DeSoto Caverns Park as a Show Cave

In the mid-1920s, Allen W. Mathis, son of Ida Mathis, bought out the other mining partners' interest in the caverns and secured all underground rights to the property and surrounding areas. Throughout the first half-century, DeSoto Caverns was a popular place of exploration for young romantics and teenage spelunkers. In the early 1960s, Mathis began to develop the caverns into a show cave, which was soon opened to the public. Extensive research into the caverns' history revealed some exciting facts. For example, in 1965, an archaeological excavation undertaken by the University of Alabama unearthed the 2,000 year-old Indian burial now on display in DeSoto Caverns. That same year, under the direction of Fred Layton, the caverns were officially opened to the public.

For the first time with the aid of high-powered electric lights the caverns' colorful Onyx beauty could really be appreciated. It was first called KyMulga Onyx Cave, after a group of Chickasaw Indians had established the Indian village KyMulga, a few miles away on Talladega Creek around 1760. Mathis' son and grandson, Allen W. Mathis, Jr. and Allen, III, took over the caverns' operation in 1975. Then in 1976, the caverns were renamed DeSoto Caverns in honor of Hernando DeSoto.

New modern back lighting was installed, pathways widened and improvements added to facilitate large groups of visitors in safety and comfort. Back areas of the cave never before accessible to visitors were opened in 1980. The 1980s also saw the development of the spectacular Laser Light, Sound & Water Show in the Great Onyx Cathedral along with other new displays to make the caverns' rich historical background come alive for visitors.

It was also during this time that DeSoto's Shipboard Playground was erected, a 3,000 square foot natural log cabin gift shop with mission-style bell tower was built and DeSoto's Cantina opened. Camping facilities were enlarged and updated. Extensive landscaping of the park, its picnic grounds and recreation areas were begun. In the 1990s, under the direction of Allen Mathis III, the park continued to add exciting new attractions, including DeSoto's Wall Climb, Gemstone Panning and Water Dodge. Mathis also replaced the 83 steps that led from the cave entrance to the bottom of the caverns floor with a walk-through tunnel, providing greater convenience for visitors and saving wear on their knees! Specifically, in June 1997, the park was dedicated to the Glory of God. Even more additions to the park are planned for the park enters the next century. DeSoto Caverns is listed on the State's Register of Landmarks and Heritage and is shown as a historic point of interest on all Alabama maps.