Ultimate Guide to Hurricane River Cave, Arkansas (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
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Hurricane River Cave is one of the show caves of Arkansas. The cave was accessible and used for a long time. People have come across the bones of many bears and a saber-toothed cat. It is believed that the Natives used the cave in pre-historic times. The most impressive discovery from the cave is the complete skeleton of a Native American boy, which is still in its place.
Hurricane River Cave, Arkansas
The cave was created because of erosion by the flowing water. Known as Hurricane River, it was used by a sphalerite mine that operated till 1920. The cave was chanced upon by the mine owners who were investigating the water supply. In one spot of the ceiling, the mine owners’ early exploration graffiti is easily visible.
History of Hurricane River Cave
In 1820, the cave was discovered and later became a show cave in 1932. It is believed that members of the notorious Jesse James gang used the cave as a hideout especially, Cole Younger. In the late 1800s, the property below the cave was mined for zinc till World War I. It was a typical open-pit mine where they dug deeper and deeper.
Today one can find the zinc vein at least 30 ft below the rubble. The whole area is also filled with crinoid fossils, and you are allowed to keep the ones you find.
Hurricane River Caves are only partially explored, and it is only in the last couple of years that three new passageways have been discovered. It has been functioning as a show cave since 1932. There is approximately 1/4th mile of the lighted passageway illuminated by a new state-of-the-art LED lighting system. The professional tour guides at the cave will help you explore the cave fully to return home with an unforgettable experience.
Geological Formations in Hurricane River Cave
The main highlights of the Hurricane River Cave are the geological formations such as stalactites, draperies, flowstone, rimstone dams, columns, and stalagmites. There are some unusual speleothems such as cave popcorns.
Wildlife in Hurricane River Cave
People who have visited this cave have seen bats roosting. One can also view various signs of animal life through the bear claw marks, bear beads, and an area where, in the 1970s, the people excavated the tooth of a saber tiger.
The park area in the Hurricane River Caves region is beautifully landscaped and has several ponds, a couple of bridges, a picnic shelter, and picnic tables. The ponds remain full throughout the year as they are fed by the stream’s water flowing from the cave. The wildlife here includes bears, deer, and sometimes river otters.
Is Hurricane River Cave Haunted?
Hurricane River Cave is currently undergoing renovations and will be open to the public as soon as possible. There have never been any complaints of supernatural or unnatural happenings or viewings in the cave.
How Big is Hurricane River Cave?
The seasoned cavers have all opined that this cave is the best all-around adventure cave in the state. More than 1.6 miles of the cave have been successfully mapped, and three new passages have been discovered in recent years.
The Hurricane River Cave is a unique living cave that has underground river streams that open into larger rooms.
Hurricane River Cave Tours
There are regular tours of the cave. The most popular is the standard tour which includes an optional adventure trail. The optional tour is perfect for those who prefer a hands-on experience, and you will be provided headlights for the side trip. Reservations are not needed for the regular tour.
There are also a couple of extreme wild tours that are available only on prior reservations. It features a combination of any two activities such as a cave boat tour, swimming, hands and knees crawl, irregular terrain, bear claw marks, and extreme claustrophobic conditions.
The minimum group size for these tours has been fixed at 2, and the maximum size of 13. Those signing up for the wild tours will get helmets, kneepads, headlights with fresh batteries, a towel, and a hot shower at the end of the tour.
Hurricane River Cave Tour Prices and Discounts
The costs of the different tours are as follows.
- Regular Cave Tour – USD 15 (incl. tax) for adults
- USD 6.50 (incl. tax) for children (aged 3 to 12 years)
- Extreme Cave Tours – USD 89 pp plus state and local taxes. Group rates are family rates are available on request.
Go-Pro HD video footage is available at USD 30 if you bring your flash drive with at least 16 GB storage.
Is Hurricane River Cave Cold?
This is one of the finest examples of a ‘living’ cave. Hurricane Cave remains a bit wet, and the inside temperature ranges from the upper 50s to the low 60s.
In the summers, people love coming here as the coolness inside the cave is a much-needed relief from the warm Ozark sun. In winter, the cave interior feels pleasant, and you would not need anything else apart from a warm jacket.
What to Wear?
Anyone coming here during summer may wear short-sleeved T-shirts or a shirt to feel comfortable, but since the temperature inside the cave is always a bit cooler, you might need a light jacket when you come here in winter.
When you sign up for tours, basic safety equipment like helmets and kneepads will be provided. So, you do not need to carry those when you come here.
Hurricane River Cave Hours
Hurricane River Caves are open daily from 9:00 in the morning. The caves are thrown open from 1st March to October 31st. It occasionally opens in winter and visits are only available through prior appointments.
- Sunday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm.
What to Do at Hurricane River Cave (Beside Tours)
Visitors will find that the picnic area is ideal for short walks. Near the picnic area, the Hurricane River flows into Lake Superior, and there is a one-and-a-half-mile trail near the campground. You can go up this trail, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and make your way to the historic Au Sable Light Station.
There is also a cave nearby known as the Bear Cave, which is down in the canyon but accessible to the public. One can explore this cave at their own risk but only after signing a liability waiver.
Across the valley from the Bear Cave, one would come across yet another cave where volunteer diggers can be seen continuously digging in the hope that they would be among the first to unearth a new cave system. It is a free activity and can be enjoyed by all.
Best Time to Visit Hurricane River Cave
You should avoid the rainy months as the cave, being the living cave, remains relatively wet and muddy. So ideally, you should be coming here during winter or in the dry season to enjoy the cave and its surroundings fully.
How to Get to Hurricane River Cave
Hurricane River Caverns is in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. It is between Harrison and Marshall and is only half an hour’s drive from either of the two towns. Here is the distance of the cave from nearby towns and important locations.
- Harrison – 16 miles south, on Highway 65 (30 min)
- Marshall – 30 min
- Eureka Springs – 1 hour
- Branson – 1 hour
- Little Rock – 2.5 hours
- Hot Springs – 3 hours
Hotels near Hurricane River Cave
There is a campground 12 miles west of Grand Morais and on the shores of Lake Superior with 21 campsites. But suppose you are not fond of camping or prefer more comfortable surroundings.
In that case, we suggest trying hotels like Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express, or Hampton Inn, located near Harrison.
Visiting Hurricane River Cave
Do you need more information before visiting? Call 870-429-6200 or email Hurricane River Caverns for an information packet.
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