This Once-Abandoned Arkansas Tourist Attraction Is Making A Comeback
By Melanie Johnson|Published April 01, 2024
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Melanie Johnson
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I am a nature lover and self-proclaimed foodie wrapped in one package. In my previous life, I was an Accountant, but numbers were boring and writing is the only thing that fuels my soul. So, I write because it's my freedom...it brings me joy. When I'm not writing dope articles for OnlyInYourState, I am writing and editing articles for my online blog on Medium.com. Or, when I get the chance, I am off on a trip with my family chasing waterfalls, or simply exploring the great outdoors. My mantra is to always find the best part of every day and bask in it.
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.
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.
