Cavern In Arkansas. All of Arkansas’ show caves are worth the visit but Blanchard Springs Caverns are a true Arkansas treasure. Moreover, this living cave will take you deep underground for an unforgettable tour.
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Imagine
Close your eyes for a moment and just think about this. It’s sunrise, and you roll out of your RV, morning air feeling brisk, fire from the night before taking its last breath as it’s trying to reignite. You find your favorite chair on the site, turn it to look out over the lake, and nestle in to relax. Birds chirping and fish jumping as the new day begins. This is what it’s all about!………. Now imagine a hot cup of coffee in your hand. Life just got so much better!
So, get out there and see what this world has to offer!
