World famous for their watermelons, Cave City is a very unique town filled with friendly people and lots of fun. The town is located along Hwy 167 and gets a lot of traffic coming and going from Missouri. Despite being on a main highway that runs through the state, Cave City retains its small town charm. People who are constantly on the move will easily miss the charming aspects if they do not slow down and take the time to enjoy themselves.
History of Cave City
Cave City was established around 1890 when brothers John William Laman and James Andrew Laman moved to the area. Upon moving to the area, both were determined to create a new town. After building their homes and a few businesses, they encouraged other merchants to relocate to their town. The brothers began platting the land and donated parcels of land for churches and a school. Many families moved to the area in 1891 when their first school opened. In 1892, the nearest post office was physically moved to the town. Since then, the city has grown into one of the most famous small towns in Arkansas.
Known for having the sweetest melons in the state (although everyone says the “world”), Cave City is a town of less than 2,000 people. It was named after a large cave underneath part of the town. Before the township of Cave City, the cave was owned by the Horn family and known as Horn’s Cave. It was later purchased by Dr. G.T. Laman. In the 1930s, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave and worked with C.P. Matlock to develop the grounds above it and add cabins, creating Cave Courts. Carpenter created a museum with the Indian relics he retrieved from the cave, which is maintained in the entrance hall. Cave Courts (aka Crystal River Cave Camp) is known as the oldest motor court in Arkansas.
The cave was not the only thing that attracted people to visit the town. Cave City has a long history of hosting revivals. These events were known as “meetings.” Whether it was a union meeting, tent meeting, or other meeting, it was where at least two churches would come together to have a revival at the same time and place. One of the town’s most notable revival was the holiness camp meeting that was held by the Nazarene Church every year.
This little town now offers a locally owned grocery store, shopping, dining, and attractions. What more could people need? How about a cave, the world’s sweetest watermelons, and a local ministerial alliance that hosts a revival every year?
Hometown Cooking
Cave City does not disappoint in having little restaurants that offer home cooked meals. Buttercup’s Kitchen makes every customer feel like they are walking into their family dinner. Bailey’s Family Restaurant relocated from Melbourne and offers a more modern dining option for the family without sacrificing a friendly welcome and warm atmosphere. Also, no trip to or through the town is complete without stopping by The Ozark Kitchen for homemade fried pies by the sweetest Mennonite twins!
Recreation
Cave City’s charm is not limited by the amount of recreational activities. Their city park offers a fishing pond, amphitheater for both small and large events, playgrounds, basketball and tennis court, horseshoe pit, walking trail, pavilions, and plenty of land to run and play! In town, there is a 90,000 gallon pool and splash pad that the town has offered since 1972. Just in front of their Welcome sign is the newest addition – a Veteran Memorial Park.
The city is currently working on a pocket park and green acres area, which will give the family more places to play, picnic, and host events.
Crystal River Cave
Crystal River Cave is named after Crystal River, the underground river that is located in the multi-room cave of which the beginning and ending has never been determined. During Cave City’s beginnings, the school’s drinking water was supplied by the cave. Many families even used it as a “town refrigerator,” storing their dairy and produce in the cave to keep them from spoiling.
Only open during the non-rainy season (~ fall months), Crystal River Cave offers limited tours due to it being managed only by the family. An older couple own the cave and require assistance during peak season. When they have enough assistance, the cave is open for special events like the Watermelon Festival. Keep a watch on their Facebook for tour information and be sure to call them for tour dates.
Antique Shopping
Whether you’re passing through or visiting for a while, don’t forget to stop by Red Door Antiques. This little store is located in an old garden nursery and is host to a cat that likes to lounge on a blanket on the couch after greeting you at the door. You’ll find antiques, new items, handmade items, clothes, and more inside this flea market.
Cave City Watermelon Festival
Every year, the town of Cave City celebrates their watermelon growers by having a Watermelon Festival. This three-day event is held at the end of watermelon season in July. No matter how hot it is outside or if it’s raining, people from all over the country come to town to enjoy the festivities and load their vehicle down with the world’s sweetest melons. This free festival hosts watermelon games, watermelon tasting, vendors, food trucks, concerts and more. You can find all the information on their website.
Even in its beginnings, Cave City has been known for their summer event. The earliest reference to their Fourth of July Picnic is in a Sharp County Record newspaper article that dates the picnic tradition starting in 1893. While the picnic brought large crowds from all over the country, it was not until 1980 that the tradition changed to the annual Watermelon Festival. Every year, the festival grows, adding more vendors, events, and attractions. People from all over the world are said to enjoy the festival. Since 1938, a Melon Grower’s Association has been organized for Independence and Sharp counties. So, watermelons have been a part of Cave City almost since the town’s establishment!
If you find yourself passing through Cave City, do not forget to stop to enjoy some of these charming aspects. You just might find yourself in the same position as people from other states – fall in love and move!
Our goal is to be the best version of Cave City that we can be, and everything we do is focused on that.
– Jonas Anderson, Mayor
What do you love most about this charming town?