The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is Bella Vista’s most iconic landmark — a soaring cathedral of steel and glass tucked into the woods on a hilltop above Lake Norwood. Designed by celebrated Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones (a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright) with his partner Maurice Jennings, and completed in 1988, the non-denominational chapel is a serene, free-to-visit place of quiet beauty and one of Northwest Arkansas’s great works of architecture.
About the Chapel
The chapel is built around a repeating pointed Gothic arch of slender steel, framing walls of glass that dissolve the boundary between the sanctuary and the surrounding forest. Light pours through the glass and shifts with the seasons, so the space feels alive and different on every visit. It’s the sister work to Jones’s more famous Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, and together the two are considered masterpieces of the “Ozark Gothic” style. The chapel is non-denominational and welcomes visitors of every background.
Visiting
The Cooper Chapel is open to the public at no charge, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except when closed for a private event. Tour guides are typically available from 1 to 5 p.m. to share the story of the architecture and the setting. It’s an easy, peaceful stop — a favorite for photography, quiet reflection, and a short walk in the woods. Because the chapel hosts weddings, vow renewals, and concerts, it’s worth checking ahead if you want to be sure it’s open, since private events occasionally close it to drop-in visitors.
Weddings & Events
With its glass walls and forest backdrop, the Cooper Chapel is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Northwest Arkansas, and it also hosts vow renewals, small concerts, and memorial services. For booking details, availability, and current event information, see the official chapel website.
Good to Know
- Admission: Free, open to the public.
- Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily (unless closed for a private event). Guided tours ~1–5 p.m.
- Setting: A wooded hilltop overlooking Lake Norwood — quiet and contemplative.
- Best for: Architecture lovers, photography, weddings, and a peaceful pause.
- Respect the space: It’s an active chapel — keep noise low and be mindful of any ceremony in progress.
While You’re in Bella Vista
Pair a visit with the nearby Tanyard Creek Nature Trail and its waterfall, a ride on the Back 40 mountain-bike trails, or a day on one of Bella Vista’s seven lakes. See more on our Things to Do in Bella Vista guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel free to visit?
Yes. The chapel is open to the public at no charge, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., unless it’s closed for a private event. Guided tours are typically available from 1 to 5 p.m.
Who designed the Cooper Chapel?
It was designed by Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones — a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright — with his partner Maurice Jennings, and completed in 1988. Jones also designed the famous Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs.
Can you get married at the Cooper Chapel?
Yes. The chapel is a popular venue for weddings, vow renewals, and concerts. Check the official chapel website for booking and availability.
Location & Directions
- Address: 504 Memorial Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72714
- Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily (unless closed for a private event)
- Website: cooperchapel.com
- Admission: Free
Back to Landmarks in Bella Vista or Things to Do in Bella Vista.