While Oklahoma is famous for many things, caves are not particularly one of them. However, there are three caves in Oklahoma worth visiting, if you get the chance. The most famous is Alabaster Caverns State Park where tours abound. The second most famous is the Robbers Cave State Park. Finally, a lesser-known cave referred to as Selman Bat Cave and the three accessible caves in Turner Falls Park offer excitement for folks off the beaten path.
Let’s check out these three awesome adventuring locations within the state of Oklahoma and see which cave might just be the one for you to visit.
Robbers Cave State Park
Visit the fairly easy-to-access Robbers Cave in the park of the same name on your next visit to Oklahoma. The intriguing history and beautiful scenery make it worth the visit!
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Hikers will find beautiful native plants along the trail leading to the Robbers Cave in the State Park of the same name. Robbers Cave is presumed to have once housed prehistoric man, but it’s more of a big hole in the rock when you take a closer look. Be sure to head out early on the trail to make it to the cave, though, at least in the warmer months. Much of the trail is exposed to hot, direct sunlight.
Robbers Cave reaches along about 50 feet, so no flashlights are required for exploration. You can also scramble around the cave over the rocks and thoroughly enjoy the outing as a true outdoor experience.
No fee is required to enter the park. The cave is accessible year-round, without a tour required, with the parking open at 8 a.m. If you do wish to book a tour, however, the price is low ($4) and the tour varies in length and begins at 9:30 a.m.
Alabaster Caverns State Park
Alabaster Caverns in Oklahoma offer some incredible exploration opportunities for visitors. A guided tour is required.
The most well-known caverns in Oklahoma are the Alabaster Caverns in the State Park of the same name. The caverns rest within Freedom, Oklahoma, about 2.5 hours northwest of Oklahoma City. No fee is required to enter the park, but a guided tour is required to explore the caverns. These fees run at $10 or less, for about 45 minutes.
The beautiful caverns and state park bear the name of the material which makes up the caverns: alabaster. The fine-grained, rare form of gypsum here makes the largest alabaster cave in the world open to the public. The cave tour itself is less than 1 mile, but it includes 330 stairs. Wear a warm jacket for the tour, as the cave is cool and damp, and requires close-toed shoes for safety.
Tours go out daily on every hour, from 9 am to 4 pm. Each tour is capped at 40 visitors, so you may need to wait some time before your tour if you didn’t book ahead. While waiting, explore the park and learn about the local bats who live within the caverns. You may also participate in special events and specialized tours, including lantern tours at 7 p.m. during the summer, spelunking (by permit only) in the summer, and the special bat celebration held annually at the park.
Selman Bat Cave
The wildlife in Selman Bat Cave should be obvious by the name, with literal millions of Mexican free-tailed bats hiding out every year during migration. Because of this hot spot for these migratory animals, the Selman Bat Cave rests under the protection of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife and Conservation. You can’t go into the bat cave for this reason, but it’s sure exciting to be nearby when the bats leave at dusk. The sky fills with erratically flying winged creatures swooping out to find mosquitos and other tasty treats for their dinners.
Turner Falls Park Caves
One of the three accessible caves of Turner Falls Park rests above the waterfall. Be careful as you hike, especially in winter, when rocks are slippery!
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Three accessible caves exist within Turner Falls Park. One rests above the waterfall and requires rock scrambling to get in. The other two are a bit easier for folks less sure-footed. All three may be found along hiking trails. They tend to be hidden, though, so you’ll need to look for them. These caves are accessible year-round, but easier to access during summer when the rocks are less slippery. However, summer months bring more swimmers to the waterfall and pool, so expect some competition on the hiking trails. None of the caves offer tours or require special fees. None are lighted, either, though, so bring a flashlight and dress warmly if you plan to hang out.
Crystal Cave
The entrance to the Crystal Cave lies hidden in the trees between the rocks on the east side of the hill. Entry can be made from about a quarter mile past the end of the trail wending its way through the park.
Wagon Wheel Cave
The Wagon Wheel Cave offers a much larger, more visible entry point and a single large room. For the brave, a narrow passage may be followed into the back to a small room. Be prepared to climb 100+ feet up a steep hill to reach the cave entrance.
Wild Woman Cave
One of the most famous wild caves of Oklahoma rests within Turner Falls Park, known as the Wild Woman Cave. Over time, spelunkers have widened the entryway to this one, making it more accessible and easier to find. The cave supposedly was once occupied by a “wild woman” named Ethel Hindman. The accomplished cowgirl and athlete was more daring than wild. But she earned the nickname and carried it with her as she pulled off stunts. She once dove from the wind of a biplane into a local lake. Later, she’s the one who journeyed down into Wild Woman Cave in search of water for the town.
