Here's a chance to see something few others have seen. The Wild Cave Tour at Cosmic Cavern takes the adventurous into parts of the cave that were only opened up in the last 15 years.

[Order this photo]

If you've ever taken the regular tour at Cosmic Cavern, you know this is one of the best cave tours in the region, with underground lakes and a wonderful variety of formations. The wild cave tour starts where the commercial tour ends, and you can get "up close and personal" with the underground.

Owner Randy Langhover led us through this subterranean treasure. His love for the cave was obvious, and contagious. Hearing him describe the process of discovery which led to opening this part of the cave, you can feel the thrill of being there on that day, seeing something no human had ever seen.

He and a few friends found their way into these new caverns in 1993. He said they felt like kids, pointing out new finds to one another. One particular section became known as the "Ohmygod" room, because no one could find other words to describe their foray into this virgin section of the underground.

[Order this photo]

The Wild Cave Tour requires some physical fitness and agility, but it's not terribly strenuous. Anyone taking the tour must be at least 13 years old and five feet tall. A previous visit to the commercial cave is suggested, or some other underground experience, so the tour guide does not have to deal with someone suddenly freezing up in a remote area.

Wear old loose-fitting clothes, because you will pick up some mud. (I brought a hand towel to keep my hands clean enough for photography, but I didn't really need it.) Your sneakers and pant legs may get wet, but it's worth it.

The tour can take about two and a half hours, and up to six people can go at once. If you have others in your party who don't want to go on the Wild Cave Tour, they can still enjoy the regular commercial tour at the cave, which is accessible to anyone who can climb a few stairs.

[Order this photo]

Langhover has owned Cosmic Cavern for 35 years, and has a total of 39 years in the cave business. When he began the Wild Cave Tour in 1993, he was the first in this region to offer such an experience.

Cosmic Cavern is located on Arkansas Highway 21, about six miles northeast of Berryville, on the way to Branson. More information is available at (870) 749-2298, or at www.cosmiccavern.com.