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Located just a few minutes west of Eureka Springs on U.S. Highway 62, this attraction is built around Blue Spring, which pours 38 million gallons of cold, clear water each day into its trout-filled lagoon.

Blue Spring captures the rich history of the Ozark region, from American Indian journeys and early settler life to prehistoric civilization.There is evidence of an old mill powered by the spring and other remnants of community centered on the water.

The Blue Spring Heritage Center has almost completely recovered from flooding which occurred earlier this spring. Heavy rains caused the nearby White River to rise to unprecedented levels, and the gazebo above the spring was almost completely submerged. As the water receded, the staff took heroic efforts to clean up and restore the site, so you can once again enjoy the combination of natural beauty and cultivated gardens. [Order this photo]

With exquisite arrays of plants and flowers, this site has served as a tourist attraction since 1948.

In 1993, 33 acres were transformed into the Eureka Springs Gardens. In 2003, the rich history of the land was blended with the beauty of the Gardens to become the Blue Spring Heritage Center. Artifacts, old photos, a new historic film explaining the significance of the Blue Spring site, and the walkways through the natural world all await visitors.

Visit the historic bluff shelter, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk on ground that nurtured the Cherokee people during the Trail of Tears. Connect with the natural beauty of the native gardens.

The short movie is a great place to start, and it runs every 12 minutes throughout the day. The theater also serves as a museum, highlighting valuable information about the history of the spring, gardens, bluff shelter and other points of interest. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the region and the evolution of Blue Spring.

This water source has provided energy and power, and the water became a magnet for activity that fed the spirit, healed physical and emotional wounds, and helped build a community.

American Indian tribes put their differences aside when they entered the spring area, since it was considered sacred ground. For thousands of years, American Indian elders have told stories of visits to Blue Spring and the important ceremonies held in the bluff shelter that served not only as a refuge, but also a sacred place for ritual.

The Bluff Shelter at Blue Spring is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In the early 1840s, Blue Spring Mill was built 300 feet downstream from the spring, tapping the water's flow to grind corn. In 1903, a new mill was built, combining a sawmill, grist mill and flour mill three stories high. Although most of the building was removed in 1943, the turbine still remains as a reminder of days past.

Many couples choose to marry at Blue Spring, which offers wonderful settings for picturesque, romantic ceremonies. The sites range from intimate little gazebos nestled in the flowers to the beautiful Spring Terrace surrounding Blue Spring, where as many as 500 guests can share in the joy of the occasion. Several of the sites will accommodate receptions as well.

More information on weddings or other activities at Blue Spring is available at (479) 253-9244 or at www.bluespringheritage.com.

You can also check the website to see "what's blooming" from month to month.

A gift shop offers American Indian and handcrafted items unique to the Ozark Region, pottery, artwork, books, music, crafts and much more.

Blue Spring fun facts

*In 1971, Robert G. Chenall and his students from the University of Arkansas conducted an archeological dig of the small bluff shelter next to Blue Spring. They found prehistoric artifacts, shellfish and the bones of deer, turtle and other fauna. Some date back as far as 8000 BC. Chenall also uncovered fire pits, and evidence of life such as small arrow points and Woodward Plain pottery, confirming the presence of American Indians dating back as far as 1700 AD.

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*More than a mile of trails wind through the Blue Spring Heritage Center, filled with colors, textures and the surprise of blooms in every season.

*The new gardens demonstrate crops, plants, flowers and healing herbs at home in the Ozarks.