Little Rock, Arkansas – A historic moment unfolded in Arkansas on Tuesday as Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service, formally beginning the process to designate the Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex as Arkansas’ newest state park: Blanchard Springs State Park. The announcement marks the 53rd addition to the Arkansas State Parks system and a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to connect conservation, outdoor recreation, and economic growth.
“From the moment we launched the Natural State Initiative, our mission has been clear: protect what makes Arkansas special and build an outdoor economy that supports every corner of our state,” said Governor Sanders. “Blanchard Springs Caverns is a jewel of the Ozarks, and by kickstarting the process to designate it as a state park, we’re preserving its cultural and environmental legacy while creating new opportunities for tourism, jobs, and year-round adventure.”
Governor Sanders’ vision for the Natural State Initiative, launched in January 2023, has emphasized expanding outdoor recreation, supporting rural economies, and positioning Arkansas as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts. This designation aligns with that strategy by linking conservation with economic development, particularly in north-central Arkansas, where the Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex has long been a tourism centerpiece.
“Arkansas’ natural beauty is one of our greatest competitive advantages, and places like Blanchard Springs shows why,” said First Gentleman Bryan Sanders. “Designating it as a state park will not only protect this incredible place but also open the door to more adventure, exploration, and the kind of outdoor experiences that support families and local communities. It reflects the spirit of the Natural State, honoring our heritage while fueling the outdoor economy.”
Secretary Shea Lewis highlighted the collaborative nature of the agreement. “This partnership with the U.S. Forest Service allows us to elevate one of Arkansas’ top tourism destinations. The creation of Blanchard Springs State Park will enrich the experiences across the caverns as well as outdoor recreation like paddling, camping and mountain biking. Its proximity to the Ozark Folk Center will bring more overnight guests and support local communities,” he said.
The memorandum of understanding establishes the framework for a joint management model between Arkansas State Parks and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. This partnership aims to enhance visitor services, strengthen protections for both cultural and environmental resources, and align federal and state investments in staffing, infrastructure, and facilities. By coordinating management, the state and federal agencies hope to ensure that Blanchard Springs Caverns can accommodate growing visitation while preserving its delicate ecosystem.
“Blanchard Springs Caverns is not only one of the most magnificent and largest living cave systems in the world, it is also the heart of the Ozarks. Today’s announcement is a monumental action that secures the future of this incredibly valuable asset for Stone County and for the entire state of Arkansas. The local economy is driven by tourism, and the caves are critical for my rural area of the state, and especially for my town of Mountain View,” said Senator Missy Irvin (District 24).
“This collaboration between the USDA, US Forestry, and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism is an incredible opportunity to be the best stewards of the resources God has given us and to drastically increase tourism in the state of Arkansas. I am so grateful to President Trump, Governor Sanders, Secretary Brooke Rollins, and the entire team at both the Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism and the US Forestry for their commitment and hard work to bring this to fruition,” she added.
The Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex, located near the community of Fifty-Six in north-central Arkansas, sits within the Sylamore District of the Ozark National Forest. The complex includes eight-and-a-half miles of explored caverns, the state’s only Forest Service Major Visitor Center, a campground, swim beach, picnic areas, and multiple trails. It is one of only a handful of federally-managed “living” caves in the United States, featuring active formation growth and one of the nation’s largest flowstones.
Since its opening in 1973, the Blanchard Springs Caverns Major Visitor Center has offered signature guided tours, including the Dripstone Tour and the Discovery Trail. The Dripstone Tour takes visitors half a mile through some of the caverns’ most stunning chambers, including stalactites, soda straws, a natural bridge, and the expansive Cathedral Room, which stretches more than 1,000 feet and features a stone column over six stories tall. The Discovery Trail follows the underground stream that carved the caverns, leading visitors 366 feet below the surface to the Rimstone Dams, the natural entrance, and the dramatic Ghost Room. For more advanced adventurers, seasonal Wild Cave Tours explore undeveloped portions of the cavern system.
As the second-largest cavern system in Arkansas and a cornerstone of regional tourism, Blanchard Springs draws nearly 70,000 visitors each year, making a substantial economic impact on surrounding communities. Stone County alone saw $74.1 million in visitor spending in 2023, with more than 308,000 visitors drawn to its natural resources, many of whom explored Blanchard Springs Caverns. By advancing the process to establish the complex as a state park, the state aims to strengthen this economic engine and create a hub that connects broader regional recreation, including boating, trout fishing on the White River, hiking, biking, camping, and other outdoor activities throughout the National Forest.
“This designation will build on the momentum of the Natural State Initiative, which has advanced outdoor recreation projects across the state, from expanding trail systems and improving access at state parks to launching Outdoor Opportunity Zones,” officials said. “Bringing Blanchard Springs Caverns into the State Parks system reflects the Initiative’s commitment to linking conservation with economic growth in rural regions.”
Integrating the caverns into the state park system also ensures long-term environmental protection. Geologists estimate the cave’s interior has remained structurally stable for more than 10,000 years, but the increasing number of visitors presents potential risks, including erosion, habitat disruption, and unregulated development. State-park designation will implement permanent conservation measures, including managed access, designated trails, and proactive safeguards to protect the fragile ecosystem, which is home to endangered gray bats, rare salamanders, and other unique cave species.
The new designation also promises to enhance tourism infrastructure in the area. With improved programming, visitor services, and coordinated federal and state investment, Blanchard Springs State Park is expected to become a year-round destination. Rather than competing with existing attractions, it will operate as a hub linking the Ozark Folk Center, White River recreation areas, and surrounding National Forest trails into a cohesive tourism network.
The announcement comes at a time of strong growth for Arkansas’ outdoor economy. In 2023, more than 50.7 million people visited the state, generating $9.9 billion in travel spending and supporting over 100,000 jobs statewide. By formalizing the state-park status of Blanchard Springs Caverns, Arkansas is positioning itself to capture even more tourism revenue, bolster rural economies, and ensure that its natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.
Governor Sanders emphasized the long-term vision for the project: “Blanchard Springs Caverns is a jewel of the Ozarks, and by kickstarting the process to designate it as a state park, we’re preserving its cultural and environmental legacy while creating new opportunities for tourism, jobs, and year-round adventure.” First Gentleman Bryan Sanders added, “Designating it as a state park will not only protect this incredible place but also open the door to more adventure, exploration, and the kind of outdoor experiences that support families and local communities.”
As Arkansas moves forward with this initiative, the collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas State Parks, and local stakeholders demonstrates a shared commitment to balancing environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. The Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex, now on the path to becoming Blanchard Springs State Park, is expected to serve as a model for how natural wonders can be preserved, celebrated, and leveraged to benefit communities and visitors alike.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding represents the first step in a formal process that will take months to finalize, including planning for management, staffing, visitor services, and ongoing conservation measures. State and federal agencies, together with local leaders, are working to ensure that the transition strengthens both tourism and preservation goals, creating a sustainable framework for future generations to enjoy Arkansas’ natural heritage.
Blanchard Springs Caverns State Park promises to be more than a tourist destination—it will be a central part of the Natural State Initiative’s mission to highlight Arkansas’ outdoor beauty, support local economies, and inspire residents and visitors to explore, enjoy, and protect the state’s unique landscapes.
A link to download images of Blanchard Springs Caverns is available through the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
