Blanchard Springs Caverns
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
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 $1 and $16 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 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 $1 and $16 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.
Need to Know
- TICKET SALES
Please purchase tickets in advance through this website, the Recreation.gov app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Walk-in customers may not be accommodated.
- ARRIVAL TIME
When traveling to the Forest for a cave tour, please allow extra travel time for road work, wildlife on roads, and reduced speed due to curvy roads. We suggest that you arrive around 30 minutes before the start of your scheduled tour. This will allow for time to find parking, pick up your tickets, and time to use the restroom. All scheduled tours leave on time. Arrivals after tour time will not be permitted entry. No refunds for late arrivals or missed tours.
- OZARK FOLK CENTER TICKETS
Ozark Folk Center tickets are a reduced-price ticket for the Cavern tours and are the result of a partnership between Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark Folk Center, a local Arkansas state park. If purchased, ticket holders must present a receipt from the Ozark Folk Center to a ticket agent at Blanchard Springs Caverns. This receipt must be dated within a week from the scheduled Blanchard tour. If a receipt is not presented, ticket holders will be upcharged to the regular adult and/or child rate.
- AVAILABILITY - DRIPSTONE
Available 5 days a week; Thursday through Monday; March through October.
- AVAILABILITY - DISCOVERY TOUR
Avaialble 5 days a week; Thursday through Monday; Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
- AVAILABILITY - WILD CAVE TOUR, AND PHOTO TOURS
Currently unavailable.
- GENERAL INFORMATION
Appropriate footwear is required; Children ages 5 and under must have a ticket and be accompanied by an adult; Adult tickets are required for age 16 and up; Child tickets are for ages 6 to 15
Booking Windows
Blanchard Springs Caverns tours are available Thursday – Monday between March – November and Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The facility Closes completely From December – February and cavern tours are NOT available. The park may not publish the complete schedule or variety of tours until a few days prior to tour date. Cave tours frequently sell out and pre-purchasing your tickets is the only way to ensure a spot is available for you and/or your party. First Come First Served tickets only sell on the day of and do normally sell fast, so it is recommended coming early to purchase those tickets. First Come First Served tickets may not be offered every day. Available tickets can be found by clicking the ticket links on the main Blanchard Springs Recreation.gov page
Changes and Cancellations
OFC tickets
OFC tickets are a reduced-price ticket type and are a result of a partnership between Blanchard Springs Caverns and the Ozark Folk Center, a local Arkansas state park. If purchased, ticket holders must present a receipt from the Ozark Folk Center to a ticket agent at Blanchard Springs Caverns. This receipt must be dated within a week from the scheduled Blanchard tour. If a receipt is not presented, ticket holders will be upcharged to the regular adult or child rate.
Cancellations
Cancellations must be made by midnight prior to the scheduled tour time for a full refund less the non-refundable per-ticket reservation fee. Refunds will not be given for tours cancelled or modified after midnight on the day of the tour.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1001 E MAIN STREET MOUNTAIN VIEW AR 72560
Phone Number
870-757-2211
