This Once-Abandoned Arkansas Tourist Attraction Is Making A Comeback

You might know Cave City for its watermelon festival and for having the sweetest watermelons in the state. But did you know that there is a cave in Cave City…which obviously explains its name. Moreover, the Crystal River Tourist Camp, the oldest motor court in Arkansas, was built above the cave. For over 20 years, both the cave and motor court were closed until recently when the owners decided to open them to the public for tours. Read on to learn more about how this once-abandoned attraction in Arkansas is finally making a huge comeback.

Just about 15 miles north of Batesville is the tiny town of Cave City, and as its name suggests, there is a cave inside the city limits.

In addition to the cave, there is also the mysterious Crystal River as well as an old tourist camp that was left abandoned for years.

Built in the 1930s, Crystal River Cave and Courts was a popular tourist camp that provided accommodation to folks traveling through the area.

The cave was originally occupied by the Osage Indians, and the source of the Crystal River that runs through it, has never been identified. So, as you can tell, this old tourist attraction is truly unique to Arkansas.

Of course, there are urban legends associated with the cave. Plus, there are plenty of Native American relics that were left behind including pottery, arrowheads, as well as undisturbed burial chambers.

Covered in geodes, crystals, fossilized stone, petrified wood, Native American relics, and more, the cottages inside this tourist camp are truly one of a kind. I absolutely love the detail of the masonry work of the buildings.

Fun Fact: Due to all the intricate details, it took Master Mason Prince Matlock 10 long years to complete all the cabins inside the camp.

Over the years, the tourist camp and cave switched ownerships a few times, and in 1997, the attractions were acquired by Dan and Irma Carrington, who have lived on the property since then.

Recently, the Carringtons opened the motor court and cave for guided tours. So, this tourist attraction in Arkansas is making a comeback. The tours last about an hour and include exploring the cave as well as the mysterious river that runs through it.

You'll also tour the camp and hear the history of the motor court and how it came to be.

Folks from near and far have come to experience the guided tour for themselves. It's especially popular in the summer, during the watermelon festival weekend in Cave City.

If you want to tour the cave, we recommend that you call ahead at 870-283-2695 to book your spot, as the tours are limited to small groups at a time.

So, did you know about this once-abandoned attraction in Arkansas? If so, have you toured the Crystal River Cave and Courts? Tell us below.

If you're searching for more adventure, check out our previous article featuring a cave-themed day trip in Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/cave-themed-day-trip-ar/

Or perhaps book one of these tours and excursions for a truly unique experience.