Bull Shoals Caverns: A Journey Through Time

4.4 (398)

Explore ancient underground wonders at Bull Shoals Caverns, a living testament to the Ozark Mountains' rich geological and cultural history.

Home
Arkansas
Ozark Mountains
Bull Shoals Caverns

Descend into the depths of Bull Shoals Caverns, one of the oldest limestone caverns in the Ozark Mountains. Explore stunning formations, underground streams, and a waterfall while learning about the cavern's fascinating history, dating back 350 million years.

A brief summary to Bull Shoals Caverns

1011 C S Woods Blvd, Bull Shoals, Arkansas, 72619, US
Click to display
Click to display

Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 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.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking on concrete walkways, but the terrain may be uneven in some places.
Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the temperature inside the caverns remains a constant 59°F (15°C).
Check the website for tour availability and seasonal hours before your visit.
Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture the stunning cave formations.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Mountain Village 1890

Mountain Village 1890: A Step Back in Time

Norfork Lake

Norfork Lake: An Ozark Mountain Jewel

Jacob Wolf House

Jacob Wolf House: Arkansas' Oldest Public Structure

Getting There

Driving

Bull Shoals Caverns is located at 1011 C S Woods Blvd, Bull Shoals, AR 72619. From Highway 178, turn onto C S Woods Blvd and continue for about half a mile. The caverns will be on your right. There is plenty of parking available on-site.
Public Transportation

Public transportation options are limited in the Ozark Mountains. The nearest Greyhound bus station is in Mountain Home, AR, about 20 miles from Bull Shoals. From there, you can use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to reach the caverns, or rent a car. A taxi from Mountain Home to Bull Shoals Caverns will likely cost between $50 and $75.

Discover more about Bull Shoals Caverns

Bull Shoals Caverns, nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas, offers a unique glimpse into the Earth's ancient past. Formed approximately 350 million years ago during the Ordovician period, these limestone caverns have been shaped by water erosion over eons. The cave maintains a constant 59°F (15°C) temperature year-round.Inside, visitors can witness a variety of stunning speleothems, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. An underground stream flows through the cavern, culminating in a small waterfall at the deepest point.The caverns have served various purposes throughout history. Native Americans dwelled here as early as 300 BC. Confederate soldiers mined saltpeter during the Civil War, and moonshiners used the caves to hide their stills during Prohibition. In 1958, the caverns were opened to the public for tours.Today, guided tours lead visitors along well-lit concrete walkways, making the experience accessible to most. The tour guides share information about the cave's geology, history, and the various life forms that inhabit it, including salamanders, bats, frogs and camel crickets. In addition to the caverns, visitors can explore Mountain Village 1890, a recreation of an Ozark settlement with authentic historical buildings from the 1800s. Visitors can also pan for gemstones.