Blanchard Springs Cavern in Arkansas has been closed to the public for the last two years. A multitude of factors contributed to the lengthy closure, including repairs and upgrades as well as safety precautions during the pandemic. However, the gorgeous cave just reopened on August 18th. The cave is located at 704 Blanchard Springs Road, in Fifty-Six, Arkansas. For more information, click here.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular and carefully developed caves found anywhere in the world. It is located in the Ozark National Forest and is believed to have been formed, and continually changed, by an ongoing mountain spring that pours into a glassy-surfaced trout pond below the cave, called Mirror Lake.
Before entering the cavern, visitors will have an opportunity to view a short movie, introducing the wonders of the underground world they are about to discover. A variety of tours throughout the year provide visitors with different views of the cavern, as well as varying difficulty levels.
The active cave, with its glistening formations, stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones is constantly changing, providing return visitors something new to see each time. Beautifully lighted rooms, that accentuate the cave’s features, are equipped with handrails and paved trails for comfortable walking. An undeveloped section of the cavern allows visitors an opportunity to climb over rocks, crawl through tight spaces and slide on red clay mudslides.
Prices to view the cavern vary by age and time of year between $0 and $12 for regular tours and $85 for the Wild Cave Tour. Group rates are available. The site’s Visitor Center is equipped with a gift shop, exhibit hall, displays and accessible toilets, as well as information about the surrounding area.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is located 15 miles northwest of Mountain View off Arkansas 14. Note: If you are using a GPS unit for directions to Blanchard Springs Caverns, please remove dirt roads from the GPS settings for your benefit.
Pictures used in this article are from Blanchardsprings.org.