Christ of the Ozarks
4.7(2.7K)google
4.1(27)yelp
SculptureHistoryPhoto SpotCity Landmark
Overview
Christ of the Ozarks statue is a monumental sculpture of Jesus located near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, atop Magnetic Mountain. It was erected in 1966 as a "Sacred Project" by Gerald L. K. Smith. The statue stands 65.5 feet (20.0 meters) high.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1-1.5 hours
Best TimeThe definitive hour for this monumental 67-foot pure-white concrete sculpture perched atop Magnetic Mountain is sunset from 5:30 PM to dusk year-round. Facing due west, the low evening sun strikes the Christ of the Ozarks directly, washing the colossal white robed statue in a pure gold glow against the blue wilderness skies.
Getting ThereLocated atop the historic mountain amphitheater cluster at 935 Passion Play Road, Eureka Springs. Driving is straightforward: follow Passion Play Road due northeast from center city climbing straight up the hill for 3 miles. The monument features an immense, well-lit and completely complimentary open paved parking plaza right outside.
Travel Tips
- From May through October, the grounds host 'The Great Passion Play' inside the amphitheater. On performance days after 04:30 PM, the primary artery leading to the statue is strictly gated for ticket holders; casual sightseers must vacate the perimeter by 04:00 PM.
- Perched atop Magnetic Mountain, the approach roads feature vertical pitches and aggressive hairpin radiuses. RVs and large trailers run immense risks of bottoming out; drivers must downshift to low gears on descent to prevent critical hydraulic brake fade.
- The statue rests on private foundation acreage where recreational drone flights are strictly prohibited. The compound gates lock completely at 10:00 PM daily; overnight boondocking or sleeping inside parked vehicles triggers immediate trespassing citations and towing.
Reviews
Positive
- This colossal statue of Jesus stands majestically on the mountain peak, offering a massive visual impact and a solemn, spiritual ambiance up close.
- The entire statue plaza and surrounding grounds are completely free to enter, paired with a massive complimentary parking lot.
- The mountaintop vantage point offers panoramic vistas of the rolling Ozark valleys, making it an exceptional location for sunset photography.
- The site is meticulously maintained and kept spotless, featuring very smooth, wheelchair-accessible pathways leading right to the base.
Heads up
- The architectural design style is highly minimalist and blocky; some visitors find the aesthetics too rigid and lacking detailed artistic definition.
- Aside from the single large statue, there are few extra free onsite activities; unless attending the Great Passion Play, you'll finish in 15 minutes.
- During peak seasons for the outdoor theatrical play, hundreds of tour buses clog the narrow mountain roads, causing severe traffic delays.
- The onsite concession and snack stands hold a monopoly, resulting in inflated prices for basic bottled water and hot dogs compared to standard stores.