Alabaster Caverns State Park
Alabaster Caverns State Park, the largest gypsum cave in the world open to the public, is 3/4 of a mile long. Its rock and mineral formations can be seen in few other places. Massive boulders of alabaster & a fine-grained mass of gyp is seen in pink, white and even a rare black.
Although the first known exploration of Alabaster Caverns occurred in 1889, the area itself had been homesteaded during the Cherokee Outlet Run of 1893. In 1928, Charles Grass bought the land. In 1953 Mr. Grass transferred the ownership to the state of Oklahoma.
Nature created the underground site 200 million years ago when the area was covered by an inland sea. As the water evaporated, deposits of gypsum were left behind. A perennial stream flowing through the caves is fed by various lateral tunnels and by seepage from the roof. What is now a tiny brook was once a roaring river. Geologists say the river was capable of completely filling the 2,256 foot long caverns.
The cave tour requires about one hour to complete. Visitors should wear good walking shoes. The cavern pathway is comprised of 330 steps. A light jacket is also recommended because the average cave temperature is about 50° F. The walking tour is not recommended for those with mobility or respiratory problems, heart conditions, or claustrophobia.
Guided tours begin on the hour: May 1 thru September 30, 8am - 5pm October 1 thru April 30, 8am - 4pm. The park is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
There are five undeveloped caves in the park that may be explored by having the required safety equipment and by obtaining a permit from the park office. This "Wild caving" activity is only permitted March through September.
Five species of bats are found in Alabaster Caverns: Cave Myotis, Western Big-eared Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle, Western Big Brown Bat, and Mexican Free-tailed Bat. Some are solitary, while others are colonial, living in large numbers in places such as Alabaster Caverns. Roosting sites provide daytime shelter, and a place for those bats not migrating to hibernate during the winter months.
Many of the trails in Alabaster Caverns State Park lead down through the tree-lined Cedar Canyon to areas where Indians and outlaws camped and hunted many years ago. The adventurous hiker can follow one of the rugged trails to the area which was once spanned by the Natural Bridge, just one-half mile from the visitor center. An interpretive guide to the trail is available at the center.
Alabaster Caverns State Park, the largest gypsum cave in the world open to the public, is 3/4 of a mile long. Its rock and mineral formations can be seen in few other places. Massive boulders of alabaster & a fine-grained mass of gyp is seen in pink, white and even a rare black.
Although the first known exploration of Alabaster Caverns occurred in 1889, the area itself had been homesteaded during the Cherokee Outlet Run of 1893. In 1928, Charles Grass bought the land. In 1953 Mr. Grass transferred the ownership to the state of Oklahoma.
Nature created the underground site 200 million years ago when the area was covered by an inland sea. As the water evaporated, deposits of gypsum were left behind. A perennial stream flowing through the caves is fed by various lateral tunnels and by seepage from the roof. What is now a tiny brook was once a roaring river. Geologists say the river was capable of completely filling the 2,256 foot long caverns.
The cave tour requires about one hour to complete. Visitors should wear good walking shoes. The cavern pathway is comprised of 330 steps. A light jacket is also recommended because the average cave temperature is about 50° F. The walking tour is not recommended for those with mobility or respiratory problems, heart conditions, or claustrophobia.
Guided tours begin on the hour: May 1 thru September 30, 8am - 5pm October 1 thru April 30, 8am - 4pm. The park is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
There are five undeveloped caves in the park that may be explored by having the required safety equipment and by obtaining a permit from the park office. This "Wild caving" activity is only permitted March through September.
Five species of bats are found in Alabaster Caverns: Cave Myotis, Western Big-eared Bat, Eastern Pipistrelle, Western Big Brown Bat, and Mexican Free-tailed Bat. Some are solitary, while others are colonial, living in large numbers in places such as Alabaster Caverns. Roosting sites provide daytime shelter, and a place for those bats not migrating to hibernate during the winter months.
Many of the trails in Alabaster Caverns State Park lead down through the tree-lined Cedar Canyon to areas where Indians and outlaws camped and hunted many years ago. The adventurous hiker can follow one of the rugged trails to the area which was once spanned by the Natural Bridge, just one-half mile from the visitor center. An interpretive guide to the trail is available at the center.
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