Wonderland Cave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wonderland Cave
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | Dartmoor Road, Bella Vista, Arkansas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1925 |
| MPS | Benton County MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 87002313 |
| Added to NRHP | January 28, 1988 |
Wonderland Cave is the biggest cave in northwest Arkansas. You can find it on Dartmoor Road in Bella Vista. It is northeast of Bella Vista Lake. The cave is also east of United States Route 71.
People first started working on the cave in the 1920s. In the 1930s, it became a fun nightclub. They added a concrete floor and a stage for music. The decorations looked like scenes from Alice in Wonderland. Parts of the cave were also used to store local wine. This helped the wine get better with age. Even the Arkansas General Assembly (Arkansas's state government meeting) held a meeting there once! A local group is now planning to open the cave again. They want it to be a place for tourists to visit.
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Discovering Wonderland Cave
Wonderland Cave is a special natural wonder. It is the largest cave in its part of Arkansas. Caves like this form over many years. Water slowly carves out the rock underground. This creates amazing rooms and tunnels.
Where is Wonderland Cave Located?
The cave is in Bella Vista, Arkansas. This town is known for its beautiful lakes. It is also close to the Ozark Mountains. The exact spot is on Dartmoor Road. It's easy to find near Bella Vista Lake.
A Look at the Cave's History
Wonderland Cave has a very interesting past. It has been used for many different things. From a dance club to a wine cellar, it has seen a lot!
When Was the Cave First Developed?
Work on the cave began in the 1920s. People saw its potential right away. They started to make it ready for visitors. This was a time when many new attractions were opening.
How Did the Cave Become a Nightclub?
In the 1930s, the cave changed a lot. It was turned into a nightclub. Imagine dancing inside a huge cave! They put in a concrete floor. There was also a stage for musicians. The decorations made it feel like a magical place. They were inspired by the famous story of Alice in Wonderland.
What Other Uses Did the Cave Have?
The cave was also used to store wine. Local winemakers kept their wine there. The cool, steady temperature inside a cave is perfect for aging wine. This helps the wine taste even better.
A Meeting Place for Government
Believe it or not, the cave even hosted a government meeting! The Arkansas General Assembly met there one time. This is where lawmakers meet to make decisions for the state. It must have been a very unique place for a meeting!
Wonderland Cave Today
Today, the cave is not open to the public. But that might change soon!
Plans for Reopening the Cave
A group in the area is working hard. They want to reopen Wonderland Cave. Their goal is to make it a tourist attraction again. This would let more people explore its history. It would also let them see its natural beauty.
Why is the Cave Important?
Wonderland Cave is important for its history. It shows how people used natural spaces. It also tells a story about entertainment in the past. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This list helps protect important places.
Images for kids
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Wonderland Cave entrance
