2025 At Our Beaver Lake Resort

Our Beaver Lake Resort

With the new year just weeks away, it’s a good time to look back over the past twelve months here at our Beaver Lake Resort, and what a year it was. Beautiful weather, fun times, and through it all, the many wonderful guests who chose to stay with us.

Sugar Ridge Resort has always been a place where people can slow down and reconnect. Reconnect with nature, loved ones, and even with themselves. With our wide-open sky and lake views, nature lovers need never wander far from the resort. Take in sunrises, boats gliding across the lake, wildlife, and more from your cabin window or porch.

Our corner of the Ozarks, so close to Eureka Springs, is also home to a variety of annual events and year-round attractions. Popular festivals, unique attractions, outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and so much more. Seeing guests head out for a happy day’s adventures is something we never tire of.

As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to welcome familiar faces as well as travelers discovering Sugar Ridge Resort for the first time. Here’s to another year of peaceful mornings, starlit nights, and unforgettable moments on Beaver Lake.

2025 At Our Beaver Lake Resort

Joshua Berry – 5/5
“It was a perfect weekend getaway. There is something to the calm and serenity that comes with an off-season visit. Nobody was on the lake, no sounds of boat engines, and no people. Just us in a beautiful log cabin with a hot tub that provides a perfect view of the lake. We watched birds of all kinds flock to the feeder attached to the porch. And we witnessed the dense morning fog tumbling across the water as it tried to freeze. The fireplace (with wood provided) added to the ambience of the room. It was wonderful.“

View from Couples Cabin Deck
as you rekindle romance, or…

Curtis Sere – 5/5
“We go on a vacation almost every year. This year was first time here. The nicest cabin we have had so far. Very clean, kitchen well stocked with cookware and dishes, bathrooms will stocked with toiletries and towels and wash clothes. An overall great stay. Would definitely return. Also centrally located all the activities we planned were within 30 minutes from the cabin. Thank you Sugar Ridge for a great stay.“

Jeanette Gillespie – 5/5
“This was the BEST anniversary ever. I can’t say enough how amazing this place is. We will be back for sure. Beautiful and cozy. I wish we could’ve met the owners to thank them personally. Everything you would need or want was provided. Thank you again for an amazing stay.“

Holly Bounds – 5/5
“I had the pleasure of staying in studio suite A, which is on the top floor above the office with a spectacular view of Beaver Lake. It has an outdoor charcoal grill, full-size refrigerator, coffee pot with coffee and filters, microwave, and all kitchenware needed if you want to eat-in. There’s a Jacuzzi tub and a seating area along with the bed, a small TV, and dining table. There is no food on-site so hit the grocery on your way in. Note that the stairs are outside, and there is no elevator. Plenty of free parking. You will access the Resort via an uphill, gravel driveway so be advised if you are driving a low-slung car. That said, it was Corvette Weekend, and the ‘vettes made it just fine!“

Jean Villines – 5/5
“Great experience for our 40th anniversary,it was so nice and peaceful the scenic view was beautiful, everyone was helpful and very nice“

Sugar Ridge Resort Lodging Specials & Gift Certificates

Stay at our Beaver Lake resort and SAVE when you take advantage of our popular, Beaver Lake lodging specials.

Stay 3 nights and get Tuesday free with our Midweek Special, available Dec 1 through Dec 20, 2025.

Planning a New Year getaway? Great idea! Our Winter Special: 2+1 Free special gets you a 3rd night free when you stay any 2 nights, Jan 2 – Feb 11, 2026. 

Sugar Ridge Resort gift certificates

Both offers apply automatically when you book direct.

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Who wouldn’t want to wake up to find a Beaver Lake resort vacation under their tree Christmas morning?

Give the gift of a Eureka Springs area getaway with Sugar Ridge Resort gift certificates!

Sugar Ridge Resort gift certificates have no set amount, can be used for almost anything at the Resort, and are good for up to five years from date of issue.

They’re also very easy to purchase. Just fill out the form, pay, and voila: Instant Beaver Lake vacation!

Sugar Ridge Resort wishes you and yours the very happiest of holidays.

Make Plans for Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2026!

Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2026

Now is a great time to make plans for Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2026. This popular, four-day event is one of the area’s most cherished winter traditions. This year’s gathering promises 32 bands performing American roots, modern folk, and bluegrass, on multiple stages, in the heart of the Ozarks. January 15th through the 18th, 2026 in downtown Eureka Springs.

If you’ve never attended an Ozark Mountain Music Festival (aka “OzMoMu”), you’re in for a special treat! Unlike other sprawling outdoor festivals, this event is far more intimate. The festival headliner plays The Aud, with the other 33 performances taking place on 4 stages inside the historic Basin Park Hotel. Afterwards, head to Chelsea’s Corner Cafe & Bar, just a few steps away, for the late-night jam sessions. There’s always something magical happening around the clock at OzMoMu!

This year’s lineup is especially exciting, with The Brothers Comatose headlining the festival on January 17th. Other favorites include The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Front Porch, Sad Daddy, High Lonesome, and many, many others!

2026 is also sees the All-Access Pass include ALL shows, including headliners The Brothers Comatose at the Aud, and all the late night shows at Chelsea’s.

Better yet, Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2026 is less than half an hour’s drive from Sugar Ridge Resort! Enjoy hours of mountain music at the festival, then it’s a quick, scenic drive back to your Beaver Lake cabin or suite. Perfect!

2026 Ozark Mountain Music Festival Lineup

Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2026 runs from Thursday, January 15th, to Sunday, January 18th, 206.

The festival is primarily located at the Basin Park Hotel,  with headliner’s appearing at The Aud. You’ll also find Late-Night Jam Sessions nearby at Chelsea’s Corner Cafe & Bar.

This year’s festival lineup includes 34 groups/performers:

a bluegrass band at Ozark Mountain Music Festival

The Brothers Comatose
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band
Goodnight, Texas
Wheelwright
Front Porch
Sad Daddy
Flat River Band
High Lonesome
Buffalo Galaxy
Adam Collins (Artist at Large)
Ashtyn Barbaree & Molly Healey
Carolina Mendoza
Charlie Mellinger
Chris Harp
Chuck Sitero
Chucky Waggs & The Company of Raggs
Crazy Folker
Daniel & The Deliverance
Drifter’s Mile
Falllift
Jeff Lee

a band at Ozark Mountain Music Festival

Kate Kristine
Little Jones
Lucas Wayne & The Cottonmouths
Moonshroom
Mountain Alice
Musickayinclined
Ponder the Albatross
Steve Jones
The Swallowtails
The Steppers
Them Uke Boys
Trevor Clark
Tyler Gregory

Tickets for Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2026 are currently available, but tend to sell out quickly, so get yours soon!

Visit the festival website for more information and to purchase tickets. You can also find the event on Facebook.

Get Your Vroom On at Porsche Palooza 2025

Eureka Springs Porsche Palooza 2025

Mark your calendar for Eureka Springs Porsche Palooza 2025, November 5th through the 9th. This annual gathering of Porsche enthusiasts is part car show, part driving tour, and part social celebration. Perched above Beaver Lake at Sugar Ridge Resort, you’ll have a tranquil, unforgettable base for it all.

Early November in the Ozarks brings crisp mornings, golden hillsides, and the perfect setting for top-down drives. Porsche Palooza celebrates both the thrill of the open road and the art of slowing down.

Porsche Palooza is more than just another car show. It’s an expanded weekend loaded with events that cater to Porsche owners, fanatics, and casual fans alike. This year’s event already has 426 cars registered from 24 different states!

Sugar Ridge Resort on Beaver Lake is less than a half hour’s drive from the event in Eureka Springs. Spend the day at Palooza 2025, then it’s just a quick drive back to the peace and comfort of your room at our lakeside resort.

What to Expect at Porsche Palooza 2025

Palooza 2025 is scheduled for November 5 – 9, 2025 in Eureka Springs, AR. Though Palooza events are held all around Eureka Springs, the Convention Center at 207 W Van Buren is the official hub.

The event kicks off Wednesday evening with arrivals and registration. A full slate of scenic excursions on Thursday and Friday follows. These popular driving tours allow drivers to experience the unique handling of their cars on some of the region’s most scenic roads. Beyond the tours, attendees can enjoy technical sessions, clinics, and a variety of cocktail parties and meals.

Porsche Cabriolet

Saturday is the highlight of the weekend, beginning with shorter morning drives before the event’s big draw, the Porsche Parade through downtown Eureka Springs. An afternoon car show follows, with rows of gleaming Porsches displayed against the town’s Victorian backdrop. The evening concludes with an awards banquet.

It all wraps up Sunday morning with a farewell breakfast for the participants.

While the Best Western is the event’s official hub, it is expected to sell out fast. Further, staying at Sugar Ridge Resort gives you the best of both worlds: quiet respite away from the crush, but still close enough for daily commutes into town. With ten couples’ cabins, two family cabins, sweeping views, and proximity to boating and hiking, Sugar Ridge Resort offers a perfect escape.

Visit www.pca-palooza.com for a full schedule, registration, and more information.

Arkansas Fall Foliage Adventures!

waterfall at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Autumn in the Eureka Springs area is a truly magical time. The colors begin to unfold in late September or early October, with peak color typically appearing late October. A multi-hued masterpiece painted by nature and the perfect excuse for an Arkansas fall foliage getaway!

Sugar Ridge Resort is perched high above Beaver Lake, surrounded by beautiful scenery, and less than a half-hour’s drive from Eureka Springs, AR. This location provides our guests with expansive views of the Ozarks and Beaver Lake all year-round. Come autumn, it’s non-stop leaf-peeping, with endless opportunities for fall foliage drives, hikes, and other activities.

Arkansas Fall Foliage Drives

There’s nothing like a fall foliage drive to truly immerse yourself in the season, and the Eureka Springs area has plenty of great options.

Take the legendary Pig Trail Scenic Byway, for example. This serpentine road cuts through dense hardwoods and is famous for its intoxicating charm. I fall, each bend offers a fresh wash of colors, the foliage rising and falling around you as you pass.

The Scenic 7 Byway remains one of the country’s most famous fall foliage drives. Located in Ozark National Forest, just south of Eureka Springs, the 290 mile route serves up a variety of unique geography and scenic views. Another good option is the Highway 187 Loop, which takes you through forest and across multiple bodies of water.

In all honesty, Arkansas fall foliage road trip possibilities are nearly endless. The area’s scenic byways are always beautiful but especially in fall. 

Leaf-Peeping, Hiking, and Biking Trails

Hawksbill Crag in Autumn
Whitaker Point/Hawksbill Crag

Those looking to get closer to nature will discover that the Eureka Springs area is also excellent hiking and mountain biking country. 

Hawksbill Crag/Whitaker Point, is always an excellent outdoor destination but, come autumn, provides incredible fall views. The site’s breathtaking, panoramic views make the moderate, 2.7-mile round-trip hike totally worth it.

Another, outstanding fall foliage destination is Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Autumn color enthusiasts will thrill at the 10,000 acres of hiking, biking, and exceptional Ozark Mountain views.

Arkansas largest state park, Hobbs State Park, is also nearby and another excellent port of call for stunning autumn color. Here you’ll discover over 12,000 acres of dense Ozarks forest and shoreline, crisscrossed by bike trails, and walking paths. Be sure to check out the Visitor Center and Van Winkle Hollow, too.

If you like a little history mixed in with your scenery, consider a visit to Pea Ridge National Military Park. The park’s self-guided tours will treat you to both the battlefield’s history and beautiful fall colors.

A short ride to the west brings you to the Blue Spring Heritage Center. Here, a crystalline spring surrounded by hardwoods, bubbles into a verdant pond. Always beautiful, the curated, woodland oasis really shines in autumn. 

Arkansas Fall Foliage at Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake views from Sugar Ridge Resort

Lake Leatherwood City Park, in Eureka Springs, offers yet another excellent fall destination. The 1,600-acre park features trails and a spring-fed lake surrounded by a hardwood forest that bursts into color, come fall. The park’s popular Beacham Trail loops around the lake, for views of the fall colors reflecting in the water.

And That’s Not All …

We’ve only just scratched the surface of the all the fall foliage viewing possibilities in the Eureka Springs area.

Why, we didn’t hardly mention that our own location here on Beaver Lake, is another prime spot for fall color viewing. The surrounding forests are mirrored in the lake’s clear surface, doubling the autumn colors. Those wishing for a closer look should consider War Eagle Trail, a moderate hike offering expansive views of the lake, surrounding bluffs, and autumn’s bright colors.

Whatever your fancy, Sugar Ridge Resort makes the perfect home base for any and all of your fall foliage adventures. Book your stay today!

Get Revved up at Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend 2025

Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend 2025

Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend 2025 is coming right up! The 34th return of this popular festival promises four days celebrating everything Corvette with car shows, parades, drives, and more. September 25th  through 28th, 2025 in Eureka Springs, AR.

Typically held in October, this year’s Corvette show was moved to avoid clashing with Bikes, Blues & BBQ (Oct 1-4). A minor timing adjustment that only allows us to enjoy the cornucopia of Corvettes that much sooner! Founded in 1991, the event has grown into a well-loved tradition, attracting Corvette enthusiasts from across the Midwest and beyond.

That’s because Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend is far more than a car show. It’s a celebration of speed, craftsmanship, automotive elegance, and community. Local Corvette clubs from across the region coordinate and support the event every year. The event also has a positive effect on the community, overall as a 501(c)(7) nonprofit. Over the years, Corvette Weekend has donated more than $104,150 to local charities.

Best of all, the event is held less than a half hour’s drive from Sugar Ridge Resort on Beaver Lake. Enjoy a peaceful stay at our lakeside resort in the Ozarks, with the excitement of Eureka Springs and the festival just an easy, scenic drive away.

2025 Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend Events

September 25th  through 28th, 2025
Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend 2025 is known for its many fun, signature events and activities. It all kicks off with registration at Pine Mountain Village. Here early arrivals can enjoy meet-and-greet opportunities, browse vendors, and get a first look at some of the weekend’s cars.

The Owner’s Choice Car Show is one of the weekends biggest events. Pine Mountain Village hosts a colorful grid of Corvettes, with live music, and voting for favorite vehicles. Veterans and first responders are also honored with a special tribute during the show. Blind Man’s Auto Cross sees blindfolded drivers navigating a course, guided only by a co-pilot’s directions. The Fuel Economy Run invites drivers to design a scenic back-roads routes, competing for the best miles-per-gallon figure.

Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend

The Quick 60 event tests acceleration and braking control over a short, measured stretch. The Scenic Tour, one of the weekend’s most beloved traditions, sees a parade of Corvettes wind through the rolling Ozark hills. The Poker Run sends drivers out to collect cards at designated stops in hopes of assembling the winning hand.

The Parade of Champions sees these award-winning cars cruise the streets of Eureka Springs to the thrill of spectators. The weekend wraps up with a final gathering for participants at the annual Bon Voyage Breakfast.

Whether you’re a seasoned Corvette aficionado or just a curious onlooker, the 2025 Eureka Springs Corvette Weekend offers a weekend of beautiful cars, shared passions, and community fun.

Visit www.eurekaspringscorvette.org to register and for more information. You can also find this event on Facebook.

Spend the day attending events and admiring the wide variety of Corvettes, then it’s an easy and scenic drive back to your cabin or suite on Beaver Lake. The makings of a perfect weekend!

Experience Magic and Mystery at Intrigue Theater

Intrigue Theater

Looking to add a dash of magic and mystery to your Beaver Lake vacation? Eureka Springs’ Intrigue Theater specializes in blending spellbinding illusions with chilling paranormal flair for an experience you won’t soon forget!

Performers Sean-Paul and Juliana Fay are at the heart of Intrigue Theater. A dynamic duo who blend classic stage illusions with spiritualist-inspired mentalism.

Sean-Paul is an award-winning illusionist with nearly three decades on stage. He has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, America’s Got Talent, Masters of Illusion, and the Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Juliana Fay, his partner in performance and life, brings psychic insight and theatrical presence as a clairaudient medium. Together , they blend grand illusions with mentalism and seance‑style mystique for a show that’s as thought-provoking as it is jaw-dropping.

A Night of Magic & Mystery!

Intrigue Theater is ensconced in a beautifully restored, 110‑year‑old stone chapel. Visiting this intimate and historic venue feels like stepping into another era. Soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and warm chandelier light, create a sense of magic even before the performance begins.

PORTAL!, the signature production, guides the audience through a series of large-scale illusions and mind-bending experiments. The show draws inspiration from historical figures like Da Vinci and Tesla, with touches of UFO lore and ancient mystery.

Magic and mystery at Intrigue Theater

In other seasonal performances, they dive into the paranormal with séances, ghost stories, and psychological explorations. Their Perplexed show puts you just feet from the action. These intimate encounters with sleight of hand and mentalist tricks leave even skeptics speechless.

Every Intrigue Theater experience is carefully curated for a sense of wonder and discovery. The venue only seats around 80 guests, making every moment feel personal. From the moment you walk in, there’s a sense that you’re not just watching a performance — you’re part of something mysterious and shared.

The ideal night out for couples, families, and curious souls alike.

Visiting Intrigue Theater

Intrigue Theater is located at 80 Mountain St in Eureka Springs, AR. This is just 2o minutes from Sugar Ridge Resort. In fact, all the attractions of Eureka Springs are just a short and scenic drive away.

Enjoy the fun and excitement of Eureka Springs, then head back to the relaxing quiet of your Beaver Lake cabin or lake view suite. The makings of a perfect day!

Visit the theater website for tickets and more information. You can also find it on Facebook.

Step Back in Time at the Walmart Museum

The Walmart Museum

Those looking for something unique to do during their stay at Sugar Ridge Resort should consider a visit to the Walmart Museum in downtown Bentonville, AR. While Walmart may seem an odd subject, the museum honoring the Walton legacy is anything but dull. Housed in the meticulously restored, 1888 Terry Block Building, visitors are whisked back in time with a wealth of fascinating and immersive exhibits.

Walmarts are now ubiquitous throughout America but that wasn’t always the case.  The Walmart story has its humble beginnings in 1962, when Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in Rogers, AR. Driven by a belief in offering lower prices through efficient operations and high-volume sales, Walton and his brother, Bud Walton, revolutionized retail. They gained their retail experience through a Ben Franklin franchise and then their own, Walton’s 5 & 10.

Their model, emphasizing rural communities and frugal operations, was a success. Walmart grew rapidly, going public in 1970 and expanding internationally in the 1990s. What began as a small-town family business is now a global enterprise. Today, there are thousands of Walmart stores in dozens of countries, yet the company remains deeply tied to its Bentonville roots. Because of this, visitors can still walk the same downtown square that Sam Walton once called home.

Best of all, the popular attraction is just 40 minutes from our Beaver Lake resort, easy distance for a fun day-trip!

Visiting the Walmart Museum

outside the Walmart Museum

The Walmart Museum is located at 105 N Main Street in Bentonville, AR. Inside, exhibits trace Walmart’s evolution by the decade through archival ads, store layouts, and more. Even Sam Walton’s famous and fully restored red-and-white Ford F‑150 is on display.

Begin your visit in Walton’s 5 & 10, a recreation of the original general store where Sam and Bud Walton began their venture. This nostalgic portal to 1950s Bentonville, features vintage merchandise and classic signage of mid-century shopping, It even features the “5” from the original store!

Next, ascend the stairs to Sam Walton’s original office, preserved behind glass as it was in the 1990s. You’ll see Sam’s iconic red mug, stacks of papers, and other personal memorabilia of the business legend. Interactive screens and more than 700 artifacts help you you to explore Sam’s entrepreneurial vision.

Exhibits on the second floor bring Walmart’s history to the present and beyond. These include interactive kiosks, digital displays, special tributes, and even a holographic Sam Walton, speaking in his timeless Arkansas drawl.

No visit is complete without a stop at the Spark Café, a charming, on-site counter serving milkshakes, ice cream, and classic diner fare.  Delicious and fun!

Visit the museum website for hours and more information. You can also visit the museum on Facebook.

milkshake Spark Café

Downtown Bentonville & Beyond

The Walmart Museum is only one of many attractions in the Bentonville area. The walkable downtown is dotted with public art, boutiques, and eateries. The nearby Crystal Bridges Trail links downtown to green spaces and arts venues, including public art installations.

Other, popular area attractions include Crystal Bridges Museum, the Scott Family Amazeum the 21c Museum, the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, and other points of interest.

What are your interests? Let us know and Sugar Ridge Resort will help point you in the right direction! See you soon!

Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point 2025 Season

Opera In The Ozarks at Inspiration Point

Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point 2025 season promises to be both memorable and transformative.  The festival celebrates both its 75th anniversary this year, as well as the unveiling of its brand-new, state-of-the-art theater.

Opera in the Ozarks (OIO)  is a renowned summer opera festival and training program based in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The program has provided a launchpad for aspiring opera professionals since its founding in 1950. Each summer, the festival brings together around 45 young singers, selected through competitive national auditions. Here, they participate in an intensive training and performance experience, culminating in staging fully produced operas.

Festival audiences enjoy an eclectic repertoire that ranges from beloved classics to contemporary works. The program’s unique setting at Inspiration Point, a historic mountaintop location,offers a breathtaking backdrop for live opera.

Best of all, Inspiration Point is just 10 minutes drive from Sugar Ridge Resort. This allows you to attend a show and still have plenty of time for recreating and relaxing at Beaver Lake.

OIO 75th Anniversary and New Theater

Opera in the Ozarks is set to commemorate its 75th anniversary in 2025 with a grand celebration. The festivities culminate on May 31 with a gourmet banquet and a concert of alumni who have graced international stages. The stellar lineup includes soprano Latonia Moore and baritone Brian Montgomery, both well known, international opera stars.

The new, state-of-the-art, Inspiration Point Opera Theater boasts 300 seats, climate control, and exceptional acoustics. These improvements promise to enhance the operatic experience for both performers and audiences alike.

Opera in the Ozarks 2025 Season

Opera In The Ozarks 2025 season

75th Anniversary Gala Banquet & Gala Performance
May 31st @5:30pm & 7:30pm, respectively

Carmen by Georges Bizet –
June 27, July 2, 6, 11, 14, 19, 25

Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim –
June 28, July 3, 7, 9, 13, 18, 23

The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár –
July 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 20, 24

Springdale Broadway Cabaret –
July 17th @7pm

Chamber Concert –
July 21st @7:30pm

Eureka Springs Broadway Cabaret –
July 22 @6pm

Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point is located at 16311 Hwy. 62 West, Eureka Springs, AR. Tickets and more information about the 2025 season is available at the OIO website. You can also find the theater on Facebook.

Ride the Rails on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway

Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway

Climb aboard the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway (ES&NA) for a nostalgic journey into America’s rich railroad heritage. This must-visit attraction operates seasonally in Eureka Springs, less than a half-hour from Sugar Ridge Resort.

The ES&NA was established in 1882 to connect Eureka Springs with the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway in Seligman, Missouri. The line underwent several name changes over the years, before ceasing operations in 1961. A 4.5 mile (7.24 km) stretch of the historic line was revived in 1981, creating the ES&NA we know today.

Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway

The ES&NA is located in a historic stone depot, at 299 North Main St in Eureka Springs, AR. This is less than a half hour’s scenic drive from our Beaver Lake cabins and suites.

Visitors will discover a fascinating collection of railroad memorabilia inside the beautifully restored, 1913 depot. These include vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and steam and early gas-powered tractors.
There’s even a working turntable used to rotate the massive locomotive engines – fascinating!

All Aboard!

Of course, taking a ride on the train is the big attraction. Prospective passengers can choose the Luncheon, Dinner, or narrated Excursion Train Rides. Passengers board a 1928 Chicago Rock Island & Pacific coach, pulled by a 1942 model diesel locomotive, for a scenic trip to “Junction” Arkansas and back.

couple aboard a train

The 1.5 hour Luncheon Train provides a delightful midday meal, while the 2 hour Dinner Train offers a more formal evening experience. These rides aboard the elegant Eurekan Dining Car combine gourmet cuisine with the rhythmic sounds of the rails, for an unforgettable dining experience.

The hour-long narrated Excursion Train Ride combines insights into the region’s railroad history with views of the picturesque Ozark landscape.

Step back in time with a ride on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, then it’s just a quick and scenic drive back to your cabin or suite overlooking Beaver Lake. Great fun!

The Eureka Springs Railroad is open seasonally, April to October. Visit www.esnarailway.com for tickets and more information. You can also follow the railway on Facebook.

Beauty and History at Blue Spring Heritage Center

Blue Spring Heritage Center

Blue Spring Heritage Center is a hidden gem of breathtaking natural beauty and rich history, located just 15 minutes from the Beaver Lake cabins and suites of Sugar Ridge Resort. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this 33-acre botanical garden and historic site offers an unforgettable experience.

Guests of Sugar Ridge Resort will  discover that there’s plenty to do and to see right here on Beaver Lake. The location of the resort provides sweeping views of the lake, with hiking, biking, boating, and fishing within very easy reach. Consequently, a good number of our guests never feel the need to wander too far off.

That being said, the wonders of Beaver Lake are but one of the area’s many must-see attractions. In fact, we’re surrounded by a variety of destinations that are well worth your time. With spring right around the corner, one of the first that comes to mind is Blue Spring Heritage Center.

Visiting Blue Spring Heritage Center

The highlight of the center is Blue Spring itself, one of Arkansas’ largest natural springs. The spring’s strikingly blue waters flow at an incredible rate of 38 million gallons per day. The water forms a tranquil lagoon before spilling over into the White River, as it has for thousands of years. A viewing deck makes taking in the serene beauty of the spring’s crystal-clear waters a relaxing experience. You can even feed the trout in the lagoon – a very popular pastime!

Blue Spring Heritage Center is also home to lush gardens showcasing native plants, vibrant flowers, and towering trees. The Woodland Garden offers a shaded path filled with wildflowers, while the Medicine Wheel Garden highlights plants historically used by indigenous people for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

Visitors can enjoy winding walking trails that meander past rock formations, cascading water features, and peaceful ponds. Benches are thoughtfully placed throughout the gardens, providing perfect spots to sit and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

The combination of water, flora, and wooded areas makes Blue Spring Heritage Center a haven for wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting songbirds, herons, and hawks. Nature photographers will find endless inspiration in the reflections of the blue waters, blooming flowers, and ancient rock formations.

Beautiful Scenery But Also A Deep History

Cliffs at Blue Spring Heritage Center

Thinking Blue Spring is a beautiful place is not a new phenomenon. The Cherokee and other indigenous groups recognized Blue Spring as a sacred site long before European settlers arrived. In fact, the center’s Blue Spring Shelter, an archaeological site listed on the National Register of Historic Places, shows evidence of human habitation going back some 10,000 years!

Not all of the area’s history is happy, unfortunately. Blue Spring also served as a stopping point during the tragic Trail of Tears era. This is when Cherokee people were forced from their homelands to present-day Oklahoma between 1830 and 1850. Consequently, Blue Spring is recognized as part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Interpretive signs throughout the center explain the historical, natural, and cultural significance of the area.

Planning Your Visit

Blue Spring Heritage Center is open daily, 9am to 6pm, from March 15th through November 29. Blue Spring Heritage Center is located at 1537 Co Rd 210, Eureka Springs, AR. This is just north of both our Beaver Lake resort and Eureka Springs; an easy and scenic 15 minute drive.

The center is a fantastic destination during the springtime bloom, as a summer retreat, or for a fall foliage adventure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, a history lesson, or simply a quiet place to recharge, this natural wonder offers it all.

Learn more at bluespringheritage.com. You can also find the Center on Facebook.

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