Blanchard Springs Caverns will reopen for the 2026 season under a new agreement between Arkansas State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service.
Guided tours are set to begin May 1 and run through October, with Arkansas State Parks assisting in staffing and daily operations while the Forest Service continues oversight.
Reservations for the popular Dripstone Tour opened on Sunday for dates starting May 1. Discovery Trail tours will be available after Memorial Day. Group campsites and day-use areas also opened for reservations on Sunday, while individual campsites will be first-come, first-served beginning May 1. The caverns will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Blanchard Springs Caverns, which first opened in the 1970s and was recently designated as Arkansas’ 53rd State Park by Govenor Sarah Sanders, is set to undergo its first major renovation following the 2026 season. A grand reopening is planned for 2028, featuring updated infrastructure and enhanced visitor experiences.
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