Onyx Cave (Arkansas)

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Cave formation inside Onyx Cave
Cave formation inside Onyx Cave

Onyx Cave is a small show cave located about six miles east of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It has been a tourist attraction since 1893, making it the oldest show cave in Arkansas. It is probably also one of the most heavily damaged.

The cave does not contain onyx, but cave onyx which is just flowstone, but resembles true onyx. During the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century many caves were named Onyx Cave, which makes it difficult to keep them apart.

Tours are not guided but are given by headsets which receive short range FM transmissions from small boxes, which alert tourists to chambers and rock formations such as Friendly Dragon, Witches' Fireplace, and the Lion's Head. Since the cave has only one public opening, visitors must exit the cave the way they entered. The cave stays at an average temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Most of the cave is not toured.