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The One Place You Have To Go In Arkansas If You’re Looking For Real Adventure

Explore the Old Spanish Treasure Cave in Arkansas, a site rich in history and natural beauty, believed to hide a legendary treasure.

Published Mar 2, 2017

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

Is there anything more evocative of adventure than buried treasure and a legend with roots in actual history? I think not. If you’re looking for a combination of those things, set in a cave, right here in the Natural State, you definitely need to check out the Old Spanish Treasure Cave. Even if you don’t believe anyone will ever find treasure there, it sure is fun to think about, and exploring the cave is a wonder all its own.

The Old Spanish Treasure Cave is located at 14290 North Highway 59 in Sulphur Springs.

The legend goes that about 350 years ago, Spanish Conquistadors discovered the Seven Cities of Cibola, which contained an epic cache of gold. Coronado, their leader, returned to Mexico empty-handed, but some believe that members of his group hid the gold in an Arkansas cave before being killed by Native American tribes in the area.

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Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave

That legend has had a long life. In 1885, the cave of legend was rediscovered by an explorer from Madrid. His discovery of the cave has been said to be the result of two maps, one on a tree and one on a rock.

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Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave

Though neither the maps nor the treasure have ever been found, several artifacts from the time period of the legend have been discovered in the area. Helmets, pieces of armor, and weapons among them. There are also reports of gold pieces being found.

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Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave

A man named George Dunbar searched for the treasure for many years, but he had to stop because of bad health. There were other attempts, but no one has found the gold yet. Parts of the cave still remain unexplored. The treasure today is estimated at about $40 million.

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Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave

In the 1930s, the cave was opened up to the public. Though you won’t be digging for gold there, you will find another treasure. The pure excellence of stunning natural beauty.

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Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave

Today you can go on a 1-hour tour of the Old Spanish Treasure Cave, where you’ll learn all about the history of the cave and the legends surrounding it. You’ll also hear about why folks believe the treasure is still there.

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Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave

But mostly, you’ll see that even without the legend or promise of riches, the cave is a treasure all on its own.

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Facebook/Old Spanish Treasure Cave

For another cave you really must explore, click here. You should also try an adventure in this awesome cave lodge.

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Experiences

Ride a Christmas Train Then Stay in a Christmas-Themed Hotel for a Holly Jolly Arkansas Adventure

Experience a magical Christmas adventure in Arkansas with a festive train ride and a stay at a holiday-themed hotel.

Updated Oct 22, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

It’s easy to have a holly jolly Christmas in Arkansas because there are tons of festive adventures happening during the season. There are twinkling lights, parades, shopping, winter wonderlands, and more. So, there's no doubt that the Christmas season is joyous and delightful. One of the best ways to celebrate is to take a magical Christmas train in Arkansas and then spend the night at an enchanting hotel. Get ready to have the jolliest Christmas-themed adventure in Arkansas that you’ve had in years.

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All aboard, all aboard! What better way to feel the holiday spirit than riding a Christmas train? Head to Springdale Arkansas for the unforgettable Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Holiday Express.

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Kurt Haubrich / Flickr

Beginning in November, the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad will offer several rides leaving from Springdale that you can choose from. And the one-hour excursions are guaranteed to delight you in the best way. There are Christmas carols, hot chocolate, cookies, and more. You might even see Mr. and Mrs. Claus as well as some of their helpers on your trip. One thing's for sure -- you'll want to have your cameras to capture these unforgettable holiday moments.

Also, Santa will be waiting at the train depot, so don’t miss a chance to see him. And the kids can drop off their Christmas letters in his mailbox! This magical train ride is what Christmas dreams are made of. And it’s guaranteed to bring back childhood memories while spreading the joy of the holiday season.

After your nostalgic Christmas train adventure, drive a short distance to the historic town of Eureka Springs. That's where you'll be spending the night at the most festive holiday hotel in Arkansas.

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Chris Friese / Flickr

Each year, the Crescent Hotel decks its halls with tons of holiday cheer. It's known around the country as one of the most regal hotels in the region, surrounded by the stunning Ozark Mountains. There's no wrong time of year to visit this stunning landmark, but winter proves to be especially lovely. Since 1886, Christmastime has been a cherished time of year at the hotel, which has become synonymous with family gatherings and memorable stays.

And this year, there are lots of Christmas-themed activities planned. Of course, the annual Christmas Tree Forest is a favorite of all the guests. Enjoy a magical stroll through 30 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and then vote for your favorite. In addition to the festive forest, you’ll love the hayrides, eggnog socials, gingerbread house decorating, Santa brunches, Christmas stories, and more. You'll want to bundle up in your coziest flannel and embrace all that the season has to offer!

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Rügen, Winter, Ostsee, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Küste, Insel, Deutschland, Teelichter, Weihnachten, Weihnachtsschmuck, Weihnahctsbeleuchtung

This enchanting hotel is the perfect place to enjoy the jolliest Christmas in Arkansas this year. Its halls are brimming with the most delightful Christmas cheer that you can imagine. So, bring the family and enjoy all the magic of this holly jolly Christmas in Arkansas.

Are you ready for this enchanting Christmas-themed adventure? Visit the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad Holiday Express website to plan your trip. And be sure to follow the Crescent Hotel on Facebook for all the upcoming holiday events.

Did you know that Arkansas has a unique holiday tour that’s worthy of your bucket list? The spectacular helicopter Christmas Light tour is one you don’t want to miss. And speaking of Christmas, be sure to check out our ultimate gift-giving guide for the travel enthusiasts on your list this year!

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Here’s The Story Behind The Massive Christ Of The Ozarks Statue In Arkansas

The Christ of the Ozarks statue in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a massive and iconic landmark with a fascinating construction story.

Updated Jun 12, 2024

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

The Christ of the Ozarks statue is truly a remarkable sight. Several stories high and weighing millions of pounds, this Eureka Springs Jesus statue is absolutely massive. However, the size isn’t the only interesting thing about the iconic statue. The story behind its construction is equally as impressive and worth a mention. If you’ve never seen this statue in person, take it from me, you’ll be blown away by it. Read on to learn more about this Jesus statue in Arkansas.

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Overlooking the picturesque village of Eureka Springs, the Christ of the Ozarks statue stands at a towering 67 feet and weighs over 2 million pounds!

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Christ of the Ozarks/Google

It was built in 1966, and has been one of the most visited attractions in the Ozarks ever since.

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The Great Passion Play/Facebook

The statue’s fame is no surprise – it’s quite remarkable…and huge!

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The Great Passion Play/Facebook

To put its size into perspective, the face is about 15 feet in height, while the hands, from wrist to fingertip, measure about 7 feet, which is taller than most humans.

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And with a 65-foot "wingspan," it’s nearly as wide as it is tall.

Constructing the massive statue was no easy feat – especially when you learn that every inch of it was built by hand.

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The grueling construction process was only made more difficult by the statue’s location. It’s nestled atop Magnetic Mountain, at an altitude of 1,500 feet.

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In order to secure the massive sculpture, its foundation had to be welded into the rock of Magnetic Mountain. What’s more, it required 340 tons of concrete interlaced with steel.

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As things progressed, workers had to build an elevator in order to reach the higher portions of the 7-story statue.

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The effort was definitely worth it, as Christ of the Ozarks is the fourth-largest Jesus statue in the world and the largest in the U.S.

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The Great Passion Play/Facebook

Often, Christ of the Ozarks is visited by those attending The Great Passion Play, which is performed in an amphitheater not far from the famous statue. You do NOT have to attend the play to visit, though.

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Although, you might want to consider attending since it's the "number one attended outdoor drama in America," according to the Institute of Outdoor Drama in Greenville, North Carolina.

There is no cost to view Christ of the Ozarks; however, donations are appreciated. For more info on this iconic Jesus statue, call (479) 253-9200. You can also visit the Great Passion Play website.

So, did you know the story behind this famous statue in Eureka Springs? Ever viewed Christ of the Ozarks in person? If so, what do you think? Tell us!

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Christ of the Ozarks is one of the state’s most recognizable sites, but it’s just the beginning of the must-see places in Arkansas. Check out our previous article about some of Arkansas' coolest underrated attractions that belong on your list.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/coolest-underrated-attractions-ar/

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