Quick Links
Tucked away in Arkansas's Ozarks is the stunning community of Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs was originally called "The Magic City" and the whole settlement is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is stunning for its mountainous terrain and its winding streets and walkways. Lost in this magical world of the Ozarks is a chapel that has been termed one of the most beautiful and inspiring chapels in the world - the Thorncrown Chapel.
Thorncrown Chapel is open to the public and a must for anyone visiting the Ozarks. The Ozarks are one of the most stunning outdoor attractions in the region and are home to many picturesque attractions. The Ozarks are a great place to "get back to nature" with plenty of hiking and camping opportunities.
Eureka Springs - The Victorian Resort Of The Ozarks
While the whole town of Eureka Springs is a tourist destination for its Victoria resort village architecture, one of the most eye-catching structures is the Thorncrown Chapel. The chapel is located on Highway 62 West just outside of Eureka Springs.
- Population: 2,000
- Famous For: Victorian Cottages and Manors
While in Eureka Springs, take the time to explore the Victorian-style cottages and manors - most of which have been built out of local stone. They are magically built along streets curving around the hills in a mile-mile-long loop.
Eureka Springs has a flair like no other town with its Victorian homes hugging the cliffs' sides and block after block of one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, spas, restaurants, and more. It is home to some relaxing historic hotels and chill bed and breakfasts where people come for much-needed R&R.
Popular attractions here in the heart of the Ozarks include many outdoor activities - like trout fishing, canoeing, hiking, water sports, biking, hiking, and more.
Thorncrown Chapel - The Majestic Glass Chapel Of The Ozarks
Thorncrown Chapel rises to a height of around 48 feet and sits atop over 100 tons of native stones. What catches the eye, is the chapel's 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. It has been built to blend perfectly with its surroundings with a simple yet majestic design.
- Windows: 425 Windows
- Glass: Over 6,000 Square Feet of Glass
- Built: In 1980
Built in 1980, the chapel has since won numerous architectural awards (like the American Institute of Architects’ Design of the Year Award for 1981).
The Thorncrown Chapel has been built so that people can enjoy the stunning beauty of the forests of the Ozarks while attending church services. Instead of being enclosed in a stone church, the windows create an openness where people really feel they are in a sanctuary in the forest.
Planning One's Visit To The Thorncrown Chapel
The Thorncrown Chapel is free to visit (although donations are accepted). Conveniently, the chapel also has plenty of parking for buses and RVs.
- Entry Fee: None - Free Entrance
- Location: 1.5 Miles From Eureka Springs
The Thorncrown Chapel is open every day most days of the year - although it is closed in January and February except for weddings and other special events. Call ahead to check their schedule - sometimes it is closed for events and is also closed all day on Saturdays during November.
- Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm March through November
As it is a functioning chapel, there are also Sunday services held. Check their calendar to see what's on. Their services are around an hour long and everyone is welcome to attend.
Weddings At The Thorncrown Chapel
The Thorncrown Chapel is a popular venue for a romantic wedding and the chapel can be hired. Since its opening in 1980, the Thorncrown Chapel has been one of the premier wedding locations in the region. Surrounded by rock formations and a lush canopy of trees, the glass cathedral is an unforgettable place to tie the knot.
Weddings can be held both indoors and outdoors with the chapel able to seat up to 100 guests. Their facilities include a first-class sound system, a piano, a changing area, and the option of live or recorded music.
Price For Wedding Hire:
- Saturday: $1,495 (Two Hour Reservation)
- Friday and Sunday: $1,395 (Two Hour Reservation)
- Monday to Thursday: $1,050 (90 Minute Reservation)
Next time in Eureka Springs, be sure to pop into Thorncrown Chapel for a visit.