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Blanchard Springs Caverns: A Living Cave

Discover a world of underground beauty at Blanchard Springs Caverns, a natural wonder in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

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Explore the breathtaking beauty of Blanchard Springs Caverns, a vast cave system in Arkansas' Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. With glistening formations and guided tours, it's a cool escape into an underground wonderland that has spiritual meaning for Osage citizens.

A brief summary to Blanchard Springs Caverns

  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, as walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
  • The caverns maintain a constant 58°F (14°C) temperature, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on paved and potentially wet surfaces.
  • Check the Blanchard Springs Caverns website or call ahead for the most up-to-date tour schedules and availability.
  • Consider combining your visit with other activities in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, such as hiking, camping, or fishing.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Blanchard Springs Caverns is located near Mountain View, Arkansas. From Mountain View, take Arkansas Highway 14 West for approximately 12 miles. Turn right (north) at the Blanchard Springs Caverns sign. Follow the paved road to the visitor center and parking area. Be aware that the roads leading to the caverns are curvy, so allow extra travel time. Parking is available at the visitor center. There is a $3 per vehicle day-use fee for the recreation area.

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Discover more about Blanchard Springs Caverns

Blanchard Springs Caverns, nestled in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest near Fifty-Six, Arkansas, is a stunning cave system that has been carefully developed. It stands out as 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. Known as a 'living' cave, its crystalline formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones are continuously changing due to the ongoing mineral deposits from dripping water. The caverns have a rich history, with systematic explorations beginning in the 1950s. The cave system itself was formed in limestone rock laid down over 350 million years ago in an ancient sea. The cave consists of three levels, with portions of each level open to the public for guided tours. Visitors can choose from several guided tours : the Dripstone Trail, an accessible and easy half-mile walk through highly decorated areas ; the Discovery Trail, a more strenuous 1.2-mile tour exploring the middle level of the caverns ; and the Wild Cave Tour, an adventurous experience through undeveloped sections (currently unavailable). The temperature inside the cave remains a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit (14 degrees Celsius) year-round. The caverns also hold spiritual significance for the Osage Nation, with evidence suggesting their ancestors used the caves for burials and spiritual rituals.

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