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Blue Spring Heritage Center: Nature, History, and Tranquility

Explore a natural wonder and historical landmark in the Ozarks, with stunning gardens and a vibrant blue spring.

4.5

Discover the beauty and history of the Ozarks at Blue Spring Heritage Center. This 33-acre site features a stunning natural spring flowing 38 million gallons of water daily, native gardens, and historical exhibits detailing the area's Native American and pioneer past. It's a peaceful escape with a rich story to tell.

A brief summary to Blue Spring Heritage Center

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking on potentially uneven paths and stairs.
  • Bring water, especially during warmer months, as shade can be limited in some areas.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, as the center is primarily an outdoor attraction.
  • Allow at least two hours to fully explore the grounds and exhibits.
  • Consider visiting during the spring blooming season or fall leaf turn for particularly beautiful scenery.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Blue Spring Heritage Center is located a 15-minute drive northwest of Eureka Springs. From downtown Eureka Springs, take US Highway 62 West. Follow the highway for approximately 6 miles, then turn right onto County Road 210. The center will be on your right. There is ample parking available in the large parking lot. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Blue Spring Heritage Center

Blue Spring Heritage Center, located a short drive from Eureka Springs, Arkansas, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The centerpiece is Blue Spring, the largest spring in Northwest Arkansas, which gushes an astounding 38 million gallons of turquoise water every day into a trout-filled lagoon before joining the White River. The spring's vibrant color is entirely natural, creating a mesmerizing scene. The Heritage Center encompasses 33 acres of native gardens, woodlands, and hillsides. Explore the grounds via landscaped pathways, discovering a diverse array of plants and flowers. The Woodland Garden offers a shaded path filled with wildflowers, while the Medicine Wheel Garden showcases plants used by indigenous people for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Blue Spring's history stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological evidence reveals that the area was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 8000 B.C.. The Blue Spring Shelter, a bluff overhang, provided shelter for these early inhabitants and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site also served as a stopping point on the Trail of Tears, a tragic chapter in American history. Exhibits and interpretive signs throughout the center detail the area's rich history, from Native American journeys to early settler life. Artifacts and old photos await visitors, along with a film spanning the significance of the Blue Spring site.

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