Down a meandering path, surrounded by the flora and fauna of Bella Vista, the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel towers 50 feet into the tree line. This profound structure consists of 15 repetitive Gothic arches made from 31 tons of steel.  It is encased by field stone walls and 4,400 square feet of cut sheet glass. As the natural light enters the Chapel, it dances in leaf shaped patterns across a stone floor comprised of native limestone and flagstone, just as intended by architect E. Fay Jones.

Since the opening of the Chapel in 1988, this sanctuary has hosted countless weddings and events and it has also been a place of peace and meditation to both locals and travelers from around the world. In 1993, following the completion of the nature trail that wraps near the shoreline of Lake Norwood, the Chapel and grounds were voted onto the Arkansas Registry of Scenic Resources by the AR State Park, Recreation and Travel Commission. The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel has since been named “the most beautiful place in Arkansas.”

This historic landmark can be found nestled in the forest off of AR-340 in Town Center, Bella Vista, AR. There is no admission fee as the Chapel is open to the public when not in use for private events. The Chapel is a non-profit organization. Donations are welcome and will be used to maintain the Chapel and grounds. If traveling to NWA, please call our office or check our Facebook page or Google Page to ensure Chapel availability.

We hope to see you soon!