cave tour arkansas

10 Incredibly Awesome Caves in Arkansas

Exploring the caves in Arkansas is an adventure you can do for a lifetime. Here are the ten best Arkansas caves to add to your bucket list!

The Natural State is a gorgeous, highly sought-after destination for outdoor adventurers. In addition to stunning gorges and more lakes than you can count, the caves in Arkansas are prime for exploration! From accommodating show caves to backwoods hidden gems, the Arkansas cave systems offer something for every kind of caver. There are so many caves in the state that it’s almost impossible to take a hike in the Ozarks without stumbling across a rock shelter or cave of some sort. Of course, not all of these caves are interesting or even accessible. In this guide, we’ll give you all the details on the best caves in Arkansas to explore!

Exploring Arkansas With Let’s Roam

From charming towns to bustling cities, we’ve got your Arkansas vacation covered! Check out our full series of scavenger hunts in the Natural State to add some adventure to your sightseeing. Our hunts are chock full of informative trivia, lighthearted challenges, and awesome photo ops. Plus, you can gather your crew and take them along for the ride. After you finish checking these caves in Arkansas off your list, get to know the rest of your surroundings, too!

The Best Caves in Arkansas to Explore

Whether you’re looking for a spelunking adventure, an easy stroll in a show cave, or a luxury stay in the coolest cave home on earth, you’ll find it here. There are a handful of privately owned show caves and 2,000 documented wild caves and rock shelters to explore. Here are the best cave tours in the state in no particular order.

Writer Note: As a full-time world traveler and an Arkansas native, what I can tell you from personal experience is that Northwest Arkansas is jaw-droppingly beautiful, especially in the spring and fall. The rolling mountains, winding rivers, and colorful foliage set the backdrop for adorable mountain towns, quirky cities, and truly special campgrounds. It’s the kind of place where locals live their summer days on pontoon boats and their nights around the campfire with s’mores. Kayaking, hiking, and fishing are the name of the game, and the slower pace of life provides an ideal vacation vibe when you need a rejuvenating break from the hustle.

1. Blanchard Springs Caverns

Before its closure due to a bat-killing fungus, Devil’s Den was arguably Arkansas’s most popular cave, but that title now goes to Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View. It has earned the accolade, though. It’s fabulous! The tri-level show cave is the second-longest in Arkansas (at just over eight miles of explored passages) and the largest by volume.

The limestone cave is thought to be millions of years old, formed when the whole area was under the sea. No longer inhabited by sea creatures, the cave is now home to mosses, salamanders, spot frogs, and tourists. With multiple well-lit trails, exploring the continually forming rock formations of this “living cave” is a breeze.

Dripstone Trail traverses the first level, is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and is open year-round. You’ll see the most impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and soda straws. Discovery Trail is a little longer and requires you to tackle nearly 700 stairs. Blanchard also offers a Wild Cave Tour, which requires donning special equipment, crawling, and climbing through the undeveloped portions of the cave.

2. Bull Shoals Caverns

Even as a native Arkansan, I traveled to Bull Shoals multiple times before realizing there was a cavern. Most locals flock to the area for fishing on the White River or watersports on beautiful Bull Shoals Lake. Turns out there’s a cave, and it’s a pretty good one at that!

Located in the stunning Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals Caverns is considered to be one of the oldest limestone caves in the world. While not a large cave, it does contain an underground stream and waterfall at its deepest section. It also boasts just about every known rock formation. From box work and graptolites to cave pearls, the cavern has it all.

It’s thought that Native Americans inhabited the cave as far back as 10,000 years ago, but the cavern was opened to the public in 1958. They offer a 45-minute guided tour on concrete boardwalks with railings and ample lighting. It’s a short tour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the hiking trails and fishing on the nearby lake. The cave also hosts frequent weddings, so if you have a hankering for subterranean nuptials, here’s your spot!

3. Mystic Caverns

Located in Northwest Arkansas between the outdoor mecca of Jasper and Harrison, Mystic Caverns was once a favorite attraction for families camping in Jasper, floating the Buffalo River, and visiting the now-defunct amusement park Dogpatch USA. The cave and neighboring Crystal Dome have been closed since November 2021 for no released reason. We include it on the list because there are rumors that a higher-up from Bass Pro Shop has purchased both the caves along with his 2021 purchase of Dogpatch, and we’re crossing our fingers for a reopening soon!

Mystic Caverns is a stunning showcase with a 30-foot tall “Pipe Organ” calcite formative, spherical stalactites, and pristine helictites. Neighboring Crystal Dome is 70 feet tall at its peak and features bright white formations that dazzle! Rise up Arkansans, and start sending some emails. We need this cavern tour back!

4. Old Spanish Treasure Cave

The lore of this cave is even more alluring that the natural beauty. Since the 1800s, a saucy little rumor has been floating around that there is buried Spanish treasure within the cave system. Expert seekers have been looking for the hidden treasure ever since but to no avail. Perhaps you’ll be the one to find the gold somewhere in a hidden passageway.

Located in Sulphur Springs, Old Spanish Treasure Cave is a fun outing for the whole family. The tour is short, at just 1/3 mile, and they definitely play up the whole conquistador legend, making it a fun tour for the littles. The park also includes a gemstone panning exhibit, movie nights in the cave, and a “rock”ing gift shop selling locally crafted gemstone jewelry and local rocks and minerals.

5. Cosmic Cavern

Located in Berryville, Cosmic Cavern is the largest privately owned show cave in Arkansas and features not one but two underground lakes! It’s also the warmest cave in the area with a constant temperature of 64 degrees. One of the bottomless lakes even has a flourishing population of trout.

The cave tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes of fun that includes some gorgeous rock formations, like a nine-foot soda straw, cave popcorn, and cave bacon. More adventurous travelers can also take the Wild Cave Tour with an advanced booking.

Berryville is conveniently located, with easy access to the funky historical art colony of Eureka Springs and Branson, Missouri. It would be very easy to create a fun family vacation in this area full of quirky art galleries, unique cafes, natural wonders, and glitzy shows.

Once you finish your caving adventure, explore the beautiful town of Eureka Springs on our “ Whimsical Wander ” scavenger hunt!

6. War Eagle Cavern

Situated east of Rogers, War Eagle Cavern is appealing to spelunkers and tourists alike. One-hour guided cave tours take place every 20 minutes throughout the day. This half-mile tour is suitable for all visitors and explores the history of the cave as a Native American homestead and later a hideout for outlaws. You’ll also see unique domes, underground streams, stunning formations, and possibly salamanders or bats.

After hours (and with advanced reservations), you can opt for a lantern tour and explore the cavern and its history in depth. There is also reportedly a Wild Cavern Tour that’s a three-hour excursion. It’s physically demanding with a lot of climbing and squeezing through tight spaces. This tour is not listed on their website, but it may be possible to book via email.

From there, sightseers can enjoy hiking the trails around Beaver Lake, panning for gems, visiting Moonshiners Mystery Shack, and checking out some local waterfalls! If you haven’t clued in yet, the Northwest Corner of Arkansas is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Dotted with waterfalls, laced with crystal clear rivers and towering bluffs, blessed with epic, Instagrammable viewpoints over plunging gorges, and traced with more hiking trails than you can count, the Ozarks are a must-visit site for adventurers.

7. Onyx Cave

Just a 15-minute drive from Eureka Springs, Onyx Cave has been open to the public since 1893! It’s the oldest show cave in Arkansas that’s still in operation. An entire fun park has been built around the cave, including gem mining, ax-throwing, and a smash lab.

Onyx offers self-guided tours with an optional audio guide. The cave is lovely but very small. You won’t spend more than 30 minutes to an hour exploring. Don’t worry, though—it’s still worth a trip. Eureka Springs is a completely quirky and fun historical town with a slough of art galleries, boutiques, and one of the most haunted hotels in the United States. There’s plenty here to explore!

Fun Fact: Onyx Cave was the filming location for a 1969 horror flick called It’s Alive . The movie centers around a monstrous dinosaur-like creature living in the cave.

8. Beckham Creek Cave Lodge

Beckham Creek is a totally different experience from any other cave on the list. It’s not a show cave in the way that you can tour it. It’s a show cave in the way that it’s one of the most luxurious and gorgeous homes you have ever laid eyes on. Yep, that’s right! Beckham Creek is a privately owned cavern that has been converted into a subterranean mansion, and you can rent it for your family vacation or reunion.

The home is nestled in a natural cavern high on a bluff, overlooking a forested valley. The luxury dwelling is 5,800 square feet of perfectly decorated caverns that sleeps 8-12 comfortably in its four bedrooms. It features a huge common area, a fully functioning kitchen, four bathrooms, and 256 acres of private property to explore. As you might imagine, the nightly price tag on this baby is pretty high, averaging around $2,200/night, with a two-night minimum. The home has been featured in Travel+Leisure , Forbes , The New York Times , and Southern Living .

9. Eden Falls Cave

Ponca is a very popular put-in for floating the Buffalo National River. However, it’s also the home of the Lost Valley Trail, a very popular day hike for families. The terrain is heavily forested, very beautiful, and dotted with small caves, waterfalls, and natural bridges to explore.

Follow Clark Creek for a little over a mile to its headwaters at Eden Falls Cave . The hike is fairly flat until the steep ascent to the cave at the end. The cave is small and not developed, but you’re free to venture in on your own, and you should! This one is not for the claustrophobic, though. You must crawl through about 200 feet of the cave before you reach the end, so watch your head, and bring a headlamp or flashlight. Once you reach the end, the cave opens up into a towering cavern with a 35-foot waterfall. Like most small creeks in Arkansas, Clark Creek and its waterfall will dry up in the heat of summer. You may want to explore this cave in the spring when there has been ample rain.

This cave offers no guided tour. There is no path, no lighting, and no fee. You don’t need special equipment to enter the cave, but gloves and kneepads sure don’t hurt, and a flashlight is a must!

10. Blowing Cave

Blowing Cave used to be a wild cave tour. It’s now under new ownership and offers open houses on Sundays. It seems like self-guided tours are by appointment. Since June 2023, the cave is temporarily closed as they tend to the return of a maternal bat colony. The cave suffered some abuse in the past, and campfires within the cavern had driven out all of the wildlife. The system is recovering under new management, which is great.

The cave is surrounded by weird and funny lore. It’s reportedly home to paranormal activity, aliens, and a secret cavern inhabited by “blue people.” Only 1.5 miles of the caves have been mapped by the Little Rock Grotto Club and can be explored. There is also an interior waterfall. A tour requires walking through some shallow water, and a headlamp and sturdy shoes are required. The road approaching the property is also very rough and requires a high-clearance vehicle.

To monitor the cave’s reopening, keep an eye on their Facebook page (website reportedly coming soon), or call 870-668-6254.

Wild Caves and Rock Shelters

That concludes the small list of developed caves in the state! The others are closed for indeterminate amounts of time due to renovation or animal protection. However, most of the state parks in Arkansas are loaded with rock shelters and small caves to explore. You can ask for a guided tour at the visitor center, or you can explore on your own. There are many caves and shelters in Petit Jean State Park, in Devil’s Den State Park, and surrounding the Buffalo National River. If you go exploring on your own, just be aware of private property, and follow caving safety. Don’t go alone, and let someone know where you’re caving and when you expect to be out.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, you’re excited to go explore Northwest Arkansas now! These caves in Arkansas are just the tip of the fantastic outdoor adventures to enjoy in the area. Add a few of these amazing show caves to your itinerary, and then branch off to the hiking trails, and explore the wild caves and rock shelters of this beautiful, forested landscape. If you love history, the great outdoors, and a slower pace of life, you will not regret spending your next vacation exploring Northwest Arkansas!

Beckham Creek is not the only special accommodation in the Natural State! check out “ The Most Unique Places to Stay in Arkansas ” for more incredible options.

The most historic and fun city in Arkansas is Hot Springs. It boasts fantastic boutiques, horse racing, a great casino, historic hotels, iconic bathhouses, and the best food and bar scene in the state. Take a read through “ The Best Things to Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas .”

Frequently Asked Questions

The largest cave in Arkansas that you can tour is Cosmic Cavern , located in the Northwest Arkansas town of Berryville. It has two underground lakes and plenty of cave formations!

Arkansas, specifically the NW portion of the state, is ripe with outdoor adventures. From fantastic show caves to epic overlooks, fun cities , and stunning rivers, it’s a playground for explorers.

Arkansas has over 2,000 documented caves . Most of these are located in the Ozarks and are wild. There are a handful of show caves, including Blanchard Springs , Cosmic Cavern , and Bull Shoals Caverns .

In recent years, many Arkansas caves have closed due to remodeling for safety, pandemic restrictions, and an outbreak of White Nose Syndrome among the local bat population.

NW Arkansas is a fantastic vacation destination for history buffs and adventurers. It boasts caving adventures , forested hiking trails, ample lake adventures, and historic cities to explore.

Featured Products & Activities

Blanchard Springs Caverns

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Blanchard Springs Caverns - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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• (7.39 mi) PJ's Rainbow Cafe
• (7.40 mi) Tommy's Famous
• (3.99 mi) Jojo's Catfish Wharf
• (3.99 mi) Anglers Restaurant
• (2.32 mi) Hunter's Restaurant
• (0.47 mi) Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
• (6.72 mi) Ozark Folk Center State Park
• (2.10 mi) OK Trading Post
• (3.86 mi) Swinging Bridge
• (6.53 mi) St. Mary's Catholic Church

• TripAdvisor

Outdoor Fun, History, and Exploration

Largest Natural Cavern Entrance in Arkansas

Largest Natural Cavern Entrance in Arkansas

Get into nature at War Eagle Cavern on the Shores of Beaver Lake!

Cavern adventures, nature trails, lake views, and family fun await in nw arkansas., explore…. educate…. entertain…..

CAVERN TOURS

Enjoy our entertaining, educational, easily accessible cavern tour. or go even further, crawling & climbing through our wild cavern tour..

MOONSHINERS MYSTERY SHACK

Defy gravity in our moonshiners mystery shack..

LOST IN THE WOODS MAZE

Find your way out of our lost in the woods maze.

GEMSTONE PANNING

Mine for gemstones at our water sluice to find real rubies, emeralds, sapphires, arkansas crystal, and more.

STUDENT & GROUP EXPERIENCES

Custom experiences for field trips, family reunions, corporate retreats, church groups, and more..

BEAVER LAKE

War eagle cavern has the only lakeside cavern entrance in arkansas come by boat to visit and take time to feed the fish., arkansas outdoor experiences that “wow” .

War Eagle Cavern tours have it all!

• Stroller and limited handicap accessibility
• Pet friendly tours
• Unique activities for the whole family
• Nature trails & lake views
• Adventure spelunking

In NW Arkansas for a few days and decided to drop into the War Eagle Cavern this afternoon for some natural A/C. Our guide, Adam, was thoroughly entertaining and knowledgeable about not only the cavern but also the surrounding area. My 19 year old daughter and I raced each other to finish the scavenger hunt in the maze and “walked” through the mystery shack – it was tricky! We talked about how much her 8 year old brother would have loved both, as well as the fossil dig at the top of the path back to the gift shop after the tour. Just remembered that we also fed the fish and panned for crystals. All in all, a wonderful afternoon!

We loved War Eagle Cavern for so many reasons! First, George was such a knowledgeable and friendly guide. We learned so much from him! Second, our 4 year old son LOVED panning for gems while we waited for the tour to begin. Third, the natural beauty of the woods, lake, waterfalls, and rock formations was beyond expectations. But more than anything else, we loved how accessible this tour was. I would never have imagined being able to take our non-mobile daughter (who has Rett Syndrome) spelunking, but War Eagle Cavern’s wide, smooth paths made it possible. We would highly recommend War Eagle Cavern!

The second grade class of Cooper Elementary went on a field trip today and I was honored to be able to go as a guest of my grandson. This experience was totally awesome. Everything from the time you arrive, until the time you leave, is very well orchestrated. Super nice and very knowledgeable guides. How lucky the residents of this area are to have such a glorious part of God’s majesty. I am from MS but will definitely visit again. Thank you to all, for making this a special day.

Blanchard Springs Caverns

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere in the world. It is located in the Ozark National Forest and is believed to have been formed, and continually changed, by an ongoing mountain spring that pours into a glassy-surfaced trout pond below the cave, called Mirror Lake. Before entering the cavern, visitors will have an opportunity to view a short movie, introducing the wonders of the underground world they are about to discover. A variety of tours throughout the year provide visitors with different views of the cavern, as well as varying difficulty levels. The active cave, with its glistening formations, stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones is constantly changing, providing return visitors something new to see each time. Beautifully lighted rooms, that accentuate the cave's features, are equipped with handrails and paved trails for comfortable walking. An undeveloped section of the cavern allows visitors an opportunity to climb over rocks, crawl through tight spaces and slide on red clay mudslides. Prices to view the cavern vary by age and time of year between $1 and $16 for regular tours and $85 for the Wild Cave Tour. Group rates are available. The site's Visitor Center is equipped with a gift shop, exhibit hall, displays and accessible toilets, as well as information about the surrounding area.

Need to Know

Please purchase tickets in advance through this website, the Recreation.gov app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Walk-in customers may not be accommodated.

When traveling to the Forest for a cave tour, please allow extra travel time for road work, wildlife on roads, and reduced speed due to curvy roads. We suggest that you arrive around 30 minutes before the start of your scheduled tour. This will allow for time to find parking, pick up your tickets, and time to use the restroom. All scheduled tours leave on time. Arrivals after tour time will not be permitted entry. No refunds for late arrivals or missed tours.   

Ozark Folk Center tickets are a reduced-price ticket for the Cavern tours and are the result of a partnership between Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark Folk Center, a local Arkansas state park. If purchased, ticket holders must present a receipt from the Ozark Folk Center to a ticket agent at Blanchard Springs Caverns. This receipt must be dated within a week from the scheduled Blanchard tour. If a receipt is not presented, ticket holders will be upcharged to the regular adult and/or child rate. 

Available 4 days a week; Friday through Monday.

Currently unavailable. Will reopen Memorial Day weekend.

Currently unavailable.

Appropriate footwear is required; Children ages 5 and under must have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult; Adult tickets are required for age 16 and up; Child tickets are for ages 6 to 15

Booking Windows

Blanchard Springs Caverns tours are available Thursday – Monday between March – November and Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The facility Closes completely From December – February and cavern tours are NOT available. The park may not publish the complete schedule or variety of tours until a few days prior to tour date. Cave tours frequently sell out and pre-purchasing your tickets is the only way to ensure a spot is available for you and/or your party. First Come First Served tickets only sell on the day of and do normally sell fast, so it is recommended coming early to purchase those tickets. First Come First Served tickets may not be offered every day. Available tickets can be found by clicking the ticket links on the main Blanchard Springs Recreation.gov page  

Changes and Cancellations

OFC tickets

OFC tickets are a reduced-price ticket type and are a result of a partnership between Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark Folk Center, a local Arkansas state park. If purchased, ticket holders must present a receipt from the Ozark Folk Center to a ticket agent at Blanchard Springs Caverns. This receipt must be dated within a week from the scheduled Blanchard tour. If a receipt is not presented, ticket holders will be upcharged to the regular adult or child rate.

Cancellations

Cancellations must be made by midnight prior to the scheduled tour time for a full refund less the non-refundable per-ticket reservation fee. Refunds will not be given for tours cancelled or modified after midnight on the day of the tour.

Contact Information

Mailing address.

1001 E MAIN STREET MOUNTAIN VIEW AR 72560

Phone Number

870-757-2211

Available Tours and Tickets

• Discovery Trail Tour
• Dripstone Trail Tour

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• Gemstone Panning
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Your Destination For Guided Cave Tours

870-445-7177

1011 CS Woods Blvd.

Bull Shoals, AR 72619

Join us for a trip back in time to Bull Shoals Caverns, one of the world’s oldest limestone caverns in the Ozark mountain range. At 59 0 year around Bull Shoals Caverns, located in central northern Arkansas, are still alive and growing today.

Geologists tell us that the caverns were created approximately 350 million years ago. 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, flow stone 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.

Human dwelling was first documented starting 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.

Come visit in person and see the real thing!

Our caverns offer an

 "up-close" experience!

Unique gift shop!

We have an assortment of crystals, gemstones, minerals, jewelry, t- shirts, souvenirs and much more!

gemstone panning

pan for gemstones in our authentic mountain village 1890 sluice.

gemstone bags are available for purchase in our large gift shop.

pour a small portion of your bag of mining rough into your gem pan and wash it through the sluice.  A variety of gemstones will appear. Fun for kids and adults!

BULL SHOALS CAVERNS

Pipistrelle Bat

Cathedral  Room

Take a look at

Bull shoals caverns.

cavern tour prices

prices before tax

Adults................$19.95

Children (5 -11)...$9.95

4 & under.............Free

  Approximately 45 minutes.

Last tour  departs 45 minutes prior to closing.

L ong or short sleeve is fine.

Sneakers preferred.

  Welcomed!

The caverns have a well- lighted concrete walkway for tours and  the temperature is a cool 59 degrees year around.

Hours of operation

March 15 to October 31st

Open: Wednesday thru Sunday

Hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

November 1st thru Thanksgiving Weekend

Open: Friday thru Sunday

Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

December thru mid-March

Closed for the season

Special Hours

Open Memorial Day & Labor Day

Month of July

  Open 7 days a week

Hours and days of operation subject to change without prior notice. Please verify by calling ahead.

local and regional AREA information

Local Information

Bull Shoals/White River Chamber of Commerce

Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock - Marina

Bull Shoals Theater Of The Arts

Bull Shoals White River State Park

James A. Gaston Visitor Center/Bull Shoals Dam

City Of Bull Shoals - Recreation & Camping

Dam Site Park

Lakeview Cove Marina

Panther Bay Marina

Quarry Marina - Lake Norfork

Local Lodging

Dam Site Park - Camping

Rocky Hide-A-Way

Chandler's Inn

Bull Mountain Resort

Dogwood Lodge

Cedar Springs Country Inn

Driftwood Resort

Gaston's White River Resort

Regional Information

Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce

Cotter/Gassville Chamber of Commerce

Arkansas The Natural State

Ozark Mountain Region

South Shore Bull Shoals Lake

Ozark Vacations

Arkansas Caves

Blanchard Springs Caverns

Cosmic Cavern

Old Spanish Treasure Cave

War Eagle Caverns

Looking for a unique place to have a wedding?

The Diamond Chapel in Bull Shoals Caverns   and

The Church at Mountain Village 1890 are available for private wedding ceremonies. The Church at Mountain Village 1890 accommodates up to 60 guests and the Diamond Chapel Room accommodates up to 20 guest including bride and groom.

NOTE* Weddings in the cavern are a Standing Ceremony only. Seating is not available and the caverns are not wheel chair accessible.

Rate is $300

We provide wedding location only but can recommend additional services as needed.

This service is available by appointment only.

For more information please call us at

Field Trips

Bull Shoals Caverns & Mountain Village 1890 would like to be part of your itinerary for  Student Field Trips.  Our Cave guides are informed and knowledgeable about the history and making of Bull Shoals Caverns. This is an excellent opportunity to bring to life what students have studied in class. In addition, we include a short tour of Mountain Village 1890.  This is a recreation of an Ozark settlement with authentic historical buildings from the 1800's.  Educational, fun and affordable.

Teachers, contact us for more details.

Phone: 870-445-7177 or  email: [email protected]

bull shoals caverns

1011 cS woods blvd.

bull shoals, AR 72619

Phone: 870-445-7177

Located off highway 178 in bull shoals

Email: [email protected]

www.bullshoalscaverns.com

© 2024 , Bull Shoals Caverns . All rights reserved.

​Diamond Chapel Room

Cry stal Alter

​the church

Famous Since 1891

Welcome to onyx cave park in eureka springs, arkansas, monday – saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm, sunday: 10:00am-4:00pm, family fun adventure for all ages.

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains just 6 miles from downtown Eureka Springs, AR., you will find Onyx Cave Park. Onyx Cave is Arkansas’ oldest toured cave and has been famous since 1891. The cave is a delight for all ages and is one of the very few self-guided cave tours in the US. You can go deep into the underground and explore the amazing cave formations all at your own pace. The tour comes complete with an audio guide that walks you through the cave explaining the fascinating history and pointing out special features along the path. There is seating at the back of the cave should you want to sit, relax, and take in the ambiance of the cave.

• Axe Throwing
• Gem Panning
• Self- Guided Cave Tour
• Coming Soon –  Onyx Cave Museum and Blacklight room

Above Ground Activities

Plan Your Visit

Tour pricing:

• Adults (13 and up) $20
• Children (5-12) $10
• 4 and under FREE

Cave Tours - Cosmic Cavern

Cosmic Cavern – Berryville, AR – Cave Tours are some of the most beautiful tours in the state of Arkansas. In fact, Cosmic Cavern is known as one of the top Show Caves in the United States! We are located in Berryville, Arkansas right between Eureka Springs, Arkansas and Branson, Missouri. Our 1 hour and 15 minute guided walking tour features many formations such as: stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, sodastraws, helictites, cave bacon, draperies, and many other speleothems as well as two cave lakes, blind cave trout and the Ozark Blind Cave Salamander. Visitors have enjoyed the beauty of Cosmic Cavern for many years and have said things like: “Absolutely Amazing!”, “Awesome Cave Tour!”, “Great Experience!”, “Beautiful Cavern!”, “Best Cave in the Eureka Springs Area!”, and many more complimentary comments! It is no wonder Cosmic Cavern was awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for 2014!

The actual cave tour takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes at a very comfortable pace. The distance of the tour is approximately 1/3 of a mile. There are some stairs; however, the majority of the tour is on level ground. The cavern is well lit to show all the beautiful formations as we strike a balance between accommodating the visitors and presenting the cave. The cave stays a constant 64 degrees, the warmest cave in the Ozarks. Because the cave is at such a desirable temperature year ’round when visiting the cave coats aren’t really necessary. Instead of bringing a coat you will be better off and more comfortable bringing your camera to take photos of all the natural beauty that surrounds you!

The newest section of the cave is Silent Splendor. This section of the cave was discovered in 1993. Silent Splendor was featured on CBS News and has been featured in newspapers all over the United States. Pure white soda straws and bizarre helictites cover the ceilings of this section of the cave. This area is so pristine, that many of these beautiful formations are transparent. This delicate area is one of the Ozarks major cave finds and is a Must See!

When you are in the Eureka Springs, Arkansas or Branson, Missouri area, Cosmic Cavern needs to be on your list of things to do or attractions to see! The breathtaking natural beauty is beyond compare! Please be sure and include a trip to Cosmic Cavern in your vacation plans! We hope to see you soon!

6386 AR-21, Berryville, AR 72616 30 minutes south of Branson, MO!

OPEN 9am-5pm 7 days a week

Civil War Cave

Comes to life, guided tour.

One hour, ½ mile walk, NO STAIRS!

One Hour Tour

Guide will show and tell about the history, folklore, and geology of Smallin Cave

Extended adventure beyond the trail by the light of a headlamp

Visitor's Center

Our visitor’s center & gift shop offers affordably priced souvenirs. We have a variety of historical and educational merchandise. Along the way to the gift shop, visit the “Sidewalk Museum”. Be sure to stop in and say hi!

National Register of Historic Places

Smallin Civil War Cave was listed as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places on March 8th, 2018

at Smallin Cave

“ My wife and I took the historic lantern tour of Smallin Civil War Cave last night, and I was blown away by local history and the wonderful story telling staff! I had visited the cave at an earlier date during the daytime and enjoyed the tour. It has an enormous entrance! I would recommend visiting this cave if you are ever in the area! ”

“ If you want to do a cave tour, I highly recommend this one. The cave is impressive and the guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. After the cave, the staff answered questions and provided detailed historical information about other sites and other exploits by historical figures associated with the cave. A really enjoyable experience all-around. ”

“ We brought our 3 young children (2.5, 5, and 7) on a weekday and had so much fun! The owners are right on sight and accommodated us with our own tour rather than throwing us in with a field trip group, which we appreciated. They were very kind and clearly care about the history and preservation of the cave. The cave itself was beautiful, and we appreciated that it was easily accessible and pretty well lit. It was a great experience for our kids, without requiring much walking, climbing, or steps. ”

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The Best Caves in Arkansas, USA: Complete List

When you’re done soaking up the rays on the hiking trails, you’ll want to learn a bit about the caves in Arkansas. Some of these underground attractions offer a unique experience and a natural beauty unlike anywhere else. Below are excellent options for cavers and curious onlookers throughout the state.

Bordered by six separate states, you probably don’t expect to find any special sea caves or cave diving opportunities in Arkansas.

But at one of the many caverns here, 400 feet below the surface lies a beautiful lake. You will learn all about this cave and more in this article.

Beckham Creek Cave

Blanchard springs caverns, blowing cave, bull shoals caverns, cosmic cavern, eden falls cave, moonshiner’s cave, mystic caverns and crystal dome, old spanish treasure cave, war eagle cavern.

Rather than exploring its depths like with any other cave, this Beckham Creek Cave serves as a tranquil retreat. This is one of the only caves in Arkansas, or perhaps even in the country, where you go to relax, rather than get a workout.

Luxury vacationers can stay in the 5,800-square-foot Beckham Creek Cave Lodge, constructed inside a cave. It includes everything you need, including a kitchen, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and even a landing pad for a helicopter. I know some of you have a helicopter, so this one’s for you.

While it is true that booking a stay here will not come cheap, if you and a large group of friends or family are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, there is no better option.

Blanchard Springs Caverns was closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since August 18, 2022, they’ve reopened to the public, and cave tours again began. Visitors to Arkansas love this show cave because of its three stories. The Dripstone Trail is one of several accessible tours that will take you through one of the caves.

The cave maintains a consistent 58 degrees Fahrenheit and is open all year. The staff is unsure if the Caroling in the Caverns trips will run again this year, but if you get the chance, you should definitely go.

Visit Blowing cave if you enjoy a good adventure. No guided tour would ever take you into this cave because of its wild nature. As early as the 1880s, people began using Blowing Cave, and the cave was a popular spot for locals to have parties and dances.

Paranormal activity, aliens, ghosts, and hidden passages inhabited by a mystery species called Blue People spawned rumors about the cave since at least the 1950s.

If you’d like to explore some of these rumors yourself, join the club! Many tourists find themselves coming back to Blowing Cave each year for the same reason.

Have you ever considered having your wedding in a cave? Bull Shoals Caverns offers a crystal altar for those who feel drawn to perform such a ceremony within its walls.

You don’t have to invite any of the local salamanders, small pipistrelle bats, or camel crickets to your underground wedding in Bull Shoals, but they add to the ethereal allure of the venue.

As one descends into Cosmic Cavern’s depths, one truly feels like they have entered another universe. The cave is renowned for its two enormous lakes, known as “the bottomless lakes.” Their depths have not yet been fully explored, and much mystery still surrounds them.

The more daring spelunker can take advantage of the wild cave trips as well. During after hours at Cosmic Cavern, the cave is open for deep dives. Have fun but please, be safe!

Unlike many other caves, this one has no guided tours available. The cave is completely dark and has no established pathways; visitors must bring their own caving gear if they want to explore the cave.

The cave requires a 200-foot crawl into the main room, home to an underground waterfall and plenty of exploring space. Protective gear should be worn, such as helmets, gloves, and kneepads .

Moonshiner is the only man-made cave on this list. It was built out of bricks and is hidden beneath a bluff.

It may be more appealing to cavers who aren’t used to the darkness because it isn’t as claustrophobic as other of the more popular caves, known for their deep, meandering passages. But at the same time, there isn’t a lot of adventure associated with this one.

Although they are only separated by around 400 feet, these two caves in Arkansas each have their own unique set of incredible sights.

Plan a day trip to see both, as the pipe organ calcite rock creation in Mystic Caverns is breathtaking, and the Crystal Dome, which is 70 feet tall and contains a gorgeous bell-shaped collection of crystals, is like visiting an underground cathedral. It’s everything you need for some raucous merriment below ground.

Mystic Caverns, one of the longest-running cave excursions in Arkansas, abruptly shut down in November of 2021. Cave owner Steve Rush had been seeking to sell the establishment for a while before it was abruptly closed. There has been no indication of when the cave will reopen or if it has sold.

Golden treasure, lost by Spanish conquistadors centuries ago, is said to be hidden in this cave. In addition to panning for precious stones and watching a film on the cavern floor, tourists can tour the cavern itself. It’s an oppportunity to learn about why the lost treasure is thought to be hidden here.

A great attraction in Eureka Springs is Onyx Cave. In addition to walking the accessible trail inside the cave, visitors can dig for jewels, hone their ax-throwing talents, and release some steam in the smash lab. This is an unusual activity that the whole family may enjoy together. Guided by radio, tours of the cave take around 30 minutes to complete. You’ll find it at 338 Onyx Cave Lane in Eureka Springs.

Attractions in Onyx Cave Park revolve around the park’s namesake cave. Visitors take an easy stroll through elaborate caverns with unique rock formations while hearing fascinating tales of the cave’s history. For example, it was once used as a fallout shelter during the Cold War.

War Eagle Cavern is distinguished from similar caverns by its natural entrance. Follow the course of a hidden stream as you make your way through the cave’s spectacular underground formations and caverns.

Tours depart every 20 minutes and are around one hour long. As you investigate the Moonshiners Mystery Shack, keep your eyes out for bats and salamanders. Tours with lanterns and tours of wild caves are offered with prior booking.

Several fascinating caverns in Arkansas attract tourists from all over the world. Arkansas’ caves range from breathtakingly beautiful at Blanchard Springs Caverns to thrillingly challenging at Mystic Caverns.

Specialists say there could be hundreds more unmapped caves in the state. As more caves continue to reveal themselves, we will add them here, so make sure to check this article for updates.

Exploring the caves in Arkansas is a must for everyone seeking adventure and natural wonder, regardless of whether you are a seasoned caver or a newbie to the underground world.

What’s next after Arkansas? How about one of its many neighbors?

Louisiana Caves

Mississippi Caves

Missouri Caves

Oklahoma Caves

Tennessee Caves

Texas Caves

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Little Rock Family

5 caves to explore in arkansas.

Arkansas' underground beauty is easy to overlook. But did you know that the state is full of caves and caverns that are safe for the whole family to explore?

Located across northern Arkansas, these five destination make for easy day trips. The formations are like nothing you find above ground, and kids will learn about a seemingly whole new world as they discover stalactites and stalagmites, cave curtains and even structures with names like cave bacon and cave popcorn!

Check out these five caves and caverns and explore them with the whole family.

Onyx Cave is located six miles east of Eureka Springs. The cave offers easy access with ramps and stairs to access the gift shop and a non-strenuous trail that leads you through the cave. The self-guided tour (note that strollers are not allowed) takes about 30 minutes and the cave is approximately 57 degrees year round.

Onyx Cave closes for a portion of the winter each year, but usually re-opens around Valentine's Day weekend. 

More information: OnyxCaveEurekaSprings.com | 479-253-9321 

Location: 338 Onyx Cave Lane, Eureka Springs

Tickets: $10.50 for adults; $6.50 for kids ages 3-12; free for children under 3 

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mystic Caverns

Get a two for one at this location in Harrison. With entrances only 400 feet apart, the Mystic Cavern and Crystal Dome are both open for guided tours. Follow the path the first settlers to this area traveled on a tour through Mystic, learn about the "pipe organ" and hear the infamous story of the spider monkey. Crystal Dome, which was discovered 100 years after Mystic, is a spectacular eight-story dome in pristine form.

Tours are 35-45 minutes long and run consistently from March-December. Call for a schedule in January and February. 

More information: MysticCaverns.com | 1.888.743.1739

Location: 341 Caverns Drive, Harrison

Tickets for both caverns: $19.99 for adults; $11.99 for kids ages 4-12; free for kids 3 and under

Hours (through August): Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  

Bull Shoals Caverns

Tours run from March 15 through Thanksgiving weekend at this cavern in Bull Shoals, about an hour east of Harrison. The caverns are home to camel crickets, bats, salamanders, underground rivers and many different varieties of cave formations. Tours are approximately 45 minutes and the cave stays right around 59 degrees all year. 

There is also gemstone panning and a giftshop on site. 

More information: BullShoalsCaverns.com | 870-445-7177

Location: 1011 CS Woods Blvd., Bull Shoals

Tickets: $17 for adults; $8.75 for kids ages 5-11; free for children 4 and under 

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake

At this cave in Rogers, have the option of a walking tour or a muddy and adventurous spelunker tour. The walking tour opens in March each year while the spelunker tour runs from July-October. 

Parts of the walking tour include the  7-foot high Crystal Hallway (glistening with sparkles of Arkansas Quartz and pyrite),  a fossil dig area for kids and more. 

On the spelunker tour, experience huge colonies of bats and get wet and muddy as you squeeze through passageways and wade through water. Kids must be at least 12 and accompanied by an adult.

While you're there, check out the above ground attractions: a "lost in the woods maze," trading post/gift shop and gem panning.

More information: WarEagleCavern.com | 479-789-2909

Location: 21494 Cavern Road, Rogers

Tickets: Guided Tour $18 for adults; $11 for kids ages 4-12; free for kids under 3 | Wild Cavern Tour $65/person (12 and up), reservations are required

Old Spanish Treasure Cave

Located in the northwest corner of Arkansas, the Old Spanish Treasure Cave is open from April through Thanksgiving weekend. The cavern is filled with fascinating legends of hidden treasure buried by the Spanish Conquistadors. 

For an extra special excursion, bring a lawn chair and check out the underground movie theater during the season. Check on the Facebook page for updates about which movies will be playing and when. 

The cave offers a special for school groups for only $6.50 per student, including gemstone panning. There is also a "camp in the cave" program  for scout and youth groups 10-18 years of age that includes off-trail exploration and a night sleeping in the cavern. 

  *At press time, Blanchard Springs Caverns, near Mountain View, was closed due to COVID-19. Check BlanchardSprings.org for updates.

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Matador Original Series

The Coolest Caving Experiences in the US Are in Arkansas

B eneath the forest of the Ozark Highlands of north Arkansas lies a unique, delicate, and fascinating ecosystem. Over thousands of years, the limestone bedrock in this part of the state has been dissolved by groundwater to create a karst environment full of sinkholes, disappearing streams, and incredible caves.

Of the nearly 2,000 documented caves in the Natural State, seven are privately-owned, commercial tour caves open to the public while the US Forest Service operates Blanchard Springs Caverns, the crown jewel of them all. Some of the smaller show caves contain decorative, living cave formations, while others have fewer formations. The latter often have great stories associated with them, such as being hideouts for outlaws or sites of unfound, hidden treasure.

Numerous undeveloped caves can be found throughout the Ozark Mountains . However, many of these wild caves on public lands are no longer open to the public due to an effort to stop the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats. This fungal disease causes hibernating bats to lose their stored fat needed to sustain them through the winter. With that being said, there are numerous underground adventures available. Here are five unique caves to visit in Arkansas.

Blanchard Springs Caverns, north of Mountain View

Photo: Arkansas State Tourism /Facebook

One of the most beautiful underground discoveries of the 20th century, Blanchard Springs Caverns has lighted walkways leading to stunning limestone formations and massive rooms, one as long as six football fields.

Guided walking tours through this active cavern system feature sparkling calcite formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, draperies, cave bacon, and columns. Blanchard is a three-level cave system. Two levels with handrails on a paved trail for easy walking are open for tours. There’s also a Wild Cave Tour option for the physically fit. Don headlamps and knee pads for this one to walk, crawl, and climb through an undeveloped portion of the cave to a large formation called “The Titans.”

Blanchard is open all year with a restricted tour schedule during winter months. The visitor center contains a gift shop, books, maps, educational material, and a movie. The Blanchard Springs Recreation Area and Campground is popular for its crystal clear streams, a large flowing spring (12,000 gallons/45,000 liters per minute), a small lake, scenic trails, picturesque bluffs, swimming, and fishing. Like other caves mentioned here, Blanchard works hard to utilize preventative measures to stop the spread of white-nose syndrome.

This epic underground system is the only developed cave operated by the US Forest Service. It’s located deep in the Ozark National Forest in the small town of Fifty-Six, near Mountain View.

Beckham Creek Cave Lodge, Parthenon

Photo: Beckham Creek Cave Lodge /Facebook

Located inside a natural cavern on a high bluff overlooking the valley, Beckham Creek Cave Lodge looks like the setting for a hobbit movie on the outside. Inside, it is 5,800 square feet of pure luxury. It sleeps 12, has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a big screen smart TV with satellite, Wi-Fi, lofts and balconies, and a natural waterfall in the living room. The numerous rooms have natural cave walls with unique cave features such as stalactites. There are outside seating areas, a fire pit, a catch-and-release pond, and a walking path to an overlook called “Eye of the Needle.” Situated in a tiny town named Parthenon, the lodge is located on 256 pristine and remote acres at the end of a road.

Cosmic Cavern, Berryville

Photo: Arkansas

Prospectors for lead discovered a large cave and underground lake in 1845 in northwest Arkansas. While the cave has had many names and proprietors since then, today it is known as Cosmic Cavern . Randy and Anita Langhover have owned the cave since 1980 and had a discovery of their own in 1993 when Randy found a large passage of more than 1,000 feet and another subterranean lake.

Now Cosmic Cavern is the state’s largest privately-owned show cave containing the Ozarks’ largest underground lake.

The guided walking tour is about one hour and 15 minutes through the warmest cave in the Ozarks at a steady 64 degrees. The cave features a nine-foot soda straw and two bottomless cave lakes, the first of which has had trout in it for nearly 50 years. Visitors can also opt for a Wild Cave Tour experience. We recommend checking the site for requirements and you need to prebook. Cosmic Cavern is located in Berryville near Eureka Springs.

Eden Falls Cave at Lost Valley

Photo: Keep Arkansas Beautiful /Facebook

The Lost Valley Trail, located near the upper section of the Buffalo National River, is a popular spot for good reason. It serves up nature at its best with a cascading creek, waterfalls, towering cliffs, large bluff shelter, natural bridge, hardwood forest, and a cave.

The trail follows Clark Creek up to its headwaters and ends at Eden Falls Cave , a small undeveloped cave. The cave is a tight squeeze for approximately 200 feet ending in a large room with a 35-foot-tall waterfall. Take a flashlight for exploration. The first mile to Eden Falls is level and easy going, and then it becomes a steep climb to the mouth of the cave.

It’s around a 2.4-mile round-trip hike and it is recommended that visitors are physically fit. It’s also wise to check weather conditions and depending on the time of year, Clark Creek, a tributary to the Buffalo River, tends to dry up or go underground. The waterfall flow is affected by the seasons as well, but the cave is fun to climb regardless of the season.

Mystic Caverns, Marble Falls, Harrison

This cavern features guided tours of two spectacular caverns, Mystic and Crystal Dome . Mystic contains a 30-foot-tall calcite formation called the “Pipe Organ” and rare calcite formations such as helictites, shields, and spherical stalactites. Crystal Dome is nearly 70 feet high inside with pristine formations, including a dripstone of pure white calcite.

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Ultimate Guide to Wonderland Cave, Arkansas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

We may have been compensated for this post. Please keep in mind that it affects you in no way financially. If an item is being reviewed, we are not obligated to give a positive review and always use our own words. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you would like a review done contact Dannelle at [email protected]

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Wonderland Cave is the largest cave in the northwestern part of Arkansas. The cave was first developed in the 1920s which later got transformed into a nightclub in the 1930s. The cavernous space within the cave was transformed into a concrete floor, setting the stage for musicians and decorations that would remind you of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. 

Wonderland Cave, Arkansas 

The Wonderland Cave is a natural underground cavern in the Benton County of Arkansas. It was developed as an amusement place, and it was so successful that there is a sign outside the cave that reads – the largest Natural Place of Amusement in America. A part of the facility has been used for the aging of a locally produced wine. The cave has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. 

History of Wonderland Cave

Clarence Andrew Linebarger was the first to develop the Wonderland Cave as a tourist attraction and a place for entertainment. He opened the cave for the people on March 01, 1930. Noted people like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway performed at the cave for thirty years. It became known as the Big Cave, and political and social events were regularly held here. Inside the cave, at about 300 ft from the entrance, is a large chamber with a concrete dance floor.

There is a 30 ft long bar at the opposite end, and there is an alcove for a twelve-piece band. The sign kept outside the cave described it as the largest natural place of amusement in the US. On March 01, 1930, a large crowd of four hundred people gathered to witness the grand opening.

The Wonderland Cave came to be known as the largest underground nightclub in the US. After the end of Prohibition, Linebarger started the Linebarger Winery in 1935. In the first year of operation, the facility produced 1513 gallons of wine. The wines were stored in the Wonderland Cave, and they were sold under the brands – Belle of Bella Vista and Wonderland. 

In the early 1960s, the cave ceased operational as a nightclub, but public tours were allowed in exchange for a small fee. During the height of the Cold War, the Civil Defense officials scrambled to create nuclear fallout shelters across the US. Wonderland Cave was one of the three reputed caves that became a fallout shelter. In 1965, the cave was leased to Cooper Industries, and in 1996 the Linebarger heirs sold off the cave.

The cave is off-limits for the public since 1995, but efforts are in full swing to renovate and convert this cave into an amusement center for families. It is now owned by Marysia Miller, who is working on reopening the cave as soon as possible. She has ensured the restoration of the cave with the removal of all kinds of graphics and graffiti. She has grand plans for the Wonderland Cave. The 30 acres above ground will feature a museum, petting zoo, miniature golf course, a hot dog stand, and a sit-down restaurant. 

Geological Cave Formations in Wonderland Cave

There are no geological formations inside the Wonderland Cave. What there had been must have been removed for the opening of the entertainment space.

From Vision to Reality: A History of Bella Vista Village, 1915-1993

A more complete history than the earlier ‘Bella Vista Story’, this volume was able to incorporate the more recently made available personal and business records of the Linebarger Brothers (who operated the Bella Vista Resort from 1917-1952). Other new sources and information are also included and, in addition, this history updates through the significant Bella Vista changes of the 1980s and beginning of the 90s.

Get the book on Amazon HERE

Wildlife in Wonderland Cave

Small animals, squirrels, and insects are common in the region around Wonderland Cave, making it no different from the other caves present in the state. 

Is Wonderland Cave Haunted?

The cave is undergoing renovations after it was closed to the public in 1995. However, nobody has ever complained of any supernatural phenomena. 

How big is Wonderland Cave?

The Wonderland Cave, built in 1925, is not expansive but still occupies little less than one acre. 

Download our Wonderland Cave Guide (Unofficial) HERE:

Wonderland Cave, Caves, Cave Guide, Digital Download, Printable Download, Instant Download, Natural Science, Science Lesson, STEM

Wonderland Cave Tours

Since the cave is now closed for the renovation work undertaken by the new owners, there are no tours available at the Wonderland Cave. However, you can sign up for one of the most popular tours of Bella Vista, the Bella Vista Museum Driving Tour . It is a great way to learn more about the fascinating resort community and have a glimpse of some of the region’s finest attractions.

The tour is a tradition in Bella Vista and takes place only twice a year. Wonderland Cave is one of the most interesting stops on this tour. It is a huge cave, and it shows how the Linebargers created the ‘resort’ by taking full advantage of the natural beauty and surroundings of the Ozarks. 

Wonderland Cave Tour Prices and Discounts

The tickets for the tour are priced at USD 15 for one person and USD 25 for two persons. If you plan to sign up for the tour, you must come to the museum by 12:30 so that you do not miss the carpool. You can call up 812 – 899 – 2049 for detailed information about this tour. 

Is Wonderland Cave Cold?

Since entry to the cave is temporarily closed, it isn’t easy to ascertain the conditions inside the cave. But it is assumed that just like any other cave, the temperature inside the cave would be cooler than what you will experience outside. 

What to Wear?

There is no dress code as you will be visiting the cave and experiencing it only from outside. You can wear anything that you feel comfortable in. 

Wonderland Cave Hours

One can visit Wonderland Cave any time of the year as admission to the cave is now closed. However, the most popular time to visit Wonderland Cave is between 1 and 2 pm, and you will come across several tourists if you come here during the weekend. 

What to Do at Wonderland Cave (Beside Tours)

The Wonderland Cave and its surroundings are undergoing massive renovations. There is nothing much to do here right now. There are reports that once the renovation is complete, it will be converted into a cave cum amusement park. So, there will be innumerable things to do here once the facility is thrown open to the public.

For now, after you tour the Wonderland Caves, you can enjoy seeing and petting the barnyard animals and playing on the mini-golf course, thereby making the place a perfect family outing destination. 

Best Time to Visit Wonderland Cave

Since the cave is not yet open to the public, you can come here any time of the day or year. Lots of people try to avoid the rainy periods as the ground conditions become a bit bad. 

How to Get to Wonderland Cave

The Wonderland Cave is an underground cavern in Bella Vista of Benton County. It is positioned about a mile east of US 71 up Dartmoor Road, near the Elementary School. One can easily access the cave through Interstate 540/71. 

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Hotels near Wonderland Cave

A few hotels near Wonderland Cave offer decent accommodation, such as Comfort Inn Bentonville & Days Inn and Suites by Wyndham Bentonville. 

Places To Stay Nearby

Visiting wonderland cave.

Do you need more information before visiting Wonderland Caves? You can call +1-310-497-6000 or email the  authorities  for an information packet. 

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2 thoughts on “ Ultimate Guide to Wonderland Cave, Arkansas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map) ”

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This is a great blog post! I’m from Arkansas and I’ve been wanting to visit Wonderland Cave for years. I’m glad someone wrote a guide for it.

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Cave City’s Crystal River Cave

September 5, 2023

If you’ve ever driven through Cave City and wondered “Where’s the cave?” you are not alone. As it turns out, the cave is right under your feet, and as you drive through the center of town, you are passing directly over it. For over 20 years, the Crystal River Cave in Cave City, Arkansas, has been closed to the public. Owners Dan and Irma Carrigan recently began offering tours into this almost forgotten piece of Arkansas history.

A sign featuring a Native American in full headdress advertises the Crystal River Cave tours and motel. It’s a sign I’ve seen dozens of times as my family sought out a Cave City watermelon or passed through town on a trip to visit Mammoth Spring . The buildings on the property were indeed unique. but being boarded and shuttered, they were clearly no longer providing the services advertised on the sign. I assumed it was just another business that had succumbed to the fate of time.

When rumors began to circulate that the owners would start offering tours of the property after over 20 years, I reached out to Irma Carrigan who invited my family to join an upcoming tour. I went expecting to see a cave but left having discovered so much more. Often, it’s what’s underground that makes a cave so special, but the Crystal River Cave has a much bigger story to tell.

The main house and former motor courtrooms are eye-catching and unusual, and this is where the tour begins. Visitors will quickly learn how unique the buildings constructed by Hubert Clarence Carpenter in the 1930s truly are. Carpenter’s dream to build a tourist camp that highlighted his Christian faith and the Native American culture of the area became a reality when he purchased the land and cave in 1932 and hired local carpenter and stone mason Prince Matlock to bring his vision to life.

Look closely, and you will see that these buildings aren’t traditional by any means. The surface of each structure is covered from ground to roof with several types of quartz, crystals, petrified wood, and Native American relics such as bone, arrowheads and rocks, collected from all 50 states. Most notable is the thousands upon thousands of geodes that are stacked up to four layers deep in some areas of the exterior. The geodes were originally part of a wall built by Native Americans on a nearby farm, and many of the other artifacts were collected from the cave and surrounding property. Community members were paid to gather artifacts, and local children earned twenty-five cents for each bucket of rocks that were used in the construction.

The structure is adorned with multiple symbols, including Christian crosses, Native American fertility symbols, suns, torches and a rare sandstone-carved face that was found inside the cave. Archways on the home’s back entrance are shaped like tuning forks as a nod to Carpenter’s wife, Eunice, who loved music and provided lessons to people in Cave City.

The motor court was in operation for over 20 years until car designs outgrew the design of the buildings and the seemingly never-ending need for renovations became too much. The motor court was closed, but the cave continued to be a source of interest to the public and was open for tours through the early 1990s.

The Crystal River Cave is believed to have been discovered by Osage Indians and used as a shelter through the 1700s. Artifacts indicate that they may have slept in the upper chambers of the cave and that lower portions may have been both a source of water and an area used for tribal activities and rituals. There are several etchings depicting a buffalo and a man on a horse, which are believed to have been made by the Osage people. Additionally, a large flat rock sits just inside the cave opening. Although it has never been opened, it is believed that it may be the final resting place of an Osage chief.

In the 1930s, electricity was installed in the cave long before many homes in the area. Steps into the cave built by Carpenter and Matlock made modern access to the cave much easier, but the Osage would have had to carry torches and climb through narrow and steep openings to navigate much of the cave. The cave river and the consistent 58-degree temperature of the cave likely drew the Osage to the area.

The cave has at least five main chambers, though the lower chambers are full of water for much of the year. The Crystal River, which runs through the cave, is still a mystery. Although rumors abound, the source of the river has never been discovered. The water levels are seasonal. and studies have linked water levels in the cave to water levels of the Mississippi River . The river was the primary source of water for Cave City until the 1970s, and pipes that were drilled down to draw water from the cave are still visible. When the water supply was getting low, the city drilled deeper, resulting in flooding of the lower chambers of the cave. Since then, access has been limited to skilled divers who have mapped out as much of the cave as possible until they reached areas too narrow to continue.

If you have visited other local caves, such as Blanchard Springs Caverns , the inside of this cave may be surprising. Blanchard is a limestone cave covered with stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws and other cave formations. The Crystal River Cave is primarily a sandstone, meaning it lacks some of the features that make other caves so popular. The large chambers are still impressive, especially when you connect their use to the area’s history. Large fault lines that naturally help protect the cave’s integrity are visible. A constant dripping slowly washes away the sandy surface, resulting in an everchanging cave.

Beautiful in its own way, the allure of the Crystal River Cave is found in its connection to the past. My 91-year-old father-in-law, Billy Joe Anderson, grew up in an Arkansas quite different from the one we know today. Over the years, he has shared many of his unique experiences, from attending school with Johnny Cash in Dyess to his family owning a general store in Olyphant to his service in the Korean War. Anderson recalls having toured the cave in 1938, shortly after the motor court was first opened to the public. He was six at the time and was awed by the experience.

When the Carrigans invited us to tour the cave, I brought my son, Anderson’s 6-year-old grandson. Eighty-five years separate their visits. When I showed Anderson my photographs, he said the memories came flooding back. Seeing the pictures made it feel like it was just yesterday when he had been inside. Even though my father-in-law and his grandson couldn’t tour the Crystal River Cave together, I am thankful they had a shared experience.

Cave tours will be available regularly but are limited to 40 participants, so advanced reservations are highly recommended. Information, tour times, and many historical photographs are available on the cave’s Facebook page . Private tours are also available.

Check out these stories to learn more about Arkansas Caves:

Arkansas Caves Indian Rock Cave War Eagle Caverns Arkansas Adventures Underground Mystic Caverns Caroling in the Caverns

Meet the author.

Learn more about Julie Kohl .

A little about Julie Kohl .

Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and teaches art part-time at a local private school. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas where they raise chickens, farm hay and bake bread. Julie loves adventure and sharing it with her husband and son. They frequent the trails, campgrounds and parks of Arkansas, always on the hunt for new adventures and new stories to share. Learn more on her blog Seek Adventures Media .

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8 responses to “Cave City’s Crystal River Cave”

Born in Arkansas. Caves are God’s special places. Been waiting to tour this one. Blanchard. Indian cave. Buffalo river. Silver dollar city. Totally by the hand of God. I’m so ready.

I was born in Poughkeepsie in 1938. My mother told me when she was a teen, she an some of her friends painted a date, et, al info on a watermelon and put it in the water stream in the cave at Cave City and some one(s) found it in Mammoth Spring.

I’m 68 and when I was 15 I came to Cave City from Marion with my friend and her parents and we stayed in one of the cottages …long before I moved to this area.

My great uncles was Hubert Carpenter. I spent many fun times around the cave and my grandparents house, the Carpenter/Pinkston house. Growing up we were told stories about using the cave as a cooler. They kept their milk and butter there as well as used it as a storm shelter. So much history there!!!

O’Tossa Scott. ….. has anyone every found out how it got there In Mammoth?

[…] Crystal River Cave in Cave City only recently reopened after being closed to the public for over 20 years. The cave itself is […]

My Grandmother and her siblings went to school with Johnny Cash too!

I recently passed through Cave City after visiting Batesville, on my way home in Missouri. I noticed the interesting rock house and smaller buildings, so I had to check it out. As I drove past the deteriorating buildings of the motel, I was amazed at the architecture of the entire complex. I got out of tmy vehicle and walked the perimeter of the rock wall north of the main building. The detail in the rock work was intense. I loved the archways. Along the walkway I soon discovered an indentation in the terrain, a deep wall below a fence, and a stairway leading down to a picnic table, like this was a recreation spot in years gone by. Then I saw the cave entrance! Wow! I’m a big fan of caves, living in the outskirts of the Ozark area with many caves, and visiting commercially operated caves whenever possible. It was intriguing to say the least! Heading back I saw the handwritten sign stating cave tours at 5:00. I really wanted to tour it but I was expected at my destination by a certain time. It was early in the day, nowhere close to tour time, so I had to leave with my photos and memories of the hidden gem, The Crystal River Cave without the true experience. I had hoped one day to return, and after reading this story about it’s history, I’m excited to say I will for sure! I think others, even those who haven’t had the initial experience I had, will also be wanting to go. Thanks for the informative description of one of nature’s formations, that was once lost to us, open again for viewing.

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‘Arkansas Graveler’ expected to bring hundreds of bicyclists to Northeast Arkansas

CAVE CITY, Ark. (KAIT) - Several Region 8 towns are gearing up to host hundreds of bike riders next month.

Last August, K8 News reported that the Ozark Foundation planned to bring its statewide biking tour, the “Arkansas Graveler,” to Northeast Arkansas.

The six-day, 300-plus mile tour will begin on June 23 at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and end at Arkansas State University-Jonesboro on June 28, with stops in Mountain View and Cave City.

Cave City Mayor Jonas Anderson said the bicyclists will spend the night in the town’s park, sleeping in pop-up tents.

“When they show up, they’ll have a kind of traveling event with them,” Anderson said. “They have shower trailers, a live music stage, refreshments, and things that are served to them.”

He said it’s special to have been selected as one of the stopping points along the way.

“We’re honored as a small community along the way to be chosen as one of the stops, especially on this inaugural event to help get it kicked off,” Anderson added.

Registration is still open for the tour. More than 400 bicyclists are expected to travel to Arkansas to participate.

For more information, visit the Arkansas Graveler website.

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