Rising from the Ozark forest like a crystalline prayer, Thorncrown Chapel stands as one of the most celebrated works of architecture in the world. Just minutes from Forest Springs Resort, this ethereal glass sanctuary has drawn millions of visitors seeking beauty, contemplation, and a profound connection between the built and natural worlds.
Designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones—a student of Frank Lloyd Wright—Thorncrown Chapel was completed in 1980 and immediately captivated the architectural world. The chapel's genius lies in its seamless integration with the surrounding forest, achieved through 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass that blur the boundary between interior and exterior.
The structure rises 48 feet into the canopy, supported by an intricate lattice of native pine and weathered gray flagstone. Every element was chosen to honor the site—materials were selected specifically so they could be carried through the woods by hand, ensuring minimal disruption to the pristine landscape.
Interior and exterior views of Thorncrown Chapel
Entering Thorncrown Chapel is an experience that transcends religious denomination. The space invites a universal sense of awe—the kind that comes from witnessing something both entirely human-made and deeply natural. Sunlight dances through the glass as the forest breathes around you, creating an ever-changing symphony of light and shadow.
Visitors often describe the chapel as feeling like "standing inside a prayer" or "being held by the forest itself." The wooden ribs of the structure echo the surrounding tree trunks, while the transparent walls make the distinction between inside and outside almost imperceptible.
In 2017, the American Institute of Architects voted Thorncrown Chapel the fourth greatest building of the 20th century, alongside works by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn.
More than six million visitors from around the world have made the pilgrimage to this woodland sanctuary since its opening over four decades ago.
The chapel hosts weddings and special services throughout the year, offering couples an unforgettable setting surrounded by nature's cathedral.
Each season transforms the chapel experience—spring dogwoods, summer's deep green, autumn's fiery display, and winter's stark sculptural beauty.
Thorncrown Chapel is open daily from April through November, with reduced hours during winter months. The chapel is located just 6 miles from Forest Springs Resort, making it an essential stop during your Ozark retreat. We recommend visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is most magical and crowds are thinner.
There is no admission fee, though donations are gratefully accepted. The chapel asks that visitors maintain a spirit of reverence—speaking softly and allowing others to experience the contemplative atmosphere. Photography is welcomed but flash photography is prohibited.
"I wanted to create a space where the light and the trees could enter, where people could feel the presence of something larger than themselves."
E. Fay Jones passed away in 2004, but his legacy lives on through Thorncrown and the numerous other organic structures he designed throughout the Ozarks. His approach—which he called "designing with nature rather than against it"—continues to inspire architects worldwide and reminds us of the profound beauty possible when human creativity honors the natural world.
For guests at Forest Springs Resort, Thorncrown Chapel represents the spiritual heart of the Ozark experience. Whether you come seeking quiet contemplation, architectural inspiration, or simply a moment of beauty, this remarkable structure offers a space where the boundaries between earth and sky, nature and spirit, dissolve into light.
Book your stay at Forest Springs Resort and discover Thorncrown Chapel along with the many wonders of the Ozark landscape.
Forest Springs
A sanctuary in the Ozarks