Labyrinths in Arkansas. Are they worth a visit ? Today I convince you that they are. I have selected 7 of the best (there are over 40) that are accessible to the public from around the state (with one exception- you need to make an appointment), focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
7 Labyrinths to Visit in ARkansas
1. Arkansas Children's Hospital Labyrinth
This 11-circuit Chartres replica was made by painting on concrete. The labyrinth is located in the inner courtyard and can be visited with an appointment. The general information phone number for the hospital is 501-364-1100.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Address:
1 Children's Way
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
2. Oasis Renewal Center Labyrinth
Located on a lake, this medieval labyrinth made of bricks and gravel is a perfect setting for a stroll. You can learn more about this addiction treatment center on their website. “The Oasis Renewal Center is nestled on 48 acres of woodland in west Little Rock, providing a remote, quiet atmosphere away from normal daily intrusions. Our property features log-cabin dormitories, a lodge, and scenic walking trails surrounding three lakes.”
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Address:
14913 Cooper Orbit Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72223
3. Terra Studios Labyrinth
All photos courtesy of Terra Studios.
Located in the 6 acre art park at Terra Studios, this classic 7-channel outdoor labyrinth is constructed of standing slabs of Weddington Limestone. You can find information about the art park and labyrinth on their website.
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Address:
12103 Hazel Valley Road
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
4. St. Scholastica Retreat Center Labyrinth
A medieval 11 circuit labyrinth made of rocks which was led by designers Stuart and Mary Bartholomaus. This labyrinth is open to the public. You can find information about the labyrinth on the retreat’s website. And check out the satellite view on maps and see if you can spot the labyrinth from space. It took me a minute !
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Address:
1205 S. Albert Pike
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903
5. Hendrix College Labyrinth
Hendrix College Labyrinth - Nicholas Pippins - flickr
An 8 circuit Chartres style labyrinth made from bricks/pavers. Located in the Southwest corner of the campus it is labeled on googlemaps where you can see a picture of the labyrinth and the benches on its exterior. Way back in 2007 the construction of this labyrinth began, which you can read about on the Hendrix website.
Location: Conway, Arkansas
Address:
1600 Washington Ave.
Conway, Arkansas 72032
6. St. Luke's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
St. Luke's Episcopal Church Labyrinth, Little Rock, Arkansas
An 11 circuit stone labyrinth is open to the public. It has been around awhile based on this article from 2015 speaking about World Labyrinth Day.
Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas
Address:
4106 John F. Kennedy Boulevard
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116
7. First Presbyterian Church Labyrinth
A medieval 7 circuit labyrinth made of bricks/pavers that is surrounded by a memorial orchard and was built in 2013.
Location: Texarkana, Arkansas
Address:
516 Pecan St.
Texarkana, Arkansas 71854
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I have made a few mazes from Arkansas, not my best work, but you might like: