Beauty and History at 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
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.
