Eureka Springs Tourist Attractions

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.

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.

The Queen Anne Mansion is a three story home which was built in 1891 in Carthage, Missouri and later moved to its present location. The house features fine woodwork, stained-glass windows, and period furnishings. The oak and cherry woodwork in Queen Anne Mansion includes seven fireplace mantels and five pocket doors hand carved by Italian and German artisans.The former Carthage Missouri mansion is now home to a private collection of decorative and cultural arts. Rotating exhibits are featured in the state-of-the-art garden level gallery.

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.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.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.

ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Gables is an 1886 house built in Queen Anne style. On display are over 120 oil paintings dating to the mid 17th C.