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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.
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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.
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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.
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| 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. |
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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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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| Campers
can take advantage of the remodeled camping facilities at the park. They include
10 semi-modern sites with electric and water, 12 primitive sites, and a sanitary
dump station available in the park for recreational vehicle use. All campsites
have picnic tables and cooking grills.
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| Picnic
facilities include 6 individual shelters which accommodate 12-15 persons,
numerous single tables throughout the area, and 2 large group shelters (with
electricity) which may be reserved in advance through the park office.
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swimming pool is open Wednesday through Sunday during the summer season.
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For information about Alabaster Caverns State Park camping and tour rates,
please call the park office at (580) 621-3381 or the Division of State Park’s
administrative office in Oklahoma City at (405) 521-3411
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