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.

Explore Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Those looking to take in the natural beauty of the Ozarks on a day trip will enjoy a visit to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. This breathtaking nature preserve is home to trails, waterfalls, towering limestone bluffs, wildlife, and crystal-clear streams. Even better, it’s just under an hour from our Eureka Springs area bed and breakfast!

Fans of the great outdoors will find plenty to love about their stay at Sugar Ridge Resort. Our location overlooking Beaver Lake offers panoramic views and plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife, and more.

It can be fun to spend the day exploring the area on a longer jaunt, too. Many of our guests enjoy day trips to Branson, MO, Crystal Bridges Art Museum in Bentonville, and other destinations. One journey we encourage is to gorgeous Dogwood Canyon. This popular, 10,000-acre nature preserve spans the Arkansas-Missouri border and is less than an hour’s drive from our Beaver Lake resort.

In fact, the drive to Dogwood Canyon is a scenic experience in itself. The route winds through lush forests and scenic byways, offering glimpses of Beaver Lake and the picturesque Ozark countryside. A rustic mill and the visitor center greet you as you arrive at the park, a perfect welcome for a day immersed in nature.

Visiting Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Dogwood Canyon is located at 2038 West State Hwy 86, in Lampe, MO. The park offers a variety of ways to explore and enjoy its natural beauty, whether you’re after lazy leisure or energetic activity.

A 6.5-mile, paved, hiking and biking trail winds through park past breathtaking landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and clear, trout-filled streams. You say you didn’t bring your bike? No problem! You can rent one on-site!

For a more immersive back country experience, you can also explore the trails on horseback. Guided horseback rides take you through wooded paths, across streams, and into areas less traveled by foot.

You can also experience the park’s wilderness without breaking a sweat. Wildlife Tram Tours, off-road tours, and educational tours take you deep into the preserve. Here you’ll see wildlife like elk and bison, and see larger portions of the park’s back country.

Anglers will love casting a line into the park’s well-stocked waters, which teem with rainbow trout. If you’re new to the sport, guided fly-fishing lessons are available to help you refine your skills.

waterfall at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Exploring the great outdoors can cause you to work up quite the appetite but don’t worry. The park’s Mill & Canyon Grill is here to make sure you won’t go hungry!

With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor activities, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a destination you won’t want to miss. Visit dogwoodcanyon.org for seasonal hours and more details.

The Home Again to Sugar Ridge Resort

After a full day of adventure, return to Sugar Ridge Resort for a well-earned rest. Relax in your private hot tub, sip a glass of wine on the deck, and take in the sunset as the sounds of nature surround you.

Whether you enjoy hiking through the scenic trails of Dogwood Canyon or prefer to simply soak up the tranquil beauty of Beaver Lake, Sugar Ridge Resort makes the perfect home away from home in the Ozarks. We hope to see you soon!

Discover Hobbs State Park – Arkansas’ Largest State Park!

Beaver Lake at Hobbs State Park

Nestled just outside Eureka Springs, Sugar Ridge Resort offers the perfect home base for exploring all the area’s attractions. In fact Hobbs State Park, Arkansas’ largest state park, is just a short drive away!

The cozy cabins and suites of our Eureka Springs Resort overlook the serene beauty of Beaver Lake. This scenic location provides our guests with lush, panoramic lake and forest views. Imagine starting your morning with coffee on a private deck, watching the sunrise over the lake. Later, the tranquil atmosphere and luxurious accommodations make a great place to unwind after a day’s exploring.

Hobbs State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. The largest state park in Arkansas at over 12,000 acres, you can easily immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.

The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including oak-hickory forests, limestone bluffs, and the pristine waters of Beaver Lake.  From hiking and biking trails to lake activities and historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area

Hobbs State Park spans the southern shore of Beaver Lake at 20201 AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756. A scenic drive of less than an hour from Sugar Ridge Resort.

Activities to Enjoy

  • Hiking Trails: Hobbs State Park boasts trails for every skill level. The 1.5-mile Historic Van Winkle Trail offers an easy walk through a scenic valley and highlights the remnants of a Civil War-era sawmill. For those seeking more adventure, the 16-mile Hidden Diversity Multi-Use Trail is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.
  • Paddling on Beaver Lake: Bring your kayak or rent one locally to explore the calm waters of Beaver Lake. Paddle through serene coves, taking in the peaceful surroundings and watching for wildlife like bald eagles and great blue herons.
  • Wildlife Watching: Hobbs State Park is a haven for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional fox as you explore the park’s trails.
an autumn waterfall

Hobbs State Park is open year-round, offering a different experience with each season. Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall paints the landscape with warm hues of red, orange, and yellow. Winter offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for crisp hikes and quiet reflection.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful escape, Hobbs State Park in Rogers, AR, delivers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Pack your gear, grab your camera, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Ozarks.

Visit arkansasstateparks.com for more information.

Then Home Again to Sugar Ridge Resort

After a day of adventure, retreat to the comfort of Sugar Ridge Resort. Unwind in a luxurious hot tub or relax on your private deck while soaking in the spectacular sunset over Beaver Lake. The combination of outdoor fun and resort comfort ensures a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy a romantic escape, or embark on an outdoor adventure, staying at Sugar Ridge Resort and exploring Hobbs State Park offers the best of both worlds. Start planning your Ozarks getaway today!

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!

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

Fishing Beaver Lake Arkansas

Fishing Beaver Lake Arkansas

Anglers staying at Sugar Ridge Resort will be happy to know that Beaver Lake is a popular fishing spot. The 28,000+ acre lake is home to a wide variety of fish, with boat ramps, marinas, gear rentals, guides, and more. Read on to learn more about fishing Beaver Lake, Arkansas.

With Eureka Springs so close nearby and the beauty of Beaver Lake at your feet, there’s no end to the fun you can have during your stay at Sugar Ridge Resort. This is especially true if your idea of fun includes casting a line into the water.

Beaver Lake is an angler’s paradise with a wide variety of fish to go after. Black bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, redear sunfish, blue catfish, bream, and many others.

The White River is also nearby with its healthy stock of brown and rainbow trout; the perfect fly-fishng spot.

In fact, Beaver Lake is a favorite destrination for FLW tournaments and several 40-pound-plus state-record stripers have been pulled from these waters.

Fishing Beaver Lake Arkansas

Fishing Beaver Lake by boat

With 487 miles of shoreline and a variety of outfitters and guides to choose from, fishing Beaver Lake, Arkansas can take a variety of forms.

First thing’s first, however: you’re going to need a valid Arkansas fishing license and knowledge of the Beaver Lake fishing rules and regulations.

Next up is gear. If you didn’t bring your own, you’ll find a number of providers around the lake.  The Beaver Dam Store is just five minutes from Sugar Ridge Resort with a good fly and tackle shop, as well as fishing guides.

Those hoping to fish from the surface of the lake will discover a public access boat ramp just one mile from the resort. You say you didn’t bring a boat? No problem! Beaver Lake is home to a numerous boat rentals, including those at nearby Starkey Marina.

There’s no bad season for fishing at Beaver Lake.  In fact, you can catch fish here all year long.

fly-fishing the White River near Beaver Lake
Fly-fishing for trout in the nearby White River.

Spring and fall are the best times for bass fishing because of that’s the time of their pre-spawn and spawn. Early spring and winter are some of the best times for striper, while walleye are best in spring or fall. Summer sees most folks going after catfish, though night-time striper fishing is also popular. Fall sees very healthy populations of striped and hybrid striped bass. Crappie are very plentiful and can be caught all year long.

As with all bodies of water, some parts of Beaver Lake are better than others for finding fish. Creek mouths are some of the best areas for striper and hybrid fishing, especially in summer. The flats near where the White River and War Eagle join Beaver Lake is a prime hot spot.

View up-to-date Beaver Lake fishing reports to discover current hot spots. You may also want to consider hiring a fishing guide or charter, which we would be happy to recommended for you.

Whatever tack you take, you can’t beat fishing Beaver Lake, Arkansas – and Sugar Ridge Resort is here to help!

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