Mountain View, Arkansas – A new partnership is set to keep one of Arkansas’ most famous natural attractions open to the public while plans for its future take shape. Officials announced that Arkansas State Parks and the United States Forest Service have reached a cooperative operating agreement to help manage and maintain visitor access at Blanchard Springs Caverns during the 2026 tourism season.
The agreement ensures that the popular cave destination and its surrounding recreation area will remain accessible to visitors even as preparations begin for long-term improvements. Located in the scenic Ozark–St. Francis National Forest near the community of Mountain View, Blanchard Springs Caverns has long been considered one of the most remarkable cave systems in the United States.
Under the new arrangement, Arkansas State Parks will step in to help support seasonal operations at the site. That includes providing staff and managing guided cavern tours during the upcoming visitor season.
Tours are scheduled to begin on May 1, 2026, and will continue through the end of October, offering guests the chance to explore the cavern’s towering underground rooms, flowing formations, and geological features that have drawn travelers to the Ozarks for decades.
The partnership is designed to ensure the caverns remain open while officials prepare for a larger transformation of the site.
“This agreement allows us to work alongside the Forest Service to maintain access to this incredible destination while planning for its future,” said Shea Lewis. “Blanchard Springs is a treasured part of Arkansas’ outdoor recreation landscape, and we are proud to support its continued operation.”
Tours and reservations planned for the 2026 season
Visitors hoping to explore the caverns next year will be able to reserve tour tickets online beginning in early April.
Reservations for the well-known Dripstone Tour will open on April 5 for trips starting May 1 and continuing throughout the season. Officials say additional tour times may be added depending on visitor demand and available staff.
The Discovery Trail Tour, another popular option that takes guests through stunning cave formations and underground passages, will become available for reservations after Memorial Day.
Along with cave tours, the recreation area surrounding the caverns will also welcome guests during the 2026 season.
Group campsites and reservable day-use areas will open for booking on April 5 through the federal recreation website for visits beginning May 1. Individual campsites, however, will not accept advance reservations and instead will operate on a first-come, first-served basis once the season begins.
Visitors should also note that the caverns and the Visitor Center will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the operating season.
Shared responsibilities under the agreement
The cooperative plan outlines how both agencies will share responsibilities to keep the destination running smoothly.
Arkansas State Parks will supply seasonal employees, including cavern tour guides, transportation drivers, ticketing staff, and maintenance personnel. These workers will help manage day-to-day visitor operations during the busy summer and fall months.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Forest Service will continue overseeing the site’s facilities and will provide leadership for overall operations and management.
Officials say the agreement highlights a joint commitment to protecting one of Arkansas’ most cherished natural landmarks while keeping it open for visitors.
Looking ahead to major renovations
The 2026 operating season will also mark an important turning point for Blanchard Springs Caverns.
After the season concludes in October, the site is scheduled to undergo major renovations and modernization work. The upgrades are expected to improve infrastructure, enhance the visitor experience, and refresh educational interpretation throughout the facility.
Originally opened in the 1970s, the caverns have welcomed generations of visitors. The upcoming construction project will be the first major overhaul in the site’s history.
Once the work is complete, officials expect the attraction to reopen in 2028 with updated facilities and new interpretive elements designed to highlight both the natural and cultural importance of the cave system.
For many Arkansans, the caverns represent more than just a tourist stop. With its towering stalactites, flowing stone formations, and cool underground passages, Blanchard Springs Caverns remains a symbol of the state’s natural beauty.
The new partnership ensures that, even during a period of transition, visitors will still have the chance to experience one of Arkansas’ most extraordinary underground landscapes.
