Photo courtesy of Jeff Rose/Arkansas Tourism
As you traverse the picturesque Ozark Mountains, you’ll come across numerous signs advertising cave expeditions along the roadways and within quaint tourist destinations. Yet, one cave that deserves a stop is Cosmic Cavern, nestled in Berryville, Arkansas, between the charming towns of Eureka Springs and Branson, Missouri. But what sets Cosmic Cavern apart from the myriad of caves in the region? Read on to uncover the secrets.
John Moore, a prospector, and his two sons stumbled upon Cosmic Cavern in 1845 while on the hunt for lead. Though no lead was ever found, the cave was abundant with calcite, which later proved to be invaluable for the gear shifts of Ford’s Model A cars. During the late 1800s, it was rumored that the cave served as a haven for moonshiners, owing to its secluded location and consistent temperature of a mild 64 degrees Fahrenheit, which remained constant throughout the year.
In 1927, cave tours commenced at Cosmic Cavern. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that the cave’s new proprietor, Randy Langhover, expanded the cave by an extra 1,000 feet and discovered a second underground lake, doubling its size. The most recent discovery, Silent Splendor, came in 1993. This cavern houses a magnificent collection of “soda straws” (tall, hollow stalactites) that stretch up to nine feet long, along with other seemingly clear formations.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism
Today, Cosmic Cavern offers guided walking tours. The standard tour spans approximately 75 minutes and includes a guided walk of about a third of a mile, showcasing everything from soda straws and cave bacon to stalagmites and flowstone. These natural wonders will no doubt inspire you to snap photos for your loved ones back home.
Two subterranean lakes have etched the cave into legend. Their deep azure hues mimic the waters surrounding Caribbean islands, with vibrant blues and greens that are matched only by the awe-inspiring rock formations surrounding them. These lakes are believed to be “bottomless,” as divers have yet to locate their depths.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism
Throughout the year, you may also encounter two of the cave’s most fascinating residents: the blind cave trout, which inhabit the clear lake waters, and the Ozark Blind Cave Salamander, a creature exclusive to the damp caves of the Ozarks.
In winter months, the area also becomes a haven for golden eagles and bald eagles.
Despite the cave’s constant temperature of 64 degrees, the humidity can soar to 96 percent. Therefore, it’s advisable to leave your jacket at home and dress in comfortable attire suitable for navigating through the diverse cavern chambers. Non-slip tennis shoes or sandals are a must since the cave floors can be wet, and some stairs are part of the tour route.
Tickets can be purchased exclusively at the Cosmic Cavern visitor center and gift shop. There’s no need to reserve a spot in advance; upon purchasing your ticket, you’ll be grouped with others for the next tour, which departs roughly every 25 minutes.
Walking tour fees are $22 for individuals aged 13 and up, and $11 for children between the ages of five and 12. Children under four years old are admitted free of charge. Tax is not included in the fee. Additionally, a coupon is available on the cave tour’s website, offering a $2 discount on adult tickets and a $1 discount on child tickets.
For larger groups, a special group tour rate is available for parties of ten or more, catering to a diverse array of groups from scout troops to church groups and family reunions. To secure the discounted group rate, simply complete the group tour reservation form found on the Cosmic Cavern website.
Cosmic Cavern is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, it closes on certain dates throughout the year, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, December 1st through 19th, and the entire month of January and February.
