Best things to do in Eureka Springs

A seemingly open-air chapel in the midst of a forest, Thorncrown Chapel is actually made of organic materials yet glass-enclosed and air-conditioned. The chapel is considered to be a significant influence in the field of architecture. The structure was designed so that each ray of light and change of weather makes the building appear different at every moment. Voluntary donations are accepted.

A peaceful sanctuary for big cats, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to leopards, tigers, cougars, and even black bears and ligers. Many of these animals came to the refuge wounded or neglected. The staff nurses the animals back to health and provides comfortable habitats. Volunteers staff the refuge and help care for the public access areas; they're also available to answer your questions.

Christ of the Ozarks stands as Arkansas' version of Rio de Janeiro's famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Built in 1967 by one of the sculptors of Mt. Rushmore, this statue stands 20 m (66 ft) tall and features a modernistic and minimalistic style with little facial expression. The statue is lit up at night.

With its 1,300 km (800 mi) shoreline, Table Rock Lake attracts those who like swimming, boating, diving, and fishing. In fact, with a large population of bass and 20 other species of fish, it hosts fishing tournaments every week. Set up camp at one of the sites nearby, have a picnic, or ride on amphibious vehicles that drive on land and float on the lake. The surrounding area has shops, restaurants, hiking trails, caves, golf courses, museums, and attractions for families.

Celebrate the legacy of U.S. artists and their work, from colonial to contemporary, at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Architect Moshe Safdie designed this museum to unite natural elements from the ravine where it was built with the structure of the museum itself, which opened in 2011. Spend time relaxing on the pavilion beside spring-fed ponds or gazing at masterpieces. From Rothko, Rockwell, and Lichtenstein paintings to Charles Willson Peale’s portrait of George Washington, the museum’s permanent collection does not disappoint. Travel through time and place as you move through the collection, which is laid out in chronological order, and enhance your experience by visiting the equally inspired temporary exhibits.

College of the Ozarks is a private Christian college in Point Lookout, Missouri. The college has an enrollment of 1,426 and over 30 academic majors in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs.
The college charges no tuition for full-time students due to its student work program and donations. The program requires students to work 15 hours a week at an on-campus work station and two 40-hour work weeks during breaks. A summer work program is available to some students to cover room and board costs. The college refers to itself as "Hard Work U" and places emphasis on "character" education.

Learn about old-time crafts like basket weaving, blacksmithing, and glass blowing at Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park packed with specialty shops, rides, shows, and restaurants. One of the region's top tourist destinations, this family-friendly park spans over 24 hectares (60 acres), and offers attractions ranging from roller coaster adventures and five-story water plunges to low-speed ladybug and spinning frog rides for young children. You can also choose from dozens of daily shows, including magic and comedy routines as well as bluegrass, blues, and country music performances. Check online for special offers, and be sure to consult the park's calendar for operating dates and times before you make the trip.

Hike or drive through the 12 parks that surround manmade Beaver Lake. Each park offers camping facilities and commercial marinas where you can rent a boat for exploring the water. Hiking trails weave through the parks and bring visitors near the limestone bluffs that skirt the 784 km (487 mi) of shoreline. You may want to spend time fishing, particularly for smallmouth and striper bass. If you fish, aim for the "flats" area away from the main channel for the most success.