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The Eureka Gardens Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is so rich in the history of the Ozarks Region.

Start your tour with our historic film, which runs every 12 minutes throughout the day. Our 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. 

Each day, 38 million gallons of water pours from the center of Blue Spring into its trout-filled lagoon. The lagoon overflows into the White River, replenishing the area with some of the purest water in the region according to a recent study.

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

It is noted that American Indian tribes put their differences aside when they entered the spring area as 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.

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.

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

For many years, Osage Indians claimed the Blue Spring as their trading post. Early settlers nicknamed them “Strongboat Indians” and used their boats to float furs, bear oil and beeswax down the old trade route of the White River to New Orleans.

In March, 1839, Blue Spring became a respite and renewal site for the Cherokee people during their forced march from Echoto, Georgia. In the American Indian oral tradition, stories were long told about the Spring so many on that route knew to stop at Blue Spring for hope and healing on a journey with impossible odds.

In the early 1840's, Blue Spring Mill was built 300 feet downstream from the Spring, powered by the water to grind corn.

In 1903, a new mill was built combining a saw, grist and flour mill three stories high and also powered by water.

Although most of the building was removed in 1943, the turbine still remains as a reminder of days past.