Background

Blanchard Springs Caverns: A Living Underground Wonder

Discover a breathtaking underground world in the Ozarks at Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living cave with stunning formations and year-round beauty.

4.9

Explore the breathtaking Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living cave system in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Discover stunning crystalline formations, guided tours, and a constant 58-degree temperature year-round, making it a perfect escape regardless of the weather.

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

  • Book your tour in advance through Recreation.gov, especially during peak season, as walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
  • Wear comfortable, low-heeled, non-slip shoes and dress in layers, as the cave temperature is a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Allow extra travel time due to curvy roads and potential road work in the Ozark National Forest.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Mirror Lake for fishing and scenic views or explore other recreational activities in the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area.
  • Check for tour availability and schedules, as they may vary seasonally, and the Wild Cave Tour is currently unavailable.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Blanchard Springs Caverns is located off Highway 14, approximately 12 miles west of Mountain View, Arkansas. From Mountain View, take Highway 14 West for 12.1 miles and turn right (north) at the Blanchard Springs Caverns sign. Follow the signs to the visitor center and parking area. Parking is free, but can be limited during peak season, so arrive early.

  • Walking

    From the parking area, it is a short walk to the Visitor Center, where you can purchase tickets and begin your tour. The trails within the cave are paved and well-lit, with handrails for assistance. The Dripstone Trail is wheelchair accessible with assistance, while the Discovery Trail involves nearly 700 steps.

Unlock the Best of Blanchard Springs Caverns

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

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 sculpted over millions of years. As a 'living cave,' it is constantly changing, with glistening formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones still growing. This makes each visit a unique experience. Known as one of the most beautiful caves in America, Blanchard Springs Caverns offers guided tours led by Forest Service interpreters through a three-level cave system. The Dripstone Trail is a half-mile, easily accessible tour that avoids stairs and showcases the most highly decorated areas of the cave. The Discovery Trail is a more strenuous 1.2-mile tour that explores the middle level of the caverns, with nearly 700 steps. For the adventurous, the Wild Cave Tour (currently unavailable) offers a chance to explore undeveloped sections of the cave, requiring sturdy boots and a willingness to crawl through tight spaces. The cave's history stretches back to the 1930s, when it was known as Half-Mile Cave. Systematic explorations began in the 1950s, leading to its opening to the public in 1973. The cave's formation is largely phreatic, with passages formed below the water table. The limestone rock was laid down in an ancient sea over 350 million years ago. Blanchard Springs Caverns maintains a constant 58-degree temperature, providing a refreshing escape from the Arkansas heat. The Visitor Center offers a gift shop, educational materials, and information about the surrounding area. In addition to the caverns, the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area offers swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities.

Popular Experiences near Blanchard Springs Caverns

Popular Hotels near Blanchard Springs Caverns

Select Currency