Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis have signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service to begin the process of designating the Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex as the 53rd Arkansas State Park — Blanchard Springs State Park.
Located near the small town of Fifty-Six in north-central Arkansas, the Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex is nestled within the Sylamore District of the Ozark National Forest. With more than 8.5 miles of explored caverns, a Forest Service Major Visitor Center, and numerous outdoor amenities, the site is one of the most treasured natural destinations in the state. Now, it’s on its way to becoming a permanent part of the Arkansas State Parks system.
A Vision to Preserve and Promote the Natural State
“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.”
Her husband, First Gentleman Bryan Sanders, added, “Arkansas’ natural beauty is one of our greatest competitive advantages, and places like Blanchard Springs shows why. 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.”
The plan to integrate Blanchard Springs into the state park system aligns closely with the goals of the Natural State Initiative, which has been promoting outdoor recreation and rural economic development since its launch in January 2023. By enhancing infrastructure and visitor services through this agreement, Arkansas will further solidify its place as a leading outdoor destination.
A Natural Wonder with Deep Local Impact
Blanchard Springs is more than just a cave system — it’s a vital economic driver for the region. Nearly 70,000 people visit the caverns annually, contributing significantly to tourism revenue in Stone County. In 2023 alone, the county welcomed over 308,000 visitors and recorded $74.1 million in travel spending. Many of these visitors came specifically to see the caverns.
“This partnership with the U.S. Forest Service allows us to elevate one of Arkansas’ top tourism destinations,” said Secretary Shea Lewis. “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.”
The site currently offers two renowned guided tours — the Dripstone Tour and the Discovery Trail — taking visitors through majestic underground rooms filled with stalactites, soda straws, natural bridges, and the awe-inspiring Cathedral Room. For more adventurous explorers, seasonal Wild Cave Tours venture into undeveloped sections of the caverns.
Senator Missy Irvin, who represents the area, praised the announcement: “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… 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.”
Balancing Growth and Conservation
Beyond economic benefits, the designation brings critical environmental protections. As one of only a few federally managed “living” caves in the U.S., Blanchard Springs hosts rare species like endangered gray bats and unique salamanders. The new partnership will ensure that future growth is guided by conservation, with managed trails, controlled access, and long-term protection of the cave’s delicate ecosystem — estimated to have remained unchanged for more than 10,000 years.
The memorandum signed today lays the foundation for shared management between Arkansas State Parks and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, combining state and federal resources to improve visitor experiences while preserving the caverns for future generations.
The creation of Blanchard Springs State Park is more than a name change — it represents Arkansas’ continued commitment to honoring its natural legacy while expanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and community prosperity.
