Onyx Cave, Arkansas River Valley Travel Guide

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Explore Arkansas' oldest show cave near Eureka Springs: a world of flowstone formations, self-guided tours, and family fun!

Onyx Cave, nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is the state's oldest show cave, captivating visitors since 1893. This unique attraction offers a self-guided audio tour through a mesmerizing world of flowstone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, all within a constant 57°F environment.

A brief summary to Onyx Cave

338 Onyx Cave Lane, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 72632, US
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Monday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Onyx Cave.

The cave maintains a constant 57°F (14°C) temperature year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater for comfort.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on potentially wet or uneven surfaces inside the cave.
Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the cave tour and other activities at Onyx Cave Park.
Bring your camera to capture the unique geological formations inside the cave, but remember not to touch them.
Check the Onyx Cave Park website for seasonal hours and special events before your visit.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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The Old Mill

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Museum of Discovery

Explore Onyx Cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Onyx Cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

The most direct route to Onyx Cave from most locations in Northwest Arkansas is via US-62 E. From Eureka Springs, continue on US-62 E until you reach Onyx Cave Lane, then turn left. The cave entrance is located at 338 Onyx Cave Lane. Parking is available at the site.
Public Transportation

To reach Onyx Cave via public transport, take a bus to Eureka Springs. From there, a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) can take you to the cave for approximately $10-$15. Alternatively, Eureka Springs offers trolley routes around town. Check with Eureka Springs Transit for routes and schedules.
Walking

For those staying near downtown Eureka Springs, you can walk to Onyx Cave by heading east along the sidewalks of US-62 until you reach Onyx Cave Lane. This is approximately a 3-mile walk and will take about an hour. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.

Discover more about Onyx Cave

Onyx Cave, a natural marvel located just 6 miles east of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has been a popular tourist destination since 1893, making it the oldest show cave in the state. Despite its name, the cave doesn't contain onyx but is instead adorned with stunning flowstone formations, often referred to as "cave onyx". These formations, created over thousands of years by flowing water depositing calcite, create a visually captivating experience for visitors.The cave offers a self-guided audio tour, allowing visitors to explore its depths at their own pace. The audio guide provides insights into the cave's history, geology, and unique features, such as the Fireplace, a large column formed by stalactites and stalagmites, and the Dragon's Head, a fallen piece of ceiling resembling a dragon. The tour takes around 30-45 minutes to complete, and the path is relatively gentle with only a few steps, making it accessible for most ages.Onyx Cave maintains a constant temperature of 57°F (14°C) year-round, providing a cool escape regardless of the outside weather. Besides the cave itself, Onyx Cave Park offers other attractions, including axe throwing and gem panning, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the whole family. The park also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs to remember their underground adventure.