Culture and Nature on Display at Eureka Spring's Blue Spring Heritage Center

The Blue Spring Heritage Center combines extraordinary beauty and a rich cultural experience. Located just a few minutes west of Eureka Springs on U.S. Highway 62, this attraction is built around Blue Spring, which pours 38 million gallons of cold, clear water each day into its trout-filled lagoon.

Blue Spring captures the rich history of the Ozark region, from American Indian journeys and early settler life to prehistoric civilization.There is evidence of an old mill powered by the spring and other remnants of community centered on the water.

With exquisite arrays of plants and flowers, this site has served as a tourist attraction since 1948.

In 1993, 33 acres were transformed into the Eureka Springs Gardens. In 2003, the rich history of the land was blended with the beauty of the Gardens to become the Blue Spring Heritage Center. Artifacts, old photos, a new historic film explaining the significance of the Blue Spring site, and the walkways through the natural world all await visitors.

Visit the historic bluff shelter, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk on ground that nurtured the Cherokee people during the Trail of Tears. Connect with the natural beauty of the native gardens.

The short movie is a great place to start, and it runs every 12 minutes throughout the day. The theater also serves as a museum, highlighting valuable information about the history of the spring, gardens, bluff shelter and other points of interest. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the region and the evolution of Blue Spring.

This water source has provided energy and power, and the water became a magnet for activity that fed the spirit, healed physical and emotional wounds, and helped build a community.
American Indian tribes put their differences aside when they entered the spring area, since it was considered sacred ground. For thousands of years, American Indian elders have told stories of visits to Blue Spring and the important ceremonies held in the bluff shelter that served not only as a refuge, but also a sacred place for ritual.

In the early 1840s, Blue Spring Mill was built 300 feet downstream from the spring, tapping the water's flow to grind corn. In 1903, a new mill was built, combining a sawmill, grist mill and flour mill three stories high. Although most of the building was removed in 1943, the turbine still remains as a reminder of days past.

Many couples choose to marry at Blue Spring, which offers wonderful settings for picturesque, romantic ceremonies. The sites range from intimate little gazebos nestled in the flowers to the beautiful Spring Terrace surrounding Blue Spring, where as many as 500 guests can share in the joy of the occasion. Several of the sites will accommodate receptions as well.

A gift shop offers American Indian and handcrafted items unique to the Ozark Region, pottery, artwork, books, music, crafts and much more.

Blue Spring fun facts

*In 1971, Robert G. Chenall and his students from the University of Arkansas conducted an archeological dig of the small bluff shelter next to Blue Spring. They found prehistoric artifacts, shellfish and the bones of deer, turtle and other fauna. Some date back as far as 8000 BC. Chenall also uncovered fire pits, and evidence of life such as small arrow points and Woodward Plain pottery, confirming the presence of American Indians dating back as far as 1700 AD.

*More than a mile of trails wind through the Blue Spring Heritage Center, filled with colors, textures and the surprise of blooms in every season.

*The new gardens demonstrate crops, plants, flowers and healing herbs at home in the Ozarks.

Information & Image courtesy of The Lovely County Citizen

Travel to Eureka Springs this Season

Eureka Springs is a charming town that springs to life during this time of year. The small town atmosphere allows guests to stroll from shop to gallery to eatery with ease, all in a blooming and blossoming setting alive with color. The Victorian architecture in beautiful Eureka also adds to its appeal. A Eureka Springs getaway is an experience unlike any other. The fantastic Eureka Springs Festivals and Eureka Springs Art Galleries are also favorites of visitors. Both the Eureka Springs May Festival of the Arts and the Eureka Springs Blue Festival will be held this spring, making for yet another reason to visit.

The Victorian charm of Eureka also makes it a popular place to say “I Do.” Weddings in Eureka Springs allow newlyweds to experience an elegant, unique ceremony and in the spring the beautiful weather and sunny skies only add to the appeal. The Crescent Hotel is a popular place for nuptials, as well as a favorite place to stay in Eureka Springs among visitors. Built in 1886, this hotel has a rich history and luxurious amenities for their modern day customers.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas also has many interesting attractions to visit. The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a USDA licensed facility dedicated to the rescue and life time care of abandoned and unwanted Big Cats. They house tigers, lions, cougars and more all of which are available for the public to see. Blue Spring Heritage Center a unique historical site tied to the Trail of Tears and early Native Americans. It’s also a natural wonder, pouring 38 million gallons of cold, clear water each day into its trout-stocked lagoon. Another natural creation that’s one of the top things to do in Eureka Springs is visit Cosmic Caverns. This hidden treasure is a famous cave with two bottomless caves and an amazing straw formation called “Silent Splendor.” You’ll want to see this for yourself!

The Great Passion Play begins their 2007 season this spring. This top Eureka Springs Show retells the story of Jesus Christ’s life in an outdoor drama unlike any other. This production is a perfect addition to Easter weekend, allowing family to celebrate in both story and life. Two other great Eureka Springs Shows are Pine Mountain Jamboree and Ozark Mountain Hoedown. Both shows provide fantastic music and hilarious comedy that’s family friendly. Of course, visitors also love to take advantage of the shopping in Eureka Springs as well as the delicious restaurants in Eureka Springs. Eureka is also known as a spa haven, where one can relax and pamper themselves at some of the finest spas around.

A Eureka Springs vacation is a unique experience with interesting things to do and exciting entertainment. This spring visit this quaint Victorian town for a step back in time and a step towards wonderful memories.