Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Shea Lewis, at Thursday night’s Ozark Gateway Region’s 2026 Annual Banquet in Mountain View. (All images provided by Ozark Gateway Region.)
Blanchard Springs Caverns will reopen this spring — and eventually become a state park — state tourism officials announced Thursday at the Ozark Gateway Region’s 2026 Annual Banquet in Mountain View.
Shea Lewis, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, made the announcement during his keynote address at the Ozark Folk Center’s Skillet Restaurant. Lewis said the caverns will reopen May 1 under the management of the U.S. Forest Service, with support from Arkansas State Parks. The caverns are expected to close again in November for an 18-month renovation, with the new Blanchard Springs State Park anticipated to open in 2028.
The banquet also recognized several individuals and communities for outstanding contributions to regional tourism. The city of Calico Rock received the Festival of the Year award. Ethel Tompkins of Hoxie received the President’s Award, and Donna Cruse of Hardy was named the Tom Biggs Award recipient. And Stacy Fields was recognized for Distinguished Service to Tourism in the Ozark Gateway Region.
Partner in Tourism awards went to Citizens Bank, Bank of Cave City, CherryRoad Media, First Community Bank, FutureFuel Chemical Company, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Randolph County Heritage Museum, and White River Now.
The duo Honeysuckle Holler — Ellie and Julie — provided live entertainment throughout the evening.
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