Looking Back – 2024 At Sugar Ridge Resort on Beaver Lake, AR

family cabin balcony view of lake

Christmas and New Years’ Eve are coming right up, meaning we’ve just about reached the end of 2024 – and what a year it has been! We met dozens of wonderful guests and made many warm memories here at our Eureka Springs resort on Beaver Lake. Now it’s time to get ready to do it all over again!

Hosting visitors in this beautiful corner of the world  never gets old. The Sugar Ridge Resort property, nestled on the scenic shores of Beaver Lake, is a true gem.  We like to think we offer a perfect getaway in the heart of the Ozarks.

The lake’s wildlife and natural beauty is the crowning jewel. Our perch above the lake provides breathtaking 180-degree views of the stunning Ozark landscape. Getting out int o nature here is a snap. Whether your jam is fishing, boating, hiking, or just sitting on the porch, soaking up the scenery, we’ve got you covered.

The surrounding area is loaded with things to do, too. Iconic attractions like Cosmic Cavern, Thorncrown Chapel, Blue Spring Heritage Center, Christ of the Ozarks, Crystal Bridges Art Museum, and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

And don’t forget nearby Eureka Springs!

Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, music lover, shopper, or foodie, Eureka Springs has something for you. The town’s eclectic and lively arts scene packs the calendar with can’t-miss events. Favorites like Eureka Gras, Ozark Euro Rally, Corvette Weekend, Hillberry Music Festival, the Original Ozark Folk Festival, the Christmas Parade of Lights, and so much more!

No matter what brings you, we’re so glad folks choose to share their time here with us and hope you’ll come join us, too!

2024 At Our Beaver Lake Resort

Shanda Sheldon – 5/5
July 2024
“My partner and I just celebrated 3 years together and our second anniversary on your property. This was the best vacation I ever had. We got to have an extended stay this time and it was incredible. Thank you for helping me pull off an amazing surprise of chocolates and flowers I couldn’t have done it without the amazing staff coming together to pull it off. The rooms are very clean. Kitchen is well stocked with equipment, just bring food and enjoy! If not, down town is 25 min away and has great food!“

View of Beaver Lake

Trista Dyer – 5/5
August 2024
“Absolutely amazing experience! Stayed in one of the couples cabins and it was beautiful and had all the amenities needed for a relaxing weekend. Not too far from Eureka Springs, if you want to do the touristy thing, but far enough away that it’s peaceful and quiet, with a gorgeous view of the lake. Will definitely be going back soon!“

Duane Harris – 5/5
September 2024
“Was truly an awesome inspiring and tranquil
Getaway
Very friendly staff
Rooms are spacious and very well kept up and clean
My wife and I were able to just totally relax
Hats off to Ramona
Will definitely be going back“

Theresa Morgan – 5/5
October 2024
“My husband and I had a wonderful time at this resort! People are very friendly, cabin beautiful, loved the scenery. Will go back next year!!“

Sugar Ridge Resort Gift Certificates

Sugar Ridge Resort gift certificates

Give the gift of a vacation at our Beaver Lake resort with Sugar Ridge Resort gift certificates!

Sugar Ridge Resort gift certificates are an excellent gift. They 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. Best of all, they’re very easy to purchase.

Simply fill out the form, make your payment, and you’re done. Instant Eureka Springs getaway!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Sugar Ridge Resort!

Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2025

Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2025

Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2025 is just a couple of months away so now is a great time to make your plans to attend.  2025 celebrates OzMoMu’s 11th year and promises an unforgettable lineup of bands, topped by a major headliner! January 16-19th, 2025 at the Basin Park Hotel in downtown Eureka Springs.

Ozark Mountain Music Festival is a lively, four-day event held every winter in Eureka Springs since 2014. Each festival delivers a diverse lineup of 32 bands over four days. A collection of high-energy acts from a variety of genres, including bluegrass, folk, Americana, roots rock, and more.

OzMoMu has earned a reputation as a “music festival in a hotel,” blending the close-knit atmosphere of a house party with the thrill of a full-blown festival. The interactive, relaxed environment allows for spontaneous jam sessions and a chance to meet the performers. This immersive musical experience imbued with an infectious community spirit keeps people returning year after year.

Best of all, Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2025is less than half an hour’s drive from Sugar Ridge Resort! Enjoy hours of mountain music at the festival, then it’s an easy hop back to your Beaver Lake cabin or suite. What fun!

Ozark Mountain Music Festival 2025

While this year’s lineup has yet to be announced, we are assured it includes both returning favorites and fresh faces. Past years have seen such popular acts as Arkansauce, Wood & Wire, and Opal Agafia, to name but a few. With multiple, daily performances and plenty of room to dance, guests are in for a weekend of non-stop entertainment!

Beyond the music, OzMoMu also provides a variety of fun activities to enjoy along with the music. Things like theme nights, whiskey tastings, yoga & mimosas, ice skating, hatchet throwing, macrame, tie-dyeing, and even Door Decorating Contest.

attendees to OzMoMu 2025

Eureka Springs’ historic Basin Park Hotel provides the perfect setting for Ozark Mountain Music Festival. The festival’s venerable venue adds an extra layer of charm to the event with century-old character, stunning architecture, and vintage appeal.

OzMoMu sells out every year and all-access passes are going fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your spot at one of the most anticipated music festival weekends of the year! Spend the weekend enjoying the festival and downtown Eureka Springs, then it’s just a quick and scenic drive back to your Beaver Lake cabin or suite. Great fun!

Visit the festival website to learn more and buy tickets. You can also follow this event on Facebook.

Exploring Eureka Springs Wineries

Eureka Springs wineries

Wine lovers staying at our Sugar Ridge Resort will be pleased to know that two popular, Eureka Springs wineries are close nearby: Keels Creek Winery and Railway Winery. Both are less than a half-hour from our Beaver Lake cabins and suites and offer an excellent pairing for a day of tasting.

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a getaway to the Ozarks on the shores of Beaver Lake. Our guests enjoy expansive lake views, outdoor adventure, stunning sunsets, wildlife, and a comfortable proximity to Eureka Springs; not too close, yet not too far.

Many of our guests spend at least one day soaking in the sights and sounds of Eureka Springs during their stay. And why not? The historic city offers many of the area’s most popular enticements: shopping, dining, art, history, tours, theater, music, a full calendar of festivals – and wineries.

Eureka Springs Wineries

Did you know that the Ozarks have their own wine-growing region. It’s true! In fact, the Ozark Mountain AVA is one of the largest in the United States. It covers some 3.5 million acres and includes parts of northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, and a small part of eastern Oklahoma. Of course, a vintner may use grapes from a variety of sources but having a neighborhood viticultural area usually means better and more unique wines.

Add an extra level of fun to your trip with a visit to one or both Eureka Springs wineries. Each provides the perfect combination of scenic vineyard landscapes, award-winning wines, and local charm. Further, both have their own, unique style, creating an unforgettable tasting experience.

Keels Creek Winery: A Refined Tasting Journey

Keels Creek Winery

Keels Creek Winery, a boutique vineyard just outside of Eureka Springs, offers a distinctive wine experience with a focus on Ozark Mountain-grown grapes. Their wines, particularly the Chambourcin and Norton, highlight the rich flavors of the region. The cozy, Spanish-style tasting room doubles as an art gallery, showcasing local artists and creating a cultural experience for visitors.

Knowledgeable staff guide guests through tastings, providing insights into the winemaking process and sharing stories behind each bottle. A walk around the vineyard and a stop on the patio for a glass of wine make this a peaceful and enriching visit.

Keels Creek Winery is located at 3183 E Van Buren in Eureka Springs, less than 30 minutes from Sugar Ridge Resort.

Railway Winery: A Laid-Back Experience

Railway Winery

Railway Winery presents a relaxed, rustic experience in a beautiful woodland setting, just off the historic Rock Island Railway. This small family-owned winery and tasting room combines the region’s rich history with a laid-back tasting atmosphere. Railway is known for its diverse selection of wines and small-batch fruit wines. The winery also produces meads and hard ciders, providing an exciting range for every palate.

The tasting room offers an intimate setting, perfect for leisurely sampling the winery’s distinct wines. They also have Arkansas craft beers on tap and cocktails crafted from spirits distilled next door at Butler Creek Distilling.

Railway Winery often hosts live music and events, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the peaceful Ozark surroundings. With its eclectic charm and warm hospitality, Railway Winery adds a fun, creative touch to the tasting experience.

Visit Railway Winery at 4937 Hwy 187 in Eureka Springs. This is just over ten minutes from our Beaver Lake cabins and only 20 minutes from Keels Creek.

A Eureka Springs Wineries Day Trip

These two Eureka Springs wineries offer an excellent pairing for a fun day of wine tasting. Keels Creek provides a sophisticated start to the day, while Railway Winery adds a casual, adventurous twist. Both reflect the character of the Ozarks and showcase the unique potential of locally sourced ingredients.

Arkansas Fall Foliage at Beaver Lake

In between or after your tastings, Eureka Springs offers a heady collection of unique restaurants, shops, and attractions to discover.

Finish your tasting-day off with a stop by The Stone House at 89 S Main Street. This popular venue offers is the ideal spot to relax. Sample from their vast selection of local and international wines, craft beers, and impressive array of cheeses, meats, and other delights. The knowledgeable staff is happy to recommend pairings, and the bar’s cozy, rustic, ambiance invites you to linger and reflect. A gourmet experience that’s just right for winding down.

Combining Keels Creek’s elegance, Railway’s rustic vibe, and The Stone House’s relaxing ambiance makes for a perfect day trip in Eureka Springs. Each stop showcases the area’s unique take on winemaking, hospitality, and artisanal food to create a truly unforgettable experience.

What are you hoping to do or see during your Beaver Lake getaway? Let us know and we’ll help point you in the right direction!

Here Comes War Eagle Craft Fair 2024!

War Eagle Craft Fair 2024

The weather is cooling and the foliage is beginning to change, which means it’s almost time for War Eagle Craft Fair 2024! This popular annual fall tradition attracts artisans, craftsmen, and visitors from all across the country. This year’s fair, scheduled for October 17-20, 2024, marks the event’s 70th annual return and promises to be as captivating as ever.

There are numerous reasons to visit the Eureka Springs area in autumn, including fall foliage, fun festivals, and fewer folks.  The annual War Eagle Craft Fair is a big part of the attraction and has been since 1954.

The annual War Eagle Craft Fair is really three craft fairs folded into one. There’s the War Eagle Mill Fall Arts and Crafts Fair, The Sharps’ Show, and War Eagle Fair. The four-day event features more than 300 artisans and draws an estimated 130,000 people, with annual sales exceeding $1 million.

The setting at the historic War Eagle Mill adds to the fair’s charm. The mill, with its iconic red structure and waterwheel, serves as a stunning backdrop. Located on the banks of the War Eagle River, the event provides a unique opportunity to enjoy fine craftsmanship, natural beauty, and the vibrant energy of a time-honored tradition. The peaceful War Eagle River and fall colors make it an ideal spot for a day of browsing and enjoying the crisp autumn air.

Best of all, the Mill is less than an hour’s scenic drive from our Beaver Lake cabins and suites. Enjoy a day of perusing all the fine offerings at the Craft Fair, knowing it’s just a short drive back to your accommodations at Sugar Ridge Resort.

War Eagle Craft Fair 2024

War Eagle Craft Fair goods

This year’s fair is scheduled for October 17th through the 20th, 2024. Historic War Eagle Mill, site of the craft fair, is located at 11045 War Eagle Road in Rogers, AR. 

Over 250 vendors will showcase their handmade goods at the fair, everything from jewelry and pottery to woodwork and textiles. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, home décor, or wearable art, the fair offers something for everyone. Both seasoned artisans and fresh creators display their talents here, ensuring a diverse mix of items to explore.

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy as well. You can snack on kettle corn, funnel cakes, and smoked meats. Fresh apple cider is a must-try, and the mill’s restaurant serves hearty meals made with locally ground flour. Don’t forget to pick up some flour as a souvenir of your visit.

The War Eagle Craft Fair captures the spirit of fall in the Ozarks. The combination of handmade crafts, local food, and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, this year’s fair promises to deliver a perfect autumn weekend.

Visit the craft fair website for more information. You can also follow the fair on Facebook.

2024 Eureka Springs Classic Car Show and Shine

Eureka Springs Classic Car Show and Shine 2024

Fans of clean and classy, antique autos will not want to miss the 2024 Eureka Springs Classic Car Show. The 53rd return of this popular event is a must-attend for anyone with an appreciation for vintage charm. September 6-7, 2024 in Eureka Springs, AR.

The Classic Car Show and Shine (previously the Antique Automobile Festival) is a long-standing, annual gathering. The event transforms Eureka Springs into a vibrant celebration of automotive history and culture. Eureka Springs’ historic downtown and scenic beauty provides the perfect backdrop for a showcase of automotive excellence.

The Eureka Springs Classic Car Show is more than just a display of vehicles; it’s a step back in time. A chance to marvel at meticulously restored and lovingly maintained classic cars. The show features a wide variety of vehicles from a many different eras. From sleek 1950s Cadillacs to the muscle cars of the 1970s, and much more. An eye-catching array that highlights the evolution of automotive design and engineering.

Best of all, it all occurs just 30 minutes or less from the lakeside cabins and suites of Sugar Ridge Resort!

Eureka Springs Classic Car Show and Shine 2024

The 2024 car show is scheduled for September 6th and 7th, in and around Eureka Springs, AR.

The event kicks off on Friday, Sept 6, with a parade of classic cars cruising through the historic streets of Eureka Springs. This parade is a sight to behold and an event highlight. The gleaming chrome and vibrant paint jobs reflect Eureka Springs’ unique architecture and natural beauty. An opportunity for car owners to showcase their vehicles while spectators get a glimpse of automotive history in motion.

A stylish dashboard

Saturday, Sept 7, is the main event, with hundreds of classic cars on display at The Great Passion Play grounds. This is always a lively atmosphere. One filled with the sounds of revving engines and the smells of polished leather and gasoline. Car enthusiasts will have the chance to get up close to a wide variety of classic cars and chat with their owners. You can even participate in the judging process!

In addition to the gorgeous cars, there are plenty of activities for the whole family. Vendors offer everything from car parts and accessories to memorabilia and food. There’s also live music, adding to the festive atmosphere and ensuring that everyone, whether they’re car enthusiasts or not, has a great time. It is very easy to spend the entire day immersed in the world of classic automobiles.

The 2024 Eureka Springs Classic Car Show draws participants and spectators from all over the region, creating a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts. It’s also great fun for the casual attendee looking for a fun and nostalgic weekend getaway. Learn more at www.antiqueautofest.com. You can also find this event on Facebook.

Sugar Ridge Resort is within easy reach of Eureka Springs but offers a serene and relaxing lakeside stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spend the day feeding your inner gear head at the car show, then it’s just a pleasant, half-hour’s drive to the comfort of your accommodations with 180 degree views of the Ozarks and Beaver Lake. Book your stay today!

The Aviation Cadet Museum: A Hidden Gem in Eureka Springs

The Aviation Cadet Museum

Whether your interests lie in history, military, or flight, you’ll find plenty to interest you at the Aviation Cadet Museum in Eureka Springs, AR. 

This unique attraction stands as a testament to the courageous people who served as aviation cadets and is dedicated to preserving the rich history and legacy of these unsung heroes.

The Aviation Cadet Program, which operated from 1917 to 1961, provided  rigorous training. It prepared young men to become pilots, navigators, and bombardiers in the U.S. Army Air Forces and later the U.S. Air Force.

The program’s graduates played pivotal roles in World War II, the Korean War, and beyond. Despite their significant contributions, the stories of these cadets often remain in the shadows.

Now, thanks to former aviation cadet Errol Severe, who established the museum, their stories can be told.

Visiting The Aviation Cadet Museum

The museum is located at 1 County Road 2073 in Eureka Springs, AR. This is about a 30 minute, scenic drive from the Beaver Lake cabins and suites at Sugar Ridge Resort.

Museum exhibits are meticulously curated and feature a wealth of artifacts. These include uniforms, flight gear, photographs, and personal mementos donated by former cadets and their families. Each item tells a story of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication.

Informative and interactive displays allow a deeper understanding of the rigorous training conditions that trainees endured. One standout exhibit is the comprehensive timeline of the Aviation Cadet program, providing a detailed overview of its evolution and impact.

The museum’s collection of restored aircraft is one of its biggest attractions. These include a Republic F-105 Thunderchief supersonic fighter-bomber, an F-100 Super Sabre, a supersonic Northrop F-5, a Navy T-34 Mentor, and a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star.

You’ll also see an AeroBall Simulation Cabinet.  This one-of-a-kind, immersive flight simulator was created by John Barnes of Barnes & Noble Bookstores for NASA and the Space Camp program. There’s also a Convair T-29 “flying classroom” with cockpit and navigation controls that you can try. Both of these displays are the only ones of their type in the world.

A Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
The Aeroball Simulator
an F-105 Wild Weasel

An Important Legacy

The Aviation Cadet Museum is not just a repository of artifacts; it is a place of education and inspiration. Guided tours, educational programs, and special events make it a valuable resource for all. The dedicated staff and volunteers are passionate about sharing the cadets’ stories and ensuring their legacy lives on. An onsite memorial honors the sacrifices of fallen cadets.

Beyond its historical significance, the museum is set in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, providing a serene and reflective environment. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area while exploring the rich heritage of the aviation cadets.

Spend a few hours exploring the museum’s many displays, then it’s just a quick, scenic drive back to the comforts of your accommodations at Sugar Ridge Resort.

Visit  www.aviationcadet.org for more information. You can also find the museum on Facebook.

Take to the Skies at Ozark Mountain Ziplines

Ozark Mountain Ziplines

Looking for a little high-flying adventure during your Beaver Lake getaway? Ozark Mountain Ziplines offers just that and more and is only 15 minutes away from Sugar Ridge Resort!

There’s no end to the ways you can enjoy yourself in the Beaver Lake area. Hiking, biking, caves, theater, shopping, dining, wineries, music, and more. Ziplining is one outdoor option that is guaranteed to get your blood flowing!

Those who’ve had the experience already know but, if never ridden a zipline, you’re in for quite a treat. The activity combines outdoor adventure with the fun of an amusement ride and can make you feel as if you’re flying like a bird.

Ozark Mountain Ziplines

Ozark Mountain Ziplines  (OMZ) is located on 66 forested acres at 208 West Van Buren, in Eureka Springs, AR. As we mention above, this is just a little over 10 minutes from the Beaver Lake cabins and suites at Sugar Ridge Resort.

Activities include a zipline course, on-site e-bike trails and rentals, and gem panning.

OMZ’s zipline course consists of 10 separate cables and a swinging bridge, stretching over 1.5 miles between the treetops. No man-made towers here! Helmeted zipliners safely glide from point to point along the cables, enjoying forested views from as high as 250′ off the ground. Choose from the full, two-hour canopy tour or the express, 40 minute tour.

e-mountain biking

Visitors can also rent e-mountain bikes to explore the center’s two-mile loop trail. While you still need to pedal, the e-bikes make getting over the rugged and bumpy hills that much easier. The trail includes streams, bridges, unique rock formations, and zipliners soaring overhead. There’s even a picnic area to stop, eat, and take in the scenery.

You can also pan for gems at OMZ’s Ozark Mountain Mining Company. Panners pay for a bag of “mining rough” to put through an authentic mining sluice. This washes the sand and dirt away to reveal what is hidden within. What treasures will you find? A fun-filled, all-ages activity and lesson in both history and geology.

Spend a few hours zipping from tree to tree, riding the trails, and panning for gems, then it’s just a short, scenic drive back to your comfy, lakeside cabin or suite at Sugar Ridge Resort. The makings of a perfect day!

Visit www.ziplineeurekasprings.com for hours, reservations, and more information. You can also find OMZ on Facebook.

Explore Roaring River State Park

Roaring River Spring
“Roaring River Spring” by Jeff Weese is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Those looking for a truly unique outdoor attraction will enjoy a visit to Missouri’s Roaring River State Park. Best of all, this popular destination is less than a half hour’s drive from the Beaver Lake cabins and suites of Sugar Ridge Resort!

You could easily spend a busy week in the Eureka Springs area and still not experience all there is to see and do here. Between all the local festivals, shopping, entertainment, history, and natural attractions, there’s never a need to stray too far afield.

Eureka Springs isn’t the only interesting place in the area, however. The entire region is loaded with fun things to do and see! Roaring River State Park is a great example of what we’re talking about.

The park is in a deep, narrow, river valley, carved out over the centuries by the Roaring River. In fact, one of the park’s most fascinating features is that it’s home to the source of the Roaring River!

Not only is Roaring River one of Missouri’s most popular state parks, it’s only a scenic, 25 minute drive away!

Roaring River State Park

This fantastic State Park can be found at 12716 Farm Road 2239 in Cassville, Missouri, only ten minutes or so past the Missouri/Arkansas border.

Roaring River Spring, located beneath a high limestone cliff, produces 20+ million gallons of water a day, on average. The water flows out into a deep blue pool that, while only 10 feet across, has been explored to a depth of 223 feet!

Another, smaller spring, located at the top of the cliff, cascades down into the main pool below. The water flows out of the deep pool, through a fish hatchery, then out to form the Roaring River. Fascinating!

Roaring River State Park Dam and Spillway
“Roaring River State Park Dam and Spillway” by Keith Snyder is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

As you can imagine, with the hatchery right there, fishing at the park is excellent. The waters offer year ’round, rainbow trout fishing but anyone 16 years of age or older will need a Missouri fishing permit to wet a line. Many prefer to simply watch and feed the many trout found swimming in the deep blue of the spring pool.

Roaring River State Park also offers 7 hiking trails. Trails that explore the 4,294 acre park, including hardwood forests, small streams, and strange geological formations.

Other park features include a historic CCC and WPA structures, the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center, a park store, restaurant, picnic tables, and more.

Visit the park website for more information.

Spend the day exploring the park, then it’s a just a a short and scenic drive back to your Beaver Lake cabin or suite at Sugar Ridge Resort. A great way to spend a vacation day!

The Great Passion Play 2024 Season

The Great Passion Play, Eureka Springs AR

Eureka Springs’ Great Passion Play theater and theme park opened in 1968 and has only become more famous with every passing year. The attraction is home to the towering Christ of the Ozarks monument, tours of the “Holy Land,” and a 4,000 seat outdoor amphitheater presenting stunning reenactments of  “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”

The Eureka Springs area is home to many standout attractions. For Christians, however, few can compete with The Great Passion Play. This amazing, Christian theme park was the brainchild of Gerald L. K. Smith. Smith, a conservative politician, retired to Eureka Springs in the 1960’s. Of course, his idea of retirement was a much more active pursuit than most!

Smith’s passion for spreading the word of the gospel was mighty. He proved this with his first big project: the seven story Christ of the Ozarks on the peak of Magnetic Mountain.  Not content to stop there, Smith began formulating plans for the Passion Play park during the statue’s construction.

Best of all, the park is only a half hour’s drive from the Beaver Lake cabins and suites of Sugar Ridge Resort!

Attractions at the Park

Christ of the Ozarks

The Great Passion Play theme park offers a great number of Christian-themed attractions. The most famous is The Great Passion Play itself: an hour-and-forty-five minute reenactment of Christ’s last week of mortal life. This thrilling epic drama is staged on a highly detailed, multi-level set featuring special effects, live animals, and a cast of 170 actors. All before a massive, a 4,000 seat outdoor amphitheater. Performances occur several times a week each month, May to October, with special performances around Easter and Christmas.

Beyond the live performances of The Passion Play are many family-friendly, theme park attractions. Popular experiences like the Holy Land Tour, where you can experience scenes and meet characters from biblical history first-hand. Visit the Bible Museum to see more than 6,000 different Bibles ​in 625 languages.

The Sacred Arts Center is home to more than 1,000 works of art, some of them going all of the way back to the ninth century! There are also special presentations to attend, a biblical marketplace to browse, and dining in The Great Hall Buffet.

Those looking to stretch their legs will enjoy the 18 miles of mountain biking, hiking, and trail running trails, designed for . One trail even leads to the Christ of the Ozarks monument, though you can also reach it by car. The 67 foot tall monument is especially striking at night, fully lit beneath a twinkling canopy of stars.

2024 Performances at The Great Passion Play

The Great Passion Play, Eureka Springs AR

The Passion Play’s 2024 season runs from Memorial Day Weekend through November 2nd, 2024. Performances are on Tuesday, Fridays, and Saturdays in June, July, and the first two Tuesdays of August. September and October performances are on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with special performances on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend Sundays.

The Passion Play theme park and most attractions are open 9am to 5pm year-round, except Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. ​The Christ of the Ozarks and the park’s trails are open 365 days a year, from sunrise to an hour after sunset.

Visit the park website for more details. You can also find the park on Facebook.

Spend as much time as you like at the park, knowing it’s just a short and scenic drive back to the comforts of your Beaver Lake cabin or suite at Sugar Ridge Resort.

Visit Onyx Cave Park – Arkansas’ Oldest Show Cave

Onyx Cave Park

The Eureka Springs area is home to a wide number of rare, unique, and historical attractions, including Onyx Cave, Arkansas’ oldest show cave. In fact, Onyx Cave Park is only a half-hour’s scenic drive from the Beaver Lake cabins of Sugar Ridge Resort!

There’s no end to the fun you can get up to here at Beaver Lake, Arkansas. Sugar Ridge Resort is perched high above Beaver Lake for breathtaking, 180 degree views. Visitors come to enjoy fishing, scenic drives, boating, hikes, and many other outdoor activities.

We’re also just next door to Eureka Springs and its cornucopia of activities, events, and attractions. Must-see destinations and happenings like Blue Spring Heritage Center, Christ of the Ozarks, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, the Original Ozark Folk Festival, War Eagle Craft Fair, Eureka Gras, and so much more.

One type of attraction that you can find all over the area is caves. Arkansas is riddled with fascinating caves that you can visit and tour.  As I mentioned above, the area is home to Arkansas’ oldest show cave: Onyx Cave.

Onyx Cave first opened to the public in 1893, making the attraction over 130 years old in 2024.

Show caves were not always as well understood, respected, or protected as they are now. In the early days, visitors didn’t think twice about taking a souvenir home with them. Consequently, Onyx shows a lot of past wear and tear. Why, the cave even had scenes from a movie shot in it: “It’s Alive,” a 1969 B-Movie thriller. Despite this fact, Onyx Cave still has plenty to reveal to those willing to explore it.

The cave gets its name from the many weird and fascinating flowstone formations found within. Flowstone, once commonly referred to as “cave onyx,”  is a smooth, sheet-like deposit of calcite found in limestone caves. It forms over thousands of years, deposited by flowing water and often resembling the flow that deposited it.

Onyx Cave Park

Visitors to the park can enjoy a self-guided, 30 minute audio tour of the cave. Paths in the cave are smooth and level, with steps and handrails where necessary. You’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and lots of flowstone in chambers with names like the Witches Fireplace and the Friendly Dragon.

The audio guide will direct your attention to notable cave features and provide other interesting facts about the cave’s history, geology, and wildlife. You may even be luck enough to see a bat, salamander, or other natural cave denizen. Fascinating – but don’t forget an extra layer! Onyx Cave’s temperature stays around 57° F (13.8° C) all year ’round, no matter the season or weather.

Beyond the cave tour, park visitors may also enjoy semi-precious gem-panning, axe-throwing, and a host of unique items for sale in the gift shop. They even have snow cones, the perfect treat on a hot day. Yum!

Onyx Cave is located in Onyx Cave Park at 338 Onyx Cave Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Visit the cave website for seasonal hours and other information. You can also visit the cave on Facebook.

Spend your day out exploring the natural wonders of the Eureka Springs area, then head back to the supreme comfort of your Beaver Lake cabins and suites at Sugar Ridge Resort. Who could ask for more?

stalactites inside Onyx Cave
axe-throwing at Onyx Cave Park
cavern inside Onyx Cave

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