Within the area of Eureka Springs, a tourist resort in the extreme north-west of Arkansas, there are more than sixty springs. With its attractive old Victorian buildings, an artists' colony, two small museums, a varied programme of entertainment (including the Passion Play) and the old-time Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway, it draws visitors throughout the year. To the east of the town is the interesting Onyx Cave; to the west is the Blue Spring, one of the most abundant springs in the Ozark Mountains.
The Great Passion Play brings to life the epic drama surrounding Christ's death and resurrection. Performed in an outdoor amphitheater, the play is based on the Old Testament prophecies and New Testament accounts of the last seven days of Jesus of Nazareth prior to, and including, His ascension.
Hours:
April 30 to September 6: 8:30pm-am; Closed: Sun, Wed
September 7 to October 31: 8:30pm-am; Closed: Sun, Wed, Sun, Wed
Thorncrown Chapel is a glass chapel, situated in a woodland setting designed by noted architect, E. Fay Jones. Thorncrown was the dream of retired school teacher, Jim Reed. The result of this dream was Thorncrown Chapel - a forty-eight foot tall wooden structure with 425 windows.
Hours:
March 1 to March 31: 11am-4pm
April 1 to November 30: 9am-5pm
December 1 to December 31: 11am-4pm
Tips: On weekends the chapel occasionally closes at 3:30 PM for special events. Please call ahead to make sure the chapel will be open if you plan to visit late in the day. Closed all day on Saturdays in November.
The Abundant Memories Heritage village is a replica of a 19th C town with shops, offices, houses, and forts, furnished in period. The Historama Theatre presents shows based on historical events.
The 12mi excursion along the shores of Beaver Lake features an ancient Indian burial ground, a submerged homestead, and cruise around a 200 ac game preserve island. Whitney Mountain, Whitehouse Bluffs, and Beaver Dam are scenic sites.
Visitors to Blue Spring can view a historic film, prehistoric artifacts that date back 8,000 years, visit the old mill site and learn about the American Indians and their belief in the sacredness of Blue Spring. Blue Spring is one of the largest natural springs in the Ozark Mountains sending 38 million gallons of water each day into the trout-filled lagoon.
Address: Blue Spring Heritage Center, 1537 County Road 210, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, United States
Phone: 1 (479) 253-9244, Fax: 1 (479) 253-9256
Housed in an 1889 limestone house, the Eureka Springs Historical Museum offers exhibits on the history of the town and surrounding area. Tools, furniture, photos and clothing are just a few of the items on display.
Hours:
March 1 to November 1: 9:30am-4pm; Sun:11am-4pm
December 1 to February 28: 9:30am-4pm; Sun:11am-4pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The original depot in Eureka Springs houses a collection of vintage rolling stock, a restored turntable, a handcar, and an automobile outfitted to run on the rails. A restored steam train takes passengers on a 45 minute ride departing from the depot.
The authentic railroad memorabilia of the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway re-creates the turn-of-the-century era allowing modern visitors a glimpse of how it was when rail service arrived in Eureka Springs in 1883.
The Gallery Mint Museum describes the evolution of coin-making technology from ancient Greece through the Industrial Revolution. Old coins and coin-making equipment are displayed along with minting demonstrations.
The permanent exhibits of the Gallery Mint Museum include hand-hammered minting (Greek, Roman and Medieval), Chinese coin casting, rolling mill coinage and screw press and steam press technology.
The Hammond Museum of Bells displays a large collection of bells and chimes and describes the uses of these instruments throughout history.
The collection of Curtis and Lenore Hammond, past presidents of the American Bell Association, provide examples of different bell-making technologies and uses. This ranges from ancient Tibetan cymbals to the quarter-deck bell of the Queen Elizabeth I ocean liner.
Onyx Cave near Eureka Springs is the oldest show cave in Arkansas. It was discovered in 1891 and opened to the public in 1893. A self-guiding tour leads visitors through the Onyx Cave. Also on site is the Gay 90s Button and Doll Museum.
Quigley's Castle was the dream home of Elise Quigley, an Italian immigrant. Not only does she have a garden outside her home but she found a way to grow tropical plants indoors, which brush the ceiling of the second floor. The exterior of the home is covered in her collection of rocks.
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 8:30am-5pm; Closed: Sun, Thu
The walkway leading to St Elizabeth Church is lined with the Stations of the Cross and a small prayer garden can be found at the side of the building. Visitors enter the church through the bell tower.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, St Elizabeth is an interesting example of three types of architectural design: Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic. The Rotunda, or dome, is Byzantine in style and is fashioned after the Church of St. Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to over 100 abandoned, abused and neglected "big cats" - most as close as five feet from the viewing public. There are 27 habitat areas, where the black bears and many of the cats can run and play on the grass and under the trees. The Education Station provides details on the physiology of big cats.
Address: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, United States
Phone: 1 (479) 253-5841, Fax: 1 (479) 253-5059
Hours:
May 28 to September 6: 9am-6pm
September 7 to May 27: 9am-5pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Veterans admission $10.00. Admission is good for the entire day, visitors welcome to leave and come back. Many people come earlier in the day and return for feeding time, which is always an exciting event - 4:00 p.m. in the winter, 5:00 p.m. in the summer.
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Eureka Springs, Berryville
