High atop Magnetic Mountain, looking out over the winding, fog-drenched roads of Eureka Springs, stands a white figure that you literally cannot miss. It’s the Christ of the Ozarks. Seven stories of concrete and mortar, arms spread wide, staring blankly toward the horizon. Some people find it deeply moving. Others? Honestly, they call it "Gumby Jesus" or a "milk carton with arms."
Whether you love it or think it’s a bit of an eyesore, the statue is a landmark that has defined this corner of Arkansas since 1966. It’s weird, it’s massive, and the story behind it is way more complicated than a simple Sunday school lesson.
The Man Behind the Mountain
You can’t talk about Christ of the Ozarks without talking about Gerald L. K. Smith. He’s the guy who dreamed this whole thing up. Smith wasn’t just some quiet retiree looking to build a monument; he was a firebrand politician and, to be blunt, a pretty controversial figure. He was a white supremacist and a known anti-Semite who had been active in some of the most radical political movements of the mid-20th century.
When he moved to Eureka Springs in the 1960s, he wanted to build what he called "Sacred Projects." The statue was the centerpiece. He hired Emmet Sullivan to design it. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Sullivan was an apprentice on the Mount Rushmore project. You can see that influence in the sheer scale, though the style here is much more "modernist." Or "minimalist," if you’re being generous.
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Basically, Smith wanted a legacy that would overshadow his political past. Today, the statue is part of the Great Passion Play grounds, a massive outdoor amphitheater that reenacts the last week of Jesus’s life. It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit now, but the ghost of Smith’s reputation still lingers over the site for anyone who knows the history.
Building a Two-Million-Pound Giant
Building this thing was a logistical nightmare. They didn’t just pour concrete into a mold and call it a day. It was all done by hand.
- The Foundation: They used 340 tons of concrete, reinforced with steel, literally "welded" into the rock of Magnetic Mountain.
- The Structure: It’s made of 24 layers of white mortar over a steel frame.
- The Scale: The face is 15 feet tall. Each hand is about 7 feet long. The arm span is 65 feet from fingertip to fingertip.
Because it sits 1,500 feet above sea level, it has to be tough. The designers claim it can withstand 500-mile-per-hour winds. That’s probably overkill, but in tornado alley, you don't take chances. During construction, the whole thing was encased in a massive web of scaffolding with a custom elevator running up the side just to get the workers to the top.
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What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that the statue is meant to be a literal representation of the Crucifixion. While the arms are out, there’s no cross. It’s more of a "Resurrection" or "Welcoming" pose.
Also, despite the controversy surrounding its founder, the statue itself is free to visit. You don’t have to buy a ticket to the Passion Play to walk up to the base. It’s open 365 days a year from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (or later during play nights).
It’s also surprisingly famous in pop culture. It shows up in the opening credits of True Detective Season 3 and has featured in movies like Elizabethtown. In 2021, an activist group even hung a massive "God Bless Abortions" banner from its arms, sparking a fresh wave of headlines. It seems this statue just can't stay out of the news.
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Planning Your Visit (The Real Talk)
If you’re heading to Eureka Springs, you’re probably going to see it. It’s just how the geography works. But here is the move if you want the best experience.
First, go at sunset. The light hits the white mortar in a way that makes it glow against the Ozark hills. It’s genuinely pretty, even if you aren't religious. Second, check out the Berlin Wall section nearby. Yeah, weirdly enough, there’s a 10-foot piece of the actual Berlin Wall on the grounds. It was bought in 1991 and adds to the "collection of things" vibe the place has.
Quick Logistics for 2026
- Parking: There’s plenty of it, and it’s free near the statue.
- Accessibility: It’s handicap accessible, but some of the trails around it have inclines.
- Other Perks: There are about 18 miles of mountain bike trails on the property now, which is a huge draw for the outdoorsy crowd.
If you’re into the religious history, the Bible Museum on-site has over 6,000 manuscripts. It’s one of the largest collections in the country. Even if you're just there for the "Roadside America" vibes, it's worth the 15-minute drive from downtown Eureka.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Schedule: If you want to see the statue without the crowds, avoid the nights when the Great Passion Play is performing (usually Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday in the summer).
- Bring Binoculars: If you’re staying in downtown Eureka Springs, try to spot the statue from the balcony of the Crescent Hotel. It’s a classic local view.
- Explore the Trails: Don't just look at the concrete. The mountain bike trails on Magnetic Mountain are some of the best-maintained in the region and offer views of the statue from angles most tourists never see.