Ultimate Guide to Crystal Dome Caverns, Arkansas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Crystal Dome Caverns is a show cave located between the cities of Jasper and Harrison in Arkansas. Situated near the abandoned Dogpatch USA amusement park, Crystal Dome Caverns are sometimes called ‘twin caves’ as they are within 400 ft of the hugely popular Mystic Caverns. The cave has a massive collection of geological formations and is open for public tours throughout the year.
Crystal Dome Caverns, Arkansas
The caverns were discovered during landscaping operations in the mid-1960s at Dogpatch USA. People undertook utmost care to preserve this natural and pristine cave, as a result, almost 90% of it is still being formed. Tours began in 1981.
History of Crystal Dome Caverns
In the 1960s, a new company got engaged in the makeover of Mystic Caverns. Many changes were being implemented, and during the work, a bulldozer broke through the earth’s crust to reveal a cave that was never discovered previously.
The new cave, Crystal Dome Cavern, was less than 400 ft away from the entrance to the Mystic Cavern. The explorers were so impressed by the pristine beauty of this new cave that they decided to camp by the opening until a gate was installed to protect this natural treasure.
Crystal Dome Cavern was first opened to the public in 1982, and the main highlight of the cavern is the dome that is almost 70 ft tall known as Crystal Bell. The dome, along with other dripstone formations, is made from pure white calcite.
Geological Cave Formations in Crystal Dome Caverns
When the caverns were discovered in 1967, it housed undisturbed and picture-perfect geological formations such as delicate soda straws, sawtooth draperies, pools with cave pearls, and abundant pure white flowstone that surely catch your eye. The 8-story dome glistens from the bottom of the crystal bell to the top.
Wildlife in Crystal Dome Caverns
Since Mystic Caverns and Crystal Dome Caverns are close, you can see a lot of small animals when you visit either of these caves. Salamanders and crickets are common, and some people have claimed that they have also seen whitetail deer, raccoons, and bobcats. There is no reason to disbelieve these claims as animals are common in the Ozarks Mountain region.
Is Crystal Dome Caverns Haunted?
The caverns are one of the most beautiful caves of the Ozarks, and tours are conducted every 40 to 50 minutes. It is a commercially active cave, and there have never been any reports of weird or supernatural activities, which can force us to label the cave as ‘haunted’.
How Big are Crystal Dome Caverns?
The cave’s exact dimensions are not available to us, but it is possible to gauge the depth and height by considering certain key factors. The cavern has a dome almost 70 feet tall, and the guided tour takes you about 110 feet below the surface.
Crystal Dome Caverns Tours
The cavern tour lasts for 30 to 40 minutes. The tour will take you 110 ft below the surface, and the tour is rated to be more strenuous than the tour conducted 400 ft away at Mystic Caverns. The relatively untouched cavern was thrown open for the public in 1982.
The beautiful dome, known as the Crystal Bell, is an iconic attraction nearly 70 ft tall. The pure white calcite dripstone formations make the cavern a dream for photographers. The tours are headed by experienced guides who will inform you about the cavern’s history. The tour does include some strenuous climbing and the stairs are wet.
Crystal Dome Caverns Tour Prices and Discounts
Tour Prices for both Caverns (Crystal Dome Caverns and Mystic Caverns)
- Adults (aged 13 and older) USD 22.99 pp + tax
- Children (aged 4 to 12) USD 12.99 pp + tax
Tour Price for Crystal Dome Cavern
- Adults (age 13 and older) USD 15.99 pp + tax
- Children (ages 4 to 12) USD 9.99 pp + tax
There is no charge for children who are aged three years or below. However, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Is Crystal Dome Caverns cold?
The caverns enjoys a steady temperature of 58 degrees F (around 15 degrees C) throughout the year. Some of you will enjoy this cool temperature, but a few people feel the chill quite easily. So, they should carry with them a light jacket.
What to Wear?
The caverns maintain a temperature of 58 degrees F throughout the year. So, the inside of the cave might feel a bit chilly. We suggest you wear long-sleeved shirts or warm T-shirts and carry a light jacket, if possible.
Crystal Dome Caverns Hours
Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm. The cave remains closed on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.
What to Do at Crystal Dome Caverns (Beside Tours)
When you visit, you will find many other things to do apart from caving. There is a good variety of natural and historical sites nearby, and you should visit at least a couple of them to learn more about the history of the place.
Boone County Heritage Museum
If you are a first-timer here and want to learn more about the region’s past, the Boone County Heritage Museum is an excellent place to start. The museum’s admission cost is not high, and the museum has a fine collection of artifacts, exhibits, and various items from the bygone era.
Buffalo River National Park
If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking forward to something more than a tour of the caverns, the Buffalo River National Park is perfect. It is home to more than 100 miles of trails within the park; there is so much to see and cover that you need to make a rough plan before starting the trail.
Best Time to Visit Crystal Dome Caverns
The caverns remain open for public tours throughout the year. So, one can visit the caves any time of the year at his convenience. However, January is best avoided as it is the flooding season.
How to Get to Crystal Dome Caverns
The caverns are located seven miles south of the Harrison city limits on the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway and is just 400 ft away from the entrance of the Mystic Caverns.
Hotels near Crystal Dome Caverns
There is a wide range of options if you are looking for a place to stay near Crystal Dome Caverns. The area does not have a campsite, but many cabins and cottages offer spectacular views of the Ozark Mountains. Some of the notable accommodation options nearby include the following.
- Azalea Falls Lodge
- Beckham Creek Cave Lodge
- Cave Creek Cabin
Visiting Crystal Dome Caverns
Do you need more information before visiting? Call 1-888-743-1739 or write to PO Box 1301, Harrison, AR 72602 for an information packet.
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