Blue Eye ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Blue Eye, Arkansas.
1. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE IN ARKANSAS
Garvan Woodland Gardens is the 210-acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas, offering a stunning display of natural beauty. Visitors can explore lush landscapes, ornamental gardens, and architectural wonders throughout the 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily operating hours. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat with various seasonal floral displays and special events throughout the year.
2. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
MODERN ART IN NATURE
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is nestled in the Ozark forest, showcasing five decades of American art in a stunning natural setting. The museum features natural material art and outdoor sculptures, along with a Frank Lloyd Wright house and tranquil trails for visitors to enjoy. Crystal Bridges offers free access to its main collection, making world-class art accessible to all visitors.
3. Thorncrown Chapel
AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural masterpiece that won a prestigious architecture award in 1980. The chapel features stunning glass walls that create a seamless connection between the interior space and the surrounding woodland. Visitors are drawn to its spiritual atmosphere and the way sunlight filters through the structure, creating a magical experience regardless of religious affiliation.
4. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC HOT SPRINGS TREASURE
Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park, showcasing the rich history of thermal water use in the region. The historic bathhouse offers self-guided tours through well-preserved exhibits that reveal the heritage and medicinal role of the natural hot springs. Visitors can explore the elegant architecture and learn about the therapeutic traditions that made Hot Springs a popular destination throughout history.
5. Hot Springs National Park
HEALING WATERS AND HISTORY
Hot Springs National Park preserves geothermal springs believed by American Indians to have healing properties, established as a national park in 1921. The park encompasses beautiful historic bathhouses, hiking trails, and natural hot springs throughout the Ouachita Mountains. Visitors can experience the therapeutic waters, explore the observation tower, and connect with both the natural and cultural heritage of this unique national park.
6. Buffalo National River
WILD WATERS AND WILDERNESS
Buffalo National River offers visitors the chance to experience one of America's few remaining undammed rivers flowing freely through the Ozark Mountains. The river provides excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking along its 135-mile course through dramatic limestone bluffs. Visitors can enjoy camping under starlit skies while exploring the diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife that thrive along this protected waterway.
7. Little Rock Central High School
CIVIL RIGHTS LANDMARK
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site commemorates the 1957 desegregation crisis that became a pivotal moment in American civil rights history. The site preserves the school where the Little Rock Nine broke barriers in the face of fierce opposition to school integration. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about this crucial chapter in the struggle for equality and civil rights in America.
8. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY CENTER
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum houses archives and exhibits dedicated to the presidency of Bill Clinton, Arkansas's native son. The modern facility includes a replica of the Oval Office and extensive collections documenting Clinton's time in office. Visitors can explore interactive displays, presidential artifacts, and the surrounding park grounds along the Arkansas River.
9. Table Rock Lake
OZARK WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Table Rock Lake offers pristine waters and scenic beauty just a short distance from Blue Eye, making it a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water sports. The lake's clear waters are home to various fish species, including bass and crappie, attracting anglers from across the region. Visitors can enjoy swimming beaches, marina facilities, and spectacular Ozark Mountain views along the 800 miles of shoreline.
10. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
PRISTINE OZARK WILDERNESS
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a 10,000-acre nature preserve featuring crystal-clear streams, cascading waterfalls, and ancient burial caves near the Arkansas-Missouri border. Visitors can explore the pristine wilderness through hiking, biking, wildlife tours, and trout fishing in the park's blue-ribbon waters. The park offers guided tram tours that showcase American bison, elk, and longhorn cattle in their natural habitat.
11. Eureka Springs Historic District
VICTORIAN MOUNTAIN RESORT TOWN
Eureka Springs Historic District features over 400 Victorian buildings clinging to the steep hillsides of this charming Ozark Mountain town. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with winding streets revealing unique shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in 19th-century structures. Visitors are enchanted by the preserved architecture, natural springs, and artistic atmosphere that has made Eureka Springs a beloved destination for generations.
12. Beaver Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Beaver Lake spans 28,000 acres across the Ozark Highlands, offering year-round recreation opportunities within driving distance of Blue Eye. The clear waters provide excellent fishing for striped bass, crappie, and catfish, while the 487 miles of shoreline feature limestone bluffs and forested hills. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, swimming, and hiking while exploring the lake's numerous coves and scenic vistas.
13. Silver Dollar City
HISTORIC THEME PARK EXPERIENCE
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed amusement park featuring over 40 rides and attractions, including world-class roller coasters and water adventures. The park showcases traditional Ozark craftsmanship with demonstrating artisans practicing glassblowing, blacksmithing, and woodworking throughout the grounds. Visitors can enjoy seasonal festivals, live entertainment, and home-style dining while experiencing the unique blend of thrills and historical charm.
14. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
BIG CAT SANCTUARY
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing abandoned, abused, and neglected big cats and other wildlife. The refuge provides lifetime care for over 100 animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, and bears that have been saved from exploitative situations. Visitors can take guided walking tours to learn about the animals' stories and the importance of wildlife conservation.
15. Blanchard Springs Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a stunning three-level cave system in the Ozark National Forest featuring spectacular limestone formations that continue to grow and change. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers where stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstones create an otherworldly landscape beneath the surface. The surrounding recreation area offers camping, hiking trails, and a natural spring that creates a beautiful mountain stream.