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!

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.

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