Arkansas' Underrated Attraction Offers A Unique, Underground Adventure In The Ozarks

Located just outside of the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, is a hidden cave paradise beneath the Ozark Mountains. In the Cosmic Cavern — a destination reminiscent of the set of an Indiana Jones movie — there's a 9-foot-long stalactite, two translucent lakes, and friendly cave critters. One TripAdvisor review reads, "This was one of the best caverns we have been in... The mineral deposits are beautiful and the lakes are super cool." Perfect for both curious kids and adventure-oriented adults, Arkansas's largest show cave will leave you feeling amazed.

While the current name of the cave, Cosmic Cavern, is a flashy testament to the inner beauty of its depths, it has also been known by many other names throughout the years, including Moore's Cave, Bear Cave, and Mystic Cave. The hideout has been owned by local deputy sheriff Randy Langhover and his wife Anita since 1980, who discovered an additional 1000-foot section of the cave and a second lake in 1993, doubling the cavern's tour in length. The discovery made national news, and the cave was eventually filmed by IMAX. While the Langhovers currently own the cave, there have been many who have come before them, leaving the cave full of rich history to discover from your guide if you take a tour.

Cosmic Cavern is located near the Arkansas-Missouri border, between Eureka Springs and Branson, Missouri. With tons of local camping and outdoor activities nearby, it's the perfect stop to add to your scenic Arkansas road trip. Cave tours take around an hour and 20 minutes and cost $22 for adults, $11 for kids under age 12, and zero for kids under age 4. As it's the warmest cave in the Ozarks (sitting at a humid 64 degrees year-round), you may want to dress for the occasion. Luckily, if you need to leave any layers behind, there is a place to store your gear before you head down. Remember to bring a camera, as Cosmic Cavern offers some stunning photo ops to show the family. In addition to a wide range of cave formations, you may spot salamanders and blind cave trout.

Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes with a good grip, as the pathways inside the cave are quite slippery. Some TripAdvisor reviews also noted that visitors should be sure-footed, as some passageways get narrow and difficult to maneuver. However, there's no need to be a professional to enter the cave. Whether you're simply trying to get out of the Arkansas rain, stopping in with family, or even hosting a wedding, the Cosmic Cavern is a must-visit for nature lovers visiting the South.