Onyx Cave: A Journey Through Arkansas's Subterranean History

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Discover Arkansas's oldest toured cave: a cool, family-friendly adventure with stunning formations and fascinating history near Eureka Springs.

Explore Onyx Cave, Arkansas's oldest toured cave since 1893, near Eureka Springs. Enjoy a self-guided audio tour through unique formations and learn about the cave's fascinating history and geology. Above ground, enjoy axe throwing and gem panning for a complete family adventure.

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.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the path to the cave and inside can be damp and uneven.
Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the cave maintains a constant 57°F (14°C) temperature year-round.
Allow approximately 30-45 minutes for the self-guided audio tour to fully experience the cave's features.
Don't miss the chance to find the Dragon and the Elephant formations inside the cave for unique photo opportunities.
Check out the above-ground activities like axe throwing and gem panning for a complete family fun day.

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Getting There

Car

The most direct route to Onyx Cave Park is via US-62 E. From Eureka Springs, head east on US-62 E until you reach Onyx Cave Lane. Turn left onto Onyx Cave Lane, and the entrance to Onyx Cave Park will be on your left. Parking is free. Expect the drive to take approximately 15 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs.
Public Transportation

To reach Onyx Cave using public transportation, take the Ozark Regional Transit (ORT) bus service to Eureka Springs. From a bus stop in Eureka Springs, a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) can take you to Onyx Cave, located at 338 Onyx Cave Lane. The taxi or rideshare fare from downtown Eureka Springs typically costs $10-$15. Please note that the ORT bus service may have limited schedules, so check in advance.

Discover more about Onyx Cave

Onyx Cave, nestled in the Ozark Mountains just 6 miles from downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has been a celebrated tourist attraction since 1893, making it the oldest show cave in the state. This natural wonder invites visitors to delve into the depths of the earth and witness stunning geological formations. Despite its name, the cave features flowstone, also known as "cave onyx", rather than true onyx. These formations, made of calcite flowstone, create a visually captivating experience.The cave offers a self-guided audio tour, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The audio guide provides insights into the cave's history, geology, and unique features. The temperature inside the cave remains a constant 57°F (14°C) year-round, offering a cool escape. As you wander through the cave, be sure to look out for notable formations like "The Fireplace," a large column with lights inside, and "The Dragon's Head," a ceiling piece resembling a dragon.Onyx Cave's history is rich, with the cave being discovered in 1891 and opened to the public two years later. Although it faced some neglect in its early years, efforts have been made to preserve its beauty. In 1969, the cave even served as a filming location for scenes in the B-movie 'It's Alive'. Today, Onyx Cave Park offers more than just the cave tour. Visitors can enjoy axe throwing, gem panning, and a gift shop.