Show-Me State’s Precious Moments Park
The Precious Moments Park and Chapel opened in 1989 as Sam Butcher’s dream. Over the past sixteen years the park has grown and expanded. More than 400,000 visitors arrive each year to tour the park and to see both the glory of God as well as Sam Butcher’s creative handiwork. Attractions include a Visitor’s Center, the Chapel, a Wedding Island, the Sam Butcher Theater and Gallery, and the fantastic Fountain of Angels light/water show.
Located along the banks of sparkling Center Creek on the western edge of the Missouri Ozarks, the Precious Moments Park is near Carthage, a city known for its’ Victorian architecture and Civil War History. Today, Carthage is most famous as the site of the Precious Moments Park and Chapel. The lovely natural setting suits Sam Butcher’s park where Precious Moments is the theme and the Lord the focus.
Visitors can begin their experience at the Visitor’s Center, a large building that houses a small village. The world’s largest Precious Moments gift shop is housed within the Center as are other shops including the Royal Delights Sandwich Shop. A walk through the village offers the ambiance of an English country village of the past and one of the highlights is a fountain where many visitors make a wish before tossing in a coin. The gift shop offers an amazing variety of Precious Moments themed goods, everything from the famous figurines to books, clothing, pencils, dolls, gift ware, wedding items, and much more.
Chapel Tours are free to the public. The first begins at 9:10am each morning and hourly tours continue from 10am through 4pm. Often called an architectural masterpiece, the Precious Moments Chapel has been a source of inspiration for thousands. Throughout the beautiful chapel, stunning murals painted by Sam Butcher illustrate the Bible’s great stories, from Creation through Christ’s Resurrection. A special mural titled “Heavenly Square” depicts children who lost their lives at a young age as angels. Adjacent to the chapel are rooms where visitors can write personal messages of faith or to a departed loved one. These guest books remain on display and are a testament to the kind of spiritual healing and faith provided by the Chapel.
The nearby Sam Butcher Theater and Gallery offers visitors an opportunity to view the history behind the popular collectibles. A film is available that details the history of Sam Butcher and his Precious Moments items. Many of the figurines are displayed including the a set of the 21 original pieces.
Both the Chapel and the Gallery are reached by walking through the gardens on site along the Avenue of Angels. Lovely statuary and flower beds line this walk of breathtaking beauty. Birds often sing in the surrounding trees and butterflies are seen fluttering above the Avenue.
All of these attractions are open to the public daily except on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day) free of charge. Hundreds of thousands of visitors each year enjoy the park. Visitors with a handicap can take advantage of shuttle transportation to and from the attractions if they have difficulty making the walk to Chapel or Gallery.
Since 1989, these attractions have delighted millions. In recent years, the Precious Moments Park has expanded with the addition of Wedding Island, an actual island in the middle of a man-made lake within the park. An 1880’s chapel was moved on site for wedding ceremonies alongside a lovely 1890’s Victorian mansion. Wedding packages are available to include the ceremony, reception, and even a honeymoon stay in one of the mansion’s two bridal suites. Many weddings are held each year and tours of the Wedding Island are available daily, closed only during private ceremonies.
The most recent addition to the Precious Moments attractions is fast becoming one of the most famous. The Fountain of Angels show combines a light show with water jets that shoot up to eighty feet into the air. Fountain of Angels shows depict Biblical events and are performed in accompanied by a unique musical score performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The focus is on a unique and spectacular fountain with many Precious Moments figures.
“The Everlasting Promise” and “Springs of Living Water” are performed daily in the ten story theater with stadium seating. These inspiring shows have been a joy to many thousands of visitors. Transportation from the Visitor’s Center to the theater is provided free of charge and a second gift shop is available at the Fountain of Angels Pavillion. The Midwest Gallery of Fine Arts is also at that site and displays some of the nation’s best regional artists.
During 2004, Precious Moments hosted the Pink Ribbons Crusade: A Date With Diana that offered the public a look at the late Princess of Wales’ personal effects. Check with Precious Moments park officials for information on upcoming displays.
To enjoy all the attractions, visitors may purchase an admission pass. The cost is $12 for adults, $11 for senior citizens, and $5 for children ages 4-12. The pass allows visitors to enjoy the Fountain of Angels program and other amenities.
Special events each year include Preferred Customer Events, a Christmas Collector’s Event, Maple Leaf Days in the autumn, and the Christmas Lighting Ceremony in November. Each holiday season, the park comes alive with beautiful light displays that reflect the joy of the season.
Guests arriving from far away have two options for lodging. The Cubby Bear RV Park within the Precious Moments property offers 70 pull through spots and all the amenities of any RV park. Nearby, the Best Western Precious Moments Hotel provides visitors with lodging in a premier facility. The hotel was designed and decorated by Precious Moments creator and artist Sam Butcher. Many unique Precious Moments themed artwork decorate the hotel.
In nearby Carthage, other lodging and dining options are available. The Precious Moments Park and Chapel is just minutes away from Interstate 44 and U.S. Highway 71. Signs direct visitors en route to the park location.
