RUSSELLVILLE, Ark – June 23, 2023—Ozark-St. Francis National Forests’ officials are pleased to announce the season-long 50th anniversary celebration of Blanchard Springs Caverns.
July 7 will mark 50 years of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests hosting public tours in this premier show cave. The anniversary season will run through the end of the operating season (Thanksgiving weekend 2023). July 7th festivities at the Caverns will include a visit from Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl, a display of construction photos from the late-1960s/early-1970s, onsite Forest Service fire engines, hot dogs/cookies, the offering of additional Dripstone Trail tours, and anniversary memorabilia for sale in the gift shop.
Know before you go!
· Tickets are selling out almost daily and will most likely sell out early during the anniversary week due to the Independence Day holiday! Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov. Advanced ticketing for tours allows the Caverns to adequately staff guided tours and 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. The Visitor Center and Eastern National gift shop will be open Thursdays-Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 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 collectable, or to grab a cold bottle of water!
· The Dripstone Tour is a one-hour-long, one half-mile tour which takes visitors through the beautiful upper level of the Caverns. This tour was designed to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs with a strong assistant. This tour is open daily.
· Tours of the Discovery Trail are open through Labor Day. This 1.2-mile arduous, non-accessible tour with nearly 700 steps is hosted in one of the lower levels of the Caverns. This tour is only offered Friday-Sunday, with the exception of July 7 (to allow for the addition of extra Dripstone Trail tours).
· The Wild Cave Tour is not currently being offered.
For more information about tickets or to purchase a ticket, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233266. For general information about the Caverns, please call 870-757-2211.
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