Always a pleasure to visit Thorncrown Chapel. Always an amazing and spiritual experience.read more

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (2 of 2)…read more - - - - - You may not know Thorncrown Chapel by its name, but you've most likely seen photos of it. It's a major example of "less is more" and "good things come in small packages." Thorncrown Chapel is a latticed timber structure - a nondenominational chapel that is Christian in its inspiration - sitting in the hilly, wooded terrain just outside of bohemian Eureka Springs, Arkansas. You will have to look for its small roadway from the highway to visit it. To say that it might resemble a popsicle stick model would be reductionist, but there is this affect in the way it looks. The difference is that the chapel is all about carefully selected, shaped, and connected wood members that make it a significant place in the world of American architecture. It was designed by the states's native son E. Fay Jones. He was the recipient of numerous awards, as is Thorncrown Chapel. The chapel is enclosed in glass. This brings in and keeps out the surroundings and elements, respectively. Sitting in here is a very serene experience. One could worship if they want - its scheme is a Christian one - or could just savor the silence. However, there is soothing instrumental music playing in the background that could intersect with today's new age variety. I thought that was humorous. They do not charge an entrance fee. They didn't when I visited. However, they do ask for donations and, if you visited, you should make a donation. There was a person on hand to answer questions. There might be events here, causing the chapel to open and close for short periods. One typical event might be a wedding. Closer to the entrance and away from the chapel is an office that tends to such affairs. Whether to visit Thorncrown Chapel garners the answer, "It depends." It is at the northwestern border of the state, just outside of Eureka Springs and below the Missouri border. However, it is far from Little Rock and Hot Springs, though not absurdly far from Fayetteville, home of the University of Arkansas. You will inevitably combine your visit with a visit to Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs is an artsy community shoehorned into a hilly mountain town that has restaurants, coffeehouses, gift shops, and the like ... and most likely garden variety stoners who work at these places. Think Nevada City, CA, Sedona, AZ, Galena, IL, Saratoga Springs, NY, and similar granolafied towns thrown into the middle of rural (and more conservative) America. I got derailed discussing Eureka Springs and its hippie vibe. If, to you, the distance is reasonable and doable, do visit Thorncrown Chapel. It's an interesting and unique mix of contextual, transparent, simple, and yet complex.

If you are in Eureka Springs and you're looking for a place to worship, I would recommend a visit…read moreto First Baptist Penn Memorial. The church meets in a beautiful, historic building that is nestled in the heart of downtown Eureka Springs. It's a short walk or drive from the famous historic hotels and most of the Airbnb's in town. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops close by that you can visit before or after Bible study and worship service as well. Parking was on the side of the street, and they also have a small parking strip located on the street to the right of the church building. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted and shown genuine hospitality. This church is not just a building; it came across as a home where everyone is part of a larger family. Music was very traditional. The preacher preached straight from scripture. The building is historic and beautiful, and very neat to visit. We were even offered a tour and given a chance to explore after worship service. The older gentleman who showed us around was extremely nice and able to speak to the history of the church and community very well. For those seeking a family of believers in Eureka Springs or just somewhere to worship and hear the good news of Jesus Christ while visiting the area, I would highly recommend First Baptist Penn Memorial.

What an awesome church! Our family stopped in on Sunday morning (passing by on vacation). The…read morepeople in this congregation are more than welcoming. I can't express how welcome we all felt! the preaching was solid, biblical, and though provoking. the building is rich in history and absolutely biblical. we hope to make it back!

We visited here. I thought it was very much filled with God's love. The people were also very…read morekind and friendly. It is worth the drive even if you live in another city.

FCFC Eureka Springs, AR call themselves Christian but are actually a Word of Faith / Prosperity…read moreGospel church, only preaching Chris Hodges maximum church growth curriculum (Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, Make a Difference) that are identical canned sermons taught at over 17,000 churches, in over 100 countries. This is NAR "name it & claim it" theology affiliated with Kenneth Copeland Ministries.

Beautiful and welcoming with lovely gardens and historic interior. A very special and holy place,…read moreindeed.

This is a very small but, very beautiful little church located in a quiet neighborhood away from…read morethe Historic District and across the street from The 1886 Crescent Hotel. The Rotunda, or entrance was built in 1904 by Richard Kerens, as a memorial to his mother. In 1909 he funded the construction of the sanctuary which is attached to the back of the Rotunda. He added the Bell Tower in 1910. There is no handicap access to get down to see everything. It requires steps down through the bell tower and a long ramp down for entry. It is well worth a stop to see the interior. The stained glass windows are wonderful and the church is a nice peaceful place to meditate. There are beautiful gardens and statues surrounding and a very nice gift shop behind the church. Make sure you arrive well before 5:00 as they sometimes close early.

Studying the Bible word for word with loving, accepting, people and finding the truth. It doesn't…read moreget much better than that.

Loved visiting here! The best thing about it were the people working -- they were all so friendly…read moreand passionate. I'm sure they get a lot of people a day but they still had so much enthusiasm. The Bible museum here was pretty cool to visit. I wasn't able to see the Passion play, but I'm sure that would've made the experience even better.

Christ of the Ozarks was a bit underwhelming to be honest, but it feels wrong to give anything less…read morethan 4 stars to anything Jesus-inspired as he the absolute most amazing human to walk out earth. It was quite irritating to have to stop at the gate. I already knew it was free entry, but an older women practically stepped out in front of my Jeep. She was nice, but she didn't provide us with hardly any info after rambling on about everything except why we were there. Then she shoved a flyer at me, asked us where we were from, and said a donation would be cool. About the area to leading to the statue... By the time we got to Eureka Springs on 7.23.2025 it was so hot already. I tried my best to keep my dog on cooler grounds, but she ran on the hot pavement anyway. It is a short walk to the statue and a nice lookout area. I suggest everyone go on more walkabouts and contemplate their relationship with Jesus. Public restrooms were available, but not all that clean. Wheelchairs were available to borrow, but come on... you can muster the strength to walk to Jesus... Completed in 1966, this gleaming white statue stands at seven-stories tall. There was an informational sign on Jesus's back side. Dogs were not allowed at The Great Passion Play, so that was a big no for us even if they had a showing. We did not peruse any shops near the gate. Everything seemed too commercialized for my taste. I dedicate this review to my Aunt Dena who died today (8.27.2025) after an 8-year battle with cancer. RIP precious lady!

The friendliest church in the world!! The people are so welcoming, and you are greeted with smiles…read moreand hugs!

My husband and I moved to Eureka Springs 5 years ago and live near this church. Every time we…read moreattend, we are greeted like family! The people are very welcoming and genuine. Our neighbors are there and we always catch up before and after. The music is great and Pastor David and his wife are very caring. I love that the church participates in Awanas, as I taught Awanas in Texas. It is a wonderful program for the children to learn scripture and earn patches!