Discover One of the World’s Largest Natural Gypsum Caves at Oklahoma’s Hidden Gem State Park

Also known as the “Sooner State,” Oklahoma not only has a rich history but hundreds of exciting outdoor activities to engage in. From its beginnings as a vibrant frontier settlement, to the bustling Bricktown in Oklahoma City, to the trailblazing The Gathering Place in Tulsa, to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, to this Oklahoma wonder at an underrated state park with unbeatable scenery, the state has a lot to see and experience. So whether you are a history enthusiast or a nature lover, there’s something for you. However, what most people do not know is that it’s also home to Alabaster Caverns, one of the world’s largest natural gypsum caves.

Tucked west of the Salt Plains in northwestern Oklahoma, Alabaster Caverns State Park in Woods County, Freedom, is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of its rare features. For example, while other countries have different types of alabaster, the rare black alabaster is only found in China, Italy, and the U.S. — specifically right here in Oklahoma.  The origins of the Alabaster Caverns date back to the Permian period, when the area was beneath an inland sea. The sea water vaporized later on, leaving huge reserves of gypsum. A disruption of the Earth’s crust lifted the gypsum sediment close to the surface, and with time, water streams eroded some deposits, creating huge caves and tunnels.

The caves in Alabaster Caverns State Park offer a great opportunity for nature enthusiasts to explore a rare type of cave with pink, white, and the uncommon black alabaster gypsum. The main feature cave is nearly a mile long, with a maximum width of 60 feet and peak height of 50 feet. Walking through the cavern, you may come across branches and tunnels with different designs and chambers, including the Crystal Vault, Devil’s Kitchen, and Ship’s Pro.

The 200 million-year-old cavern also houses five different bat species, including the eastern pipistrelle, cave myotis, and western big brown bat. So, if you are into bat watching, you won’t be disappointed. Guided 45-minute tours around the cavern are available on a daily basis from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour prices depend on age: free for kids under five, $7 for six to 12-year-olds, $10 for people between the ages of 13 and 61, and $8 for those above 61 years. Each tour can only accommodate up to 40 visitors.

For those who prefer something more adventurous, you can try spelunking or wild caving in four different caves at the park between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. You will require a permit from the park management, which costs about $8. While it’s not one of the most dangerous caves only professionals should explore, it’s best to go with a guide if you’re not an experienced caver. Alabaster Caverns State Park also offers amenities like picnic areas, hiking trails, group shelters, a volleyball court, camping areas, and a horseshoe pit. It also has a range of tent and RV sites that you can reserve in advance if you want to watch the stars overnight as you experience the park’s natural charm.