This blog entry is a little different, since you can't take the rocks here home. In fact you can't even touch them because they're very fragile, but they're insanely beautiful.
Last week, I unexpectedly found myself in Mountain View, Arkansas. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't like, led there blindfolded or anything weird like that. I had just driven across the country from Phoenix, Arizona to meet some family members from Wisconsin in Missouri. Then suddenly, here we were... in Arkansas.
Our personal lives and reasons aside, we were looking for something interesting to do near Mountain View. After getting what was quite possibly the best latte I've had so far this year at Moonshot Coffee in town and scanning Google maps on our phones for interesting local destinations, we headed to Blanchard Springs Caverns. I am so glad we did!
Blanchard Springs Caverns is an awesome spot for anyone ready to dive into the underground world. This place is famous for its gorgeous rock formations and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-see for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and geology fans alike.
Many other caves in the United States have a special place in my heart, both the touristy kind you can bring grandma and the baby to as well as the kind where you're belly crawling with your helmet scraping the ceiling and a flashlight in your mouth...
However, this cave deserves the State Fair blue ribbon when taking all aspects of the underground world into consideration. The rooms are enormous, the formations are breathtaking, the lighting was meticulously placed and is thoughtfully controlled in both color and intensity.
It was about a 25 minute drive through the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas past a really cool looking Tipi Campground / Retreat that we didn't have time to stay at (maybe next time!).
At the caverns, there's a huge parking lot for cars, trucks, RVs, or trailers. We even saw a big green tractor there.
We purchased our tour tickets in the building, but they recommend purchasing them ahead of time at https://www.recreation.gov so your spot is guaranteed. Yes, they do have restrooms and a gift shop on site.
With about an hour and a half before our tour started, we went to explore the area. Don't miss the chance to check out Blanchard Springs, the ruins of an old mill, and some pretty cool fishing spots nearby.
A Quick History Lesson
Our tour guide, who was super informative, told us that Blanchard Springs Caverns was "discovered" in 1960s, but she said there was evidence that people had explored it long before. It became property of the National Forest Service, who decided it was beautiful, and that the public should be able to see it. Due to the amount of construction that had to be done very carefully to not damage the fragile cave formations, lack of funding, and delays from the Vietnam War, the caverns weren't opened to the public until 1973.
A Quick Geology Lesson
While there are many types of caves in many different types of rocks, Blanchard Springs Caverns was formed in limestone rock, which is a sedimentary rock made up mostly of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).
Limestone bedrock is vulnerable to a process known as chemical weathering, which leads to the formation of caves. Water is the driving force behind the creation of limestone caves. The primary process is carbonic acid dissolution. Here’s how it works:
Rainwater absorbs CO₂ forming a weak carbonic acid.:
Rainwater seeps into the ground, absorbing more CO₂ from the soil and becoming more acidic.
Acid reacts with limestone to dissolve the rock and create unique calcite formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites.
Cave Expansion: Over thousands to millions of years, this dissolution process continues, gradually enlarging the cracks in the limestone. Eventually, these cracks widen and connect to form a cave system. The process is very slow but leads to the development of extensive underground chambers and passageways.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a living cave, which means that the stalactites, stalagmites, cave drapery, cave popcorn, soda straws, and all the other types of beautiful underground rock formations are still growing. As long as water is flowing through the limestone and depositing calcite, the formations remain active.
Tours and Fun Stuff
Blanchard Springs Caverns has three different tours, each offering a unique experience:
1. The Dripstone Trail (Easy, Family-Friendly Tour)
This is the tour we took. Our tickets were $16.00. It is the most popular tour and perfect for people of all ages. The Dripstone Trail is a half-mile walk through the cave, showcasing gorgeous formations like delicate drapes, shiny flowstones, and tall stalagmites. It’s an easy stroll with paved paths and handrails, so even if you have some mobility issues, you can still enjoy this incredible underground world.
2. The Discovery Tour (Moderate Tour for the Adventurous)
If you want to explore more of the cavern, the Discovery Tour is a great pick. This one takes you deeper into the cave, showing off areas you can't get to on the Dripstone Trail. You’ll see some cool geological features, including the cave stream. It's about 1.2 miles with about 700 stairs. This tour is only available Memorial Day through Labor Day.
3. The Wild Cave Tour (For the True Adventure Seeker)
If you’re up for a real adventure and in good shape, look into the Wild Cave Tour! You’ll crawl, climb, and squeeze through tight spots. You’ll see parts of the caves that most folks never get to check out. Contact the caverns directly to inquire about this tour at (870) 757-2211.
Tips for Visiting
- **Plan Ahead:** The caverns get busy, especially in peak seasons, so look up tour times and book your tickets ahead if you can.
- **Dress Right:** The caves are pretty cool year-round (about 58°F/14°C), so bring a light jacket or sweater, and wear good shoes, particularly for the Discovery or Wild Cave tours.
- **Be Ready for Some Stairs:** While the Dripstone Trail is pretty accessible, the other tours involve more physical activity like climbing stairs and navigating bumpy paths, so make sure you’re up for it!
- **Bring a Camera or your Cell Phone:** Our tour guide turned up the lights a few times so we could take better pictures and gave us tips on cave photography!
Short Version
Blanchard Springs Caverns isn’t just a cave – it’s a glimpse into the Earth’s history, where beauty, science, and adventure come together. Whether you're a casual visitor or a serious caver, there’s something for everyone here. So, if you’re ever in Arkansas, make sure to take a trip into the Ozarks and check out the amazing wonders of Blanchard Springs Caverns. You’ll totally love it!
