Officials from the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests have set this Thursday, March 9, as the seasonal reopening date for Blanchard Springs Caverns.
July 7 will mark 50 years since the start of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests hosting public tours in the premier show cave.
A release from the Forest Service says this year’s March-November season will be celebrated as a Historical Anniversary Season, and special events and activities surrounding the anniversary will be announced soon.
Know before you go:
- The Visitor Center and Eastern National gift shop will be open Thursdays-Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Eastern National is a non-profit association committed to “supporting the interpretive, educational, and scientific programs and services of the National Park Service and other public trust partners.” Stop by the store for the perfect souvenir, unique gift, or collectible, or grab a cold bottle of water.
- The Dripstone Tour reopens on March 9. This hour-long, one-half-mile tour takes visitors through the beautiful upper level of the Caverns. This tour was designed to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs with a strong assistant.
- The Discovery Tour will open Memorial Day weekend and run through Labor Day. This 1.2-mile more arduous, non-accessible tour is hosted in one of the lower levels of the Caverns.
- The Wild Cave Tour is not being offered at this time.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. Onsite purchasing of tour tickets is not always available. Advanced ticketing for tours also allows the Caverns to adequately provide a more enhanced visitor experience.
- Prices range from $16 for adults, $11 for children ages 6-15, and $1 for children ages 0-5.
- For more information about tickets or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233266.
- For general information about the Caverns, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/osfnf/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5351305 or call (870) 757-2211.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
