Arkansas

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

This Secluded Lagoon Might Just Be The Most Tranquil Spot In All Of Arkansas

Blue Spring in Arkansas is a historic and beautiful natural site that offers tranquility and a rich cultural heritage.

Published May 11, 2018

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

There's no doubt that Arkansas lives up to its nickname of the Natural State. Finding pretty places isn't difficult at all but this particular one will easily become your favorite. Blue Spring is a wonderful mix of history and beauty that will make you feel like you've stumbled into a secret garden.

This gorgeous spring isn't from a fairy tale (although it could inspire one or two), but a real spot tucked away on the outskirts of Eureka Springs.

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Facebook/Blue Spring Heritage Center & Wedding Gardens

It's part of the Blue Spring Heritage Center & Wedding Gardens. You can find it at 1537 County Road 210, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.

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Walking down the trail that leads to the spring will instantly melt your tension away.

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After all, the spring has been used as a place of healing for centuries.

It wouldn't be surprising to spot a mermaid swimming in the lagoon.

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Okay maybe not a mermaid, but definitely trout! The spring pours 38 million gallons of water into the lagoon every day. The lagoon provides some of the purest water in the region which flows into the White River.

Blue Spring was considered sacred grounds for local and traveling Native American tribes.

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It had been an integral trading post of the Osage Indians and later used as a renewal spot for the Cherokee Nation during the Trail of Tears. Oral history dates the use of the spring even further back.

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The spring isn't the only historically interesting part of the Heritage Center.

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Facebook/Blue Spring Heritage Center & Wedding Gardens

There's also a bluff shelter that's on the National Register of Historic Places. A dig conducted by U of A students in 1971 uncovered prehistoric artifacts dating back to 8000 BC. The bluff shelter had been used as a camp ground for Native Americans as far back as 1700 AD.

Besides a rich history, the spring is simply a beautiful place to visit.

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It's surrounded by 33 acres of gardens with over a mile of trails.

Blue Spring and its lagoon may just be the most tranquil spot in the whole state.

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Tickets are $9.75 for adults and $6.50 for ages 6-17. For more details about the center and to see what’s in bloom, visit their website.

You can stay up-to-date on the center's events by following their Facebook Page.

Have you been to Blue Spring yet? What's your favorite part about the Heritage Center? Share with us in the comments below!

If you visit the spring in May, you should take advantage of Eureka Springs' month long festival.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One Of Arkansas’ Cleanest Lakes At Lake Fort Smith State Park

Did you know that Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg is one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes? It's true! This pretty oasis has lots of adventure.

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

We’ve mentioned before that there are over 2,300 named lakes in Arkansas. Many of these waterways are a source for recreational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, and more. However, there is one major Arkansas lake where swimming is prohibited and that is Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg. Tucked inside Lake Fort Smith State Park, this pretty gem is a source of water for the Fort Smith community, making it one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes. And though there is no swimming here, there are lots of other adventures for you to enjoy. Come check it out!

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At only 260-acres, Lake Fort Smith State Park isn’t the biggest state park, but it’s certainly one of the prettiest.

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Nestled inside the Boston Mountain Valley, the park was named after the 1,400-acre lake - Lake Fort Smith.

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Built in the 1930s, the lake was created as a source of water for the Fort Smith community.

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This means there is no swimming or wading in the reservoir, so it’s one of the cleanest lakes in the state.

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Experience Fort Smith/Google

Although no swimming is allowed, kayakers and boaters can enjoy floating in the pretty oasis. You’ll discover some really cool spots along the way.

Fishing is also allowed, and the lake is stocked with bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.

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If you want to go swimming, don't worry. The park has a large swimming pool with slides and a splash pad that the entire family can enjoy.

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Want to stretch your legs? Explore one of the scenic trails inside the park. Some even offer views of the lake.

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Don’t skip over the 8,000 square foot visitor center. There is a lot for you to explore here.

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The overlook and picnic areas offer pretty views of the lake. They’re great spots to sit and bask in all the lake’s glory.

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Did you know that Lake Fort Smith is one of Arkansas’ cleanest lakes? Have you been to Lake Fort Smith State Park before? Tell us below.

Want more adventure in Arkansas? Check out these incredible state parks that will blow your mind.

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Nature|Parks & Gardens

The Secret Garden In Arkansas You’re Guaranteed To Love

Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, AR, is a stunning botanical garden with rich history and magical scenery.

Updated Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

The Natural State is full of stunning natural places. From state parks to botanical gardens to mountain vistas and scenic lakes, there are literally hundreds of places where you can explore the beauty of nature here in Arkansas. Now it's time to add a secret garden in Arkansas to your list. That place is Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, AR, and we guarantee that you’re going to absolutely love it! Many say it is one of the best gardens in Arkansas.

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Blue Spring Heritage Garden is 33 acres of botanical gardens centered around Blue Spring and the gorgeous lagoon it pours into.

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This hidden gem has been a tourist attraction since 1948, but the tradition of visiting the spring dates back centuries for the Native American tribes who lived in the region.

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In fact, there’s a cliff shelter at the center that is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

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The Native American tradition of visiting the spring traces from centuries ago to the 1830s during the Trail of Tears and continues on today. You’ll learn so much about the history of the spring on your visit. They specialize in the rich history of the spring and the region in which it flows.

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In the mid-1800s, Blue Spring was home to a working gristmill, and that history is also preserved at the heritage center.

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Blue Spring Heritage Garden features over a mile of gorgeous trails that will take you through the botanical garden.

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Blue Spring is a massive spring. It pours 38 million gallons of water into the lagoon each day.

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Every bit of that water is clear and cool and they've built absolutely gorgeous structures throughout the gardens.

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Mostly what you’ll notice about this enchanting place is how incredibly magical it feels. It is definitely one of the prettiest gardens to visit in Arkansas.

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There’s a timelessness to the grounds, so that when you’re exploring you really do feel a million miles away from it all.

From the smallest floor to the roaring spring, every inch of Blue Spring Heritage Garden is like entering a secret garden. It's an only-in-Arkansas place you really must experience!

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This secret garden in Arkansas really is one of the state’s most beautiful hidden treasures! However, it’s not our only garden oasis. Here’s another gorgeous garden in Arkansas that you're guaranteed to love.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/ar-gwgardens-see-to-believe/

And if you’re looking for more stunning natural springs in Arkansas, check out this underground walking tour through Eureka Springs.

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