We just returned from another trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We have been there so many times over the years and never tire of this area.
This little mountain town in Northwest Arkansas is beautiful, historic, quirky, and artistic. Downtown streets twist and climb through the hills, Victorian buildings seem to hang from the mountainsides, and there’s always something surprising around the next corner.
In Eureka Springs you’ll find historic hotels and natural springs, art galleries and unusual attractions, beautiful chapels, hiking trails, caves, lakes and some of the prettiest scenery in Arkansas.
You’ll also find Pride parades, the Great Passion Play, and biker weekends all coexisting. Seemingly, peacefully.
Whether you are visiting Eureka Springs for a weekend getaway or spending several days exploring the area, there is plenty to keep you busy.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Best Things to Do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
If this is your first visit, these are some of the places and experiences I would put near the top of your list:
- Explore historic downtown Eureka Springs
- Visit Thorncrown Chapel
- Wander around the Crescent Hotel
- See some of the historic springs
- Visit Blue Spring Heritage Center
- Spend time at Lake Leatherwood
- Visit St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
- See the Christ of the Ozarks
- Take a scenic drive through the Ozarks
- Explore Quigley’s Castle
- Get on the water at Beaver Lake
And that is only the beginning.
Explore Historic Downtown Eureka Springs
Historic downtown Eureka Springs is the heart of the town and, in my opinion, the best place to begin your visit.
Eureka Springs sits in a narrow valley with steep hills rising on both sides. Streets curve around the mountains, staircases connect one level of town to another, and beautiful old buildings seem tucked into every available space.
It reminds me a little bit of New Orleans, but with steep hills. And it even has its own Flatiron Building like New York!
You could easily spend several hours downtown popping into shops and art galleries, stopping for something to eat, sitting for a while in one of the little parks, and people watching.
Y’all, the people watching in Eureka Springs can’t be beat.
You’ll see a fascinating mix of elegant and eccentric…street performers, aging hippies, conservative retirees, outlandish artists, bikers and tourists…all sharing the same winding sidewalks, the same coffee shops, and the same golden-hour light on Spring Street, as if the whole town agreed to disagree on normal.
That mix is a big part of what makes Eureka Springs feel like Eureka Springs.
There really is nowhere else in Arkansas like it, and we love it.
Art in Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs has long been known as an arts town, with hundreds of working artists calling the area home.
You will find galleries throughout downtown featuring jewelry, sculpture, pottery, glass, paintings, folk art and work from local and regional artists.
A few galleries we particularly enjoy include:
- Iris at the Basin Park – They have beautiful pieces from both local and regional artists. I have pieces I purchased here years ago that are still some of my favorites.
- Quicksilver Gallery – This is a longtime favorite of ours! In fact, we never go to Eureka Springs without stopping here. In addition to art from local artists they also carry some beautiful handcrafted musical instruments.
- Zark’s Gallery – Features jewelry, art glass, blown glass, sculpture and other beautiful pieces. My husband especially enjoys the work of artist Dennis Thompson. We own one of his ceramic sculptures – a dragon emerging from an egg.
- Wilson and Wilson Folk Art – The contemporary folk art is created by mother-and-daughter artists Blakeley and Sylvia Wilson, and the gallery also serves as their studio.
These are just a few of the art galleries in town. You will find many more artists and galleries around. Have fun searching for your own personal favorite.
Eureka Springs Historical Museum
If you want to understand how this unusual little town came to be, stop at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum.
The museum has exhibits about the springs, the development of the town and the people who shaped Eureka Springs over the years. There is also a large art collection.
It doesn’t require a huge amount of time, so it is an easy stop to combine with a day of exploring downtown.
Check Out a Few of the Springs!
Eureka Springs grew up around its natural springs, so you will definitely want to see a few of them. There are more than 60 natural cold-water springs in the area, but here are a few that are near or in downtown.
- Basin Spring: It is located at its namesake park in the heart of downtown Eureka Springs. It played an important role in the history of Eureka Springs and was considered to have healing properties.
- Califf Spring: Califf Spring is located near the Eureka Springs Historical Museum and sits in a pretty little public park.
- Crescent Spring: You will find Crescent Spring along Spring Street near the Carnegie Library. A Victorian-style gazebo shades the spring and makes this another particularly pretty stop.
- Grotto Spring: Grotto Spring is a little more hidden. The spring sits inside a small grotto, and the stone above the entrance is carved with the words “Esto Perpetua.” It is especially pretty when the surrounding vegetation is lush and green.
- Harding Spring: Harding Spring is surrounded by a small park with beautiful flowers. According to local legend, a young woman who had been blind for years regained her sight after using the water from Harding Spring.
- Magnetic Spring: Magnetic Spring is found along Magnetic Road and has a pavilion, picnic tables and landscaped gardens.
- Sweet Spring: Some people say that Sweet Spring is the most charming of them all. It is located on Spring Street across from the post office. You will find lots of greenery and flowers and a small spiral staircase leads down to the spring.
You might also be interested in:
These are cold-water springs, but Arkansas has another famous spring town, too. Check out our complete guide to the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas!
Visit Thorncrown Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel may be one of my favorite places in the world.
There are actually three glass chapels in Arkansas either designed by or inspired by the famous Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones who was a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Although they are all similar, Thorncrown was the first and it is so special. There is something about it that exudes peace.
It is a short stop but in our opinion a must see when you visit Eureka Springs.
Visit the Blue Spring Heritage Center
Blue Spring Heritage Center is located just outside Eureka Springs. Here you will find a spring from which 38 million gallons of water flow each day into an amazingly clear blue pool. It is also surrounded by a 33-acre botanical garden.
The property has a long human history. A bluff shelter at the site shows evidence of use going back thousands of years.
This is one of the prettiest places in the Eureka Springs area and well worth the short drive out of town.
Explore the Crescent Hotel
The historic Crescent Hotel is often called ‘America’s Most Haunted Hotel.’ It is one of the most iconic hotels in the state and is also a great place to stay while visiting Eureka Springs.
It sits grandly on a mountain high above the town with beautiful grounds and views. But even if you aren’t staying at the hotel this is a place you should explore.
See the grand lobby, sit on the back porch and enjoy the breeze, stroll the gorgeous grounds, and go up to the 4th floor to enjoy the beautiful views.
You might even want to take a ghost tour at the Crescent Hotel.
The hotel offers ghost tours which will explain the history of the hotel and tell all about the paranormal activity. These tours are really well done with excellent guides…and you might even see a ghost or two.
Be sure and make your reservation in advance as the tours do fill up quickly especially during the summer season.
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
This interesting church is located just below the Crescent Hotel.
It has even been in Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Why? Well, its claim to fame is that it is the only church that is entered through its bell tower.
I’ll be honest, saying that you enter the church through the bell tower is a bit of a stretch. You actually start at the top of the bell tower, walk down a set of stairs, and enter the church grounds.
This does give you an idea of just how hilly Eureka Springs actually is!
It is still a pretty and interesting church and a quick stop, especially if you are already near the Crescent Hotel.
Attend The Great Passion Play and See Christ of the Ozarks
Eureka Springs has been hosting the Great Passion Play since 1968. The performance is a re-enactment of some of the significant events of the life of Christ including the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.
A large cast, live animals, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting create an unforgettable experience for you under the stars.
Even if you aren’t in Eureka Springs during the season to see the Great Passion Play you might be interested in seeing the Christ of the Ozarks statue. It stands 67 feet high and was dedicated in 1966. The grounds around the statue are also very pretty and peaceful.
TIP: From the fourth floor of the Crescent Hotel if you stand by the telescopes and look towards your left you can see the statue in the distance.
Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway
If you have a train lover in your group then you might be interested in taking a ride on the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway.
Visitors can climb aboard this vintage train for a scenic hour-long excursion, or splurge on a catered lunch or dinner ride through the Ozark hills.
It’s a nice, slow, scenic ride and a charming detour into the past. It does run seasonally so be sure and check the website for dates and times.
Learn About the Animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Located only about 8 miles from Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a non-profit organization that rescues animals from private owners, roadside zoos, and situations of abuse and neglect.
It cares for tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bears, and more. Visitors can take a guided or self-directed tour through the grounds to see the animals in their spacious, natural-style habitats – a far cry from how many of these rescued animals were previously housed.
Quirky Quigley’s Castle
Quigley’s Castle is actually not a castle but rather a very unique house. It is sometimes called the “Ozark’s Strangest Dwelling.”
Mrs. Quigley wanted a home that made her feel as if she were living outside. I think she succeeded.
The house has many windows and 4 feet of earth was left between the perimeter of the indoor living spaces and the walls. She filled this space with flowering and tropical plants.
She even collected stones and crystals to place on the exterior of the home.
Quigley’s Castle operates seasonally, so check the website for current opening dates and hours.
Get Outside at Lake Leatherwood
Lake Leatherwood is one of the prettiest parks in Arkansas!
It is a 1,610-acre city park which includes an 85-acre spring-fed lake created by a hand-cut native limestone dam back in the 1940s. The park is even on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are lots of recreational activities in the park including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, and more.
But you don’t have to be on a grand adventure to enjoy the park. I love having a simple picnic here!
Go Underground at Onyx Cave Park
Onyx Cave Park is located about 6 miles outside of town and has been famous since 1891.
It is one of the few toured caves in the United States that is self-guided. You can explore the cave and its formations all at your own pace with an audio guide that tells you about the history of the cave and its special features.
There are many more caves in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas that you might want to visit.
Ozark Mountain Ziplines
If you are looking for an activity to get your adrenaline going you should consider the Ozark Mountain Ziplines! They are located just 10 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs and have 10 different ziplines on their 66 acres.
Take a Drive Into the Surrounding Ozark Mountains
One of my favorite things about Eureka Springs is that the fun doesn’t stop at the city limits.
The surrounding Ozark countryside is beautiful, and there are plenty of interesting places to discover on a drive outside of town.
One of those is Beaver Bridge, Arkansas’ Little Golden Gate Bridge.
The tiny suspension bridge stretches across the White River northwest of Eureka Springs and is both quirky and surprisingly pretty.
Would I make a long special trip just to see Beaver Bridge? Probably not. But if you are already taking a scenic drive through the countryside around Eureka Springs, I think it is a great stop.
Get Out on the Water at Beaver Lake
Arkansas is known for its beautiful lakes and Beaver Lake is one of the prettiest!
This huge lake winds through the Ozarks not far from Eureka Springs and offers all kinds of recreational opportunities.
Depending on the season, you can boat, kayak, fish, swim, ski or simply enjoy the scenery.
If you’re spending several days in Eureka Springs and want to mix your sightseeing with some time on the water, Beaver Lake is an easy addition to the trip.
Getting Around Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs isn’t a difficult town to explore, but there is one thing you need to know:
It is HILLY. Really hilly.
Downtown is wonderful for wandering on foot, but comfortable shoes are a must. Expect steep streets, stairs and plenty of up and down.
Parking downtown can also be difficult, particularly on busy weekends and during special events. The good news is that Eureka Springs has a nice trolley system. So, if you find a good parking spot, you may want to leave your car and use the trolley rather than trying to drive from place to place.
Check out the Eureka Springs Trolley Transit. The trolley serves many of the main areas and attractions around town.
Eureka Springs Tours
Eureka Springs is a fun town to just wander on your own, but if you are wanting to take a guided tour here are a couple that we would recommend:
- Guided Downtown Eureka Springs Walking Tour: On this tour you will learn interesting bits of information about the area’s history, the locals who shaped the city, and its most important landmarks.
- Eureka Springs City Tour by Golf Cart: If you are wanting to explore without doing too much walking then a golf cart tour might be just what you are looking for. You will dig deep on this tour into what makes Eureka Springs such a unique place.
How Many Days Do You Need in Eureka Springs?
You can certainly see some of the highlights of Eureka Springs in one day. But I wouldn’t recommend rushing through it.
With one day, I would concentrate on historic downtown and choose one or two of the major attractions nearby.
A weekend gives you much more breathing room. You can spend time downtown, visit places such as Thorncrown Chapel and the Crescent Hotel, and still have enough time to venture outside of town.
If you have three days, even better. That gives you time for places like Blue Spring Heritage Center, Lake Leatherwood, Beaver Lake, or a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside without feeling as though you are checking things off a list.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Eureka Springs?
Time of week actually matters in Eureka Springs. Many of the shops and restaurants are closed on Mondays and even Tuesdays. The town definitely becomes more lively later in the week and on the weekends.
As far as which season is best for a visit, I would say that Eureka Springs is mostly a year-round destination, although January and February are quieter and some attractions and activities may be closed.
Spring brings the Ozarks to life and is a beautiful time to explore the gardens, springs and outdoor attractions. Summer is busy and gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy the lakes, parks and outdoor activities around town.
Fall is especially beautiful in the Ozarks and also tends to bring plenty of events and visitors to Eureka Springs.
The holiday season gives the town an entirely different feel with Christmas events and decorations.
Eureka Springs Events
One thing I would definitely recommend is checking the Eureka Springs event calendar before you book your trip. There is always something going on in this town…and they will have a parade for just about anything.
One time we were visiting and they were having a parade of Volkswagen bugs.
Special-event weekends are part of what makes Eureka Springs so much fun, but they can also dramatically change the personality – and the crowds – of the town.
You may decide that’s exactly when you want to go. Or exactly when you don’t.
Where to Eat in Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs has a surprisingly good food scene for such a small town.
We’ve eaten our way around Eureka Springs over many visits and have some definite favorites, from casual breakfast and lunch spots to places that are worth planning a dinner around.
Take a look at our complete guide to the best restaurants in Eureka Springs for the places we actually recommend.
Where to Stay in Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs has no shortage of interesting places to stay.
In addition to the Crescent Hotel mentioned above, you’ll find other historic hotels, Victorian inns and bed-and-breakfasts in town, along with cabins and treehouses outside downtown.
See our complete guide to places to stay in Eureka Springs for more ideas.
More Arkansas Travel Ideas Near Eureka Springs
If you are spending more time in Northwest Arkansas, here are a few more Somewhere in Arkansas guides that might help you plan your trip:
- Beaver Bridge: Arkansas’ Little Golden Gate Bridge
- The Glass Chapels of Arkansas
- Caves in Arkansas
- Beautiful Lakes in Arkansas
Why We Keep Going Back to Eureka Springs
There really is nowhere else in Arkansas quite like Eureka Springs.
It is beautiful and eccentric, historic and artsy, peaceful and sometimes just a little bit wild.
Maybe that is what we love most about Eureka Springs – the contrasts. Art galleries and biker weekends, quiet chapels and ghost tours, the Great Passion Play and rainbow flags. Somehow, it all belongs here.
We’ve been going back to Eureka Springs for years, and we still seem to find something new every time.
I hope you love it as much as we do.
