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Nature|Parks & Gardens

This Hidden Lagoon In Arkansas Has Some Of The Bluest Water In The State

Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs is a hidden gem featuring a stunning blue lagoon and rich history.

Updated Jul 12, 2023

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

It's not hard to find a trip's worth of attractions around Eureka Springs; after all, it is one of the most artistic towns in the state. However, some of Arkansas' best places (especially in this town) are hidden in plain sight. The Blue Spring Heritage Center is a stunning garden and spring that's filled with history. Inside, you'll find what is perhaps the most beautiful blue lagoon in Arkansas. Let's step away from the town's popular and busy Main Street and head to this secluded and peaceful treasure.

Unlike most of the attractions in Eureka Springs, you won't find this one while strolling around downtown.

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TripAdvisor/sharonsartin

Unless you've planned ahead to visit, the Blue Springs Heritage Center is, unfortunately, easy to miss. It's about eight miles northwest of the town at 1537 Co. Rd. 210, Eureka Springs, AR, 72632.

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Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the tourists in town is well worth it, though!

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TripAdvisor/scrappymel

The 33 acres of botanical garden and the bluest water you've ever seen will make the trip your favorite Eureka Springs attraction.

Walking away from the enchanting spring may be difficult, but there are other interesting places to explore in the area.

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Google/Ren Bortorsky

It may not look significant upon first glance but a bluff shelter near the Blue Spring is on the National Register of Historic Places. The shelter was used as a Native American campground for centuries and artifacts have been found dating back to 8000 BC.

Everywhere you look, there is scenic beauty.

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Blue Spring Heritage Center Facebook Page

It's one of the things that makes this place a favorite for photography.

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It may look like a page from a fairy tale, but the Blue Spring really is a dream come true.

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Google/Jim Jursch

It's a great place to visit with family and friends and for taking a short stroll around the premises.

This is nature at its best!

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Blue Spring Heritage Center Facebook Page

Even folks who are visiting nearby Bentonville come here for a chance to enjoy what is perhaps the bluest lake in Arkansas.

For more information, be sure to visit the Blue Springs Heritage Center website, as well as the Blue Springs Heritage Center Facebook page.

If you're interested in making a weekend trip to Eureka Springs, you might consider the Quality Inn Eureka Springs South. Another out-of-the-way treasure in Eureka Springs is this secluded cabin in the forest.

We would love to see your photos of the lagoon on our Facebook Page, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

And if you’re still in the mood for more Arkansas adventures, take a look at this video:

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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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Arkansas State Parks/Facebook

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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Tripadvisor/Kathie M

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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Facebook/Blue Spring Heritage Center

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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