The Christ of the Ozarks statue is truly a remarkable sight. Several stories high and weighing millions of pounds, this Eureka Springs Jesus statue is absolutely massive. However, the size isn’t the only interesting thing about the iconic statue. The story behind its construction is equally as impressive and worth a mention. If you’ve never seen this statue in person, take it from me, you’ll be blown away by it. Read on to learn more about this Jesus statue in Arkansas.
Overlooking the picturesque village of Eureka Springs, the Christ of the Ozarks statue stands at a towering 67 feet and weighs over 2 million pounds!
It was built in 1966, and has been one of the most visited attractions in the Ozarks ever since.
The statue’s fame is no surprise – it’s quite remarkable…and huge!
To put its size into perspective, the face is about 15 feet in height, while the hands, from wrist to fingertip, measure about 7 feet, which is taller than most humans.
And with a 65-foot "wingspan," it’s nearly as wide as it is tall.
Constructing the massive statue was no easy feat – especially when you learn that every inch of it was built by hand.
The grueling construction process was only made more difficult by the statue’s location. It’s nestled atop Magnetic Mountain, at an altitude of 1,500 feet.
In order to secure the massive sculpture, its foundation had to be welded into the rock of Magnetic Mountain. What’s more, it required 340 tons of concrete interlaced with steel.
As things progressed, workers had to build an elevator in order to reach the higher portions of the 7-story statue.
The effort was definitely worth it, as Christ of the Ozarks is the fourth-largest Jesus statue in the world and the largest in the U.S.
Often, Christ of the Ozarks is visited by those attending The Great Passion Play, which is performed in an amphitheater not far from the famous statue. You do NOT have to attend the play to visit, though.
Although, you might want to consider attending since it's the "number one attended outdoor drama in America," according to the Institute of Outdoor Drama in Greenville, North Carolina.
There is no cost to view Christ of the Ozarks; however, donations are appreciated. For more info on this iconic Jesus statue, call (479) 253-9200. You can also visit the Great Passion Play website.
So, did you know the story behind this famous statue in Eureka Springs? Ever viewed Christ of the Ozarks in person? If so, what do you think? Tell us!
Christ of the Ozarks is one of the state’s most recognizable sites, but it’s just the beginning of the must-see places in Arkansas. Check out our previous article about some of Arkansas' coolest underrated attractions that belong on your list.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/coolest-underrated-attractions-ar/
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