Alabaster Caverns State Park stands out as home to the largest natural gypsum cave in the world open for tours — a genuine geological rarity that draws visitors from across the country. Located in Woodward County in northwestern Oklahoma, this 200-acre state park has been welcoming explorers since 1956.

The main attraction is the 3/4-mile guided cave tour, where you’ll walk through passages lined with alabaster formations in shades of white, pink, and the rare black alabaster found in only a handful of places on Earth. The cave stays a cool 50°F year-round, so bring a light jacket even in summer. Guided tours typically run daily from spring through fall, with reduced schedules in winter months.

Above ground, the park offers a network of hiking trails that wind through rugged cedar canyons and red-dirt bluffs characteristic of Oklahoma’s gypsum hills region. Keep an eye out for the several smaller “wild” caves scattered across the property — some are accessible for self-guided exploration with a flashlight and a sense of adventure. The landscape also supports solid birdwatching and wildlife viewing, particularly at dawn and dusk.

The best time to visit is spring or early fall, when temperatures above ground are comfortable and cave tours run on full schedules. Summer works too, though the Oklahoma heat makes that underground cool air even more appealing.

Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or just looking for something genuinely different, Alabaster Caverns delivers an experience you won’t find at a typical state park.

Explore Nearby

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