ONYX CAVE EUREKA SERIES

Visit Onyx Cave on Facebook for hours and up-to-date information. They even have snow cones, the perfect treat on a hot day. You can pan for semi-precious gems, throw an axe, smash something in the smash room, and peruse the offerings in the gift shop. Onyx Cave’s average temperature stays around 57° F (13.8° C) all year ’round, no matter the weather outside.īeyond the tour, visitors to the cave can also choose from a variety of other activities. Visitors may also wish to bring and extra layer of clothing along. Bats, salamanders, and other fascinating creatures you may be lucky enough to see! That’s right, Onyx Cave is home to wildlife. Your audio guide not only points out cave features, it also details the cave’s history, geology, and wildlife. You’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and lots of flowstone in chambers with names like the Witches Fireplace and the Friendly Dragon. Cave paths are smooth, level, and well maintained, with steps and handrails where necessary. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided, 30 minute audio tour, which takes you throughout the cave. During the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century many such caves were named similarly. The cave does not contain onyx, but rather flowstone, also known as 'cave onyx'. It has been a tourist attraction since 1893, making it the oldest show cave in Arkansas. The Aviation Cadet Museum is just 3 minutes from the cave and another popular area attraction. Onyx Cave is a small show cave located about 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Onyx Cave Park is located at 338 Onyx Cave Lane in Eureka Springs, just 15 minutes from 5 Ojo. In spite of this, the cave is still a fascinating and excellent diversion for the whole family. The cave was also used for a few scenes in “It’s Alive,” a 1969 science fiction, b-movie. In the early days, visitors didn’t think twice about reaching out to snap off a souvenir. The water slowly deposits layers of calcite, creating smooth, glossy looking formations that can take many shapes.īecause of its considerable age as a public attraction, Onyx Cave does display some unfortunate wear. Flowstone, once known as “cave onyx,” is created when calcium carbonate rich water flows along the walls or floor of a cave. The cave’s name comes from all the strange and wonderful flowstone formations found inside. The attraction opened to the public in 1893 and has been fascinating visitors ever since. My 35 year old sister was even out of breath! This is a must see attraction on the list for Eureka Springs if you have decent physical health.Whether you’re a dedicated subterranean or just looking for something fun and unique to do, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Eureka Springs’ Onyx Cave.įans of caves, history, and geology will enjoy touring Onyx Cave, Arkansas oldest show cave. Climbing the path back to the parking area was a physical challege in which I had to stop and catch my breath as it is very steep.

ONYX CAVE EUREKA SERIES

As a nurse, I would not recommend this cave for someone with a disability or in poor physical health as the path to the cave is steep with some steps and one cannot access the cave without going down a series of stone steps which were a challenge for this 41 year old in decent health. tiny! I was very thrilled with the experience. I wasn't scared of them at all and actually thought they were cute. The bats were so small many people would have mistaken them for moths.

I was lucky to get to see a cave salamander which I understand is a rare sight on cave tours and some of the tiny little bats that dwell in the cave. Not once did I loose my footing eventhough the surfaces were wet. The cave sturctures are coated in water and you can hear it dripping and running on the way out with the headphones off which was interesting. The tour path is completly enclosed with chain link fence and railing. The tour lasted 30 minutes and you come out the same way you went in. Cosmic Cavern’s cave tour is approximately a 1hr and 15 minute walking tour in the warmest cave in the Ozarks, at a steady 64 degrees and 96 humidity. Primarily this is a cave which shows beautiful. Cosmic Cavern was discovered in 1845, but wasn’t developed until 1927. The Onyx Cave Park in Arkansas from the United States of America is a very attractive tourist destination. The formation in the cave were awesome, but over time there has been some damage to some of the more delicate structures. Cosmic Cavern is Arkansas’s largest privately owned show cave. I'm a bit claustrophobic, but was in such awe of this first time, new expereince that I didn't once feel panic or even a bit concerned I was underground! The tour is a self-guided radio tour and was very educational.

Onyx Cave is one of the oldest in Arkansas and was the first cave I've ever been in so with nothing to compare my experience with, I was trilled.

Onyx cave eureka