Bull Shoals Caverns, Ozark Mountains Travel Guide

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Explore ancient underground wonders at Bull Shoals Caverns: a cool, historic escape in the heart of the Ozark Mountains.

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Bull Shoals Caverns

Descend into the depths of Bull Shoals Caverns, a living cave system in the Ozark Mountains formed over 350 million years ago. Explore stunning mineral formations, learn about the cavern's history from Native American inhabitants to Civil War soldiers and moonshiners, and experience the cool, constant temperature within this geological wonder.

A brief summary to Bull Shoals Caverns

1011 C S Woods Blvd, Bull Shoals, Arkansas, 72619, US
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Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bull Shoals Caverns.

The caverns maintain a constant 59°F (15°C) temperature year-round, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on concrete walkways, as the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Cameras are welcome, so capture the beauty of the cave formations.
Consider visiting the Mountain Village 1890, a historical representation of an Ozark settlement, located near the caverns.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Ozark Folk Center State Park

Ozark Mountain Ziplines

Ozark - St. Francis National Forest

Onyx Cave

Christ of the Ozarks

Explore Bull Shoals Caverns on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bull Shoals Caverns, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

If driving, navigate to Highway 178 towards Bull Shoals. As you approach the town, look for C.S. Woods Blvd and turn onto it. Continue for about half a mile; Bull Shoals Caverns will be on your right at 1011 C.S. Woods Blvd. There is ample parking available on-site.
Public Transport

Public transportation options are limited in the Ozark Mountains. The best option is to take a Greyhound bus to Mountain Home, AR, about 20 miles from Bull Shoals. From there, use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to reach the caverns. The cost for a taxi or rideshare from Mountain Home to Bull Shoals is approximately $30-$50.

Discover more about Bull Shoals Caverns

Bull Shoals Caverns, nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, offers a unique glimpse into the subterranean world. Formed over 350 million years ago during the Ordovician period, these limestone caverns are a testament to the power of water and time. The caverns were created by water seeping into the cracks of rocks, gradually dissolving the surrounding limestone and creating the intricate passages and formations you see today.Throughout history, Bull Shoals Caverns has served as a shelter and resource for various groups. Native Americans, including the Cliff Walkers, inhabited the cave as early as 10,000 years ago. In the 1800s, early European settlers used the caverns as natural refrigerators, and during the Civil War, Confederate soldiers mined saltpeter here. Moonshiners even utilized the cave to hide their stills during Prohibition.Today, visitors can explore the caverns on guided tours along well-lit, concrete walkways. The 45-minute tour showcases a variety of stunning mineral formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, drapolites, box work, and cave pearls. An underground stream flows throughout the cavern, culminating in a small waterfall at the deepest point. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) year-round, providing a cool escape from the Arkansas heat. Keep an eye out for the salamanders, bats, frogs and camel crickets that call the caverns home.