US EditionGov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders Announces New Arkansas State Park
Blanchard Springs Caverns draws about 70,000 visitors annually and will be jointly managed by Arkansas State Parks and the U.S. Forest Service under a new conservation-focused agreement.
- On Monday, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced Blanchard Springs Caverns will become the state's 53rd park, and on Dec. 8 she signed an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to start the transfer.
- Under the Natural State, Shea Lewis said the memorandum establishes a joint management model between Arkansas State Parks and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, with coordination from the U.S. Forest Service.
- It spans eight-and-a-half miles of explored caverns and includes a campground, swim beach, picnic area, and trail system, drawing around 70,000 annual visitors.
- Near the Ozark Folk Center, the designation is expected to increase overnight stays, as officials say the partnership will boost visitor services and protections, supporting local communities.
- Arkansas officials said the move will add conservation measures, and Bryan Sanders said, `This partnership with the U.S. Forest Service allows us to elevate one of Arkansas' top tourism destinations.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Arkansas Officials Move to Designate Blanchard Springs Caverns as State Park
Gov. 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 that begins the process of designating The Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex as Arkansas’ 53rd state park. The document lays the groundwork for a new joint management model between Arkansas State Parks and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests to enhance visitor services, stre…
North Arkansas' Blanchard Springs Caverns set to become state park
From left: Deputy Regional Forester Mary Moore of the U.S. Forest Service; Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders; Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis; and state Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, announce the effort to designate Blanchard Springs Caverns as a state park on Dec. 8, 2025. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)North Arkansas’ Blanchard Springs Caverns is in the process of becoming Arkansas’ 53rd state park, Gov. Sarah …
Arkansas seeks to make Blanchard Springs Caverns a state park | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Arkansas has formally started the process of making the Blanchard Springs Caverns Complex into the Natural State's 53rd state park, state officials announced Monday.
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