Onyx Cave Park
Explore Arkansas's oldest show cave, discovered in 1891, with stunning formations and a unique underground lake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Onyx Cave Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Arkansas's oldest show cave, discovered in 1891, with stunning formations and a unique underground lake. +1
"The beauty of Onyx Cave surprised me; I may become a cave enthusiast thanks to our guide! "
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave has uneven steps and ramps. Good walking shoes are a must for a comfortable exploration.
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the cave's history and formations with the self-guided audio tour.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 1,346 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dazzling Stalactites & Stalagmites
Throughout the cave
Marvel at the natural artistry of ancient rock formations, sculpted over millennia.
The Mysterious Bottomless Lake
Deep within the cave
Discover an intriguing underground body of water that adds an element of wonder to your tour.
Resident Feline Friends
Near the gift shop
Meet Onyx and Flowstone, the friendly resident cats who often greet visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Self-Guided vs. Guided Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave has uneven steps and ramps. Good walking shoes are a must for a comfortable exploration.
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the cave's history and formations with the self-guided audio tour.
💰 Consider the Extended Tour
For a deeper dive, opt for the guided tour which offers more insights than the audio tour alone.
🐾 Pet the Resident Cats
Don't miss the chance to meet Onyx and Flowstone, the park's friendly feline ambassadors!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cave has uneven steps and ramps. Good walking shoes are a must for a comfortable exploration.
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the cave's history and formations with the self-guided audio tour.
💰 Consider the Extended Tour
For a deeper dive, opt for the guided tour which offers more insights than the audio tour alone.
🐾 Pet the Resident Cats
Don't miss the chance to meet Onyx and Flowstone, the park's friendly feline ambassadors!
💎 Try Gem Panning
Add some extra fun to your visit with gem panning, a popular activity for all ages.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Onyx Cave Park for its beauty, friendly staff, and unique features like the underground lake and resident cats. The self-guided audio tour is well-received for its informative content and flexibility, while the guided tour offers deeper insights. Some note that the cave is relatively short and has some uneven terrain, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and enjoyable experience for most. +2
"Amazing experience and great staff! I love the self guided tour setup (you can get a guide on request), and it was great being able to spend as much time as you liked at each little marked stop. But what topped off the experience was the kitty we found at the end of the cave! They have 2 resident cats who are EXTREMELY friendly! 15$ per ticket was a great price point! This is a must see!"
Richard Hodges
"I had very little expectations when we decided to go to this cave. My mother dragged me to cave after cave when I was little and I just wasn’t into it. I was pleasantly surprised at the beauty of Onxy cave. I had never seen a body of water in a cave and it was cool to see. The best part was our tour guide, Jared. Jared’s enthusiasm was contagious and by the end of the tour I was ready to go cave exploring! We really enjoyed ourselves and I may become a cave enthusiast thanks to Jared!"
mARY Ponder
"I consider this to be a good beginner cave. The staff were all friendly. The pricing is reasonable and I think it's worth the extra $6 for the extended guided tour. It is a fairly short cave to wander, but it's well lit and nice and open. Our guide really wanted us to see the beauty of what is available to be seen in the cave. It was in use for a long time before it was on tour, so many of the stalactites and stalagmites have been removed. That said, there's a lot of interesting stuff to see (including helictites)."
Mickey Pietrzak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Onyx Cave Park is conveniently located just about 6 miles from downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Most visitors drive, and it's a straightforward trip.
Public transport options are limited in the Eureka Springs area. Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach Onyx Cave Park.
There is ample parking available at Onyx Cave Park, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Onyx Cave Park is a popular stop for day trips from various locations in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri.
Yes, Onyx Cave Park is close to other Eureka Springs attractions like Christ of the Ozarks and Thorncrown Chapel, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally around $15 per adult for the self-guided audio tour. An extended guided tour may cost an additional $6.
While advance booking isn't always necessary, it's a good idea during peak season or holidays to secure your spot, especially if you prefer a guided tour.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Yes, you can choose between a self-guided audio tour (around 30 minutes) or a longer guided tour (about an hour).
Yes, Onyx Cave Park is generally considered suitable for young children, with a self-guided tour that's not too long or strenuous.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The self-guided audio tour typically takes about 30 minutes, while the extended guided tour can last up to an hour.
The cave has some uneven steps and ramps. While generally manageable, those with significant mobility issues might find the ramps challenging to walk back up.
You can expect to see a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites, as well as an interesting underground body of water.
Photography is generally allowed inside the cave, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions or guidelines upon arrival.
Caves maintain a consistent cool temperature year-round, typically around 58-60°F (14-16°C). It's advisable to bring a light jacket.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Onyx Cave Park has a gift shop that may offer some snacks or drinks, but for full meals, you'll find numerous restaurants in nearby Eureka Springs.
It's generally best to consume outside food and drinks before entering the cave to maintain its pristine condition. Check with the park for specific policies.
The gift shop offers a variety of items, including souvenirs, local crafts, and some beautiful decorative pieces.
📸 📸 Photography
Every turn offers a unique perspective, but the areas with the most prominent formations and the underground lake are particularly photogenic. +1
The cave is well-lit for tours, but it's still an underground environment. Using a tripod or a camera with good low-light capabilities can help capture stunning shots.
While flash photography is often permitted, it's respectful to be mindful of other visitors and the cave environment. Check for any posted signs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the cave. If you have a camera with manual settings, experiment with longer exposures for dramatic effect.
The unique formations and the underground lake provide excellent opportunities for memorable photos. The resident cats also make for charming subjects!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit