Eureka Springs, Arkansas Travel Guide
Introducing Eureka Springs, Arkansas! Travel to this escape in the Ozarks for outdoor adventures, relaxation, and a great food scene. Eureka is only home to about 2,000 residents but is a popular destination in northern Arkansas. Visitors congregated here after hearing legends of the healing waters, but Eureka Springs has blossomed into a getaway for just about everyone. From fishing to boating to spas to shopping, Eureka Springs will keep everyone entertained. Located near cities such as Kansas City, MO (3hr 35min, 230 miles), Oklahoma City, OK (4hr 15min, 250 miles), and Tulsa, OK (2hr 45min, 150 miles), Eureka is a fun vacation in the middle of the heartland.
Eureka Spring was originally known for its healing waters. The Palace Hotel and Bath House continues this tradition by offering baths to guests. Here for other relaxation? Consider booking a massage or body treatment at the New Moon Spa and Salon.
Eureka Springs has plenty of interesting buildings and sights to see. Parking is tight downtown, and most locals recommend taking the trolly into downtown. Be sure to visit Thorncrown Chapel, a beautiful chapel in the woods with gorgeous architecture. Crescent Hotel is another must-see. Crescent Hotel was built in 1886 and restored in the late 90s. Book a room to stay the night or dine at their restaurant and appreciate the beauty of the building. Quigley’s Castle is another fun building to see. Made of a stone collection, be sure to read up on the back story of this interesting home. Christ of the Ozarks is another popular place to visit. See the giant statue of Christ and check out The Great Passion Play, an open-air amphitheater nearby.
Eureka Springs is surrounded by beautiful scenery, meaning there are plenty of outdoor activities to do. For fun in the water, head to Beaver Lake for boating, swimming, and fishing. Black Bass Lake is a great option for fishing and hiking. Lake Leatherwood City Park is a favorite for walking around the lake. Try zip lining in the area with Ozark Mountain Ziplines or Eureka Springs Zipline, check out the caves at Cosmic Caverns or Onyx Caves, or see the big cats at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.
Here for some shopping? Eureka Springs has plenty of small businesses to explore. Head to Razorback Gift Shops and The Lady Bug Emporium for fun gifts and Eureka Unique Antiques & Collectables for a vintage find. Stop by La Grange’s Boutique for a new outfit and Enchanted Soul for rock jewelry.
Learn more about the area at Eureka Springs History Museum and Blue Spring Heritage Center. Walk through the gardens at the heritage center too, they have beautiful trails.
But wait, there’s more! See live music at Chelsea’s Corner Cafe and in Basin Spring Park downtown. Get tickets to a magic show at Intrigue Theatre, or book seats on a dinner train with the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway. For some fun after dark, explore the paranormal and weird parts of the town with a tour with Underground Eureka Tour, Crescent Hotel Ghost Tours, and Haunted Eureka Springs.
Hope you are hungry, because Eureka Springs has lots of places to eat. Start your day with breakfast from Mud Street Cafe, featuring a self-serve coffee bar, or have a diner-style breakfast at Filling Station Restaurant. Feeling groovy? Grab breakfast at Harold’s Diner Soda Fountain & Farmacy, a 70s-themed diner. For a morning pick-me-up, grab coffee at Eureka Daily Roast.
For lunch, head to Local Flavor Cafe for a little bit of everything, Bombadils for their vegetarian and vegan options, or The Spring on Main for American classics. Enjoy the afternoon with a beer and disc golf at Eureka Springs Brewery, or head to Getahold Brewery for a drink and food from one of the food trucks. Other great spots for drinks include Brews, Railway Winery and Vineyards, and Gravel Bar.
Eureka Springs has plenty of options for a nice dinner. Head to Mcgarity’s Restaurant and Saloon for Irish food. Try Ermilios Italian Home Cooking for a romantic Italian dinner or Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse for prime rib. For fine dining, try Le Stick Nouveau or the quail poppers at Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave.
Eureka Springs is a place you need more than a single day in. The area is plentiful in inns, hotels, and bed and breakfasts, such as Cliff Cottage Bed and Breakfast, New Orleans Hotel, Basin Park Hotel, and The Palace Hotel and Bath House. Visitors can of course stay in the beautiful Crescent Hotel and Spa for a relaxing stay, or opt for camping at The Farm Campground & Events. Looking for something unique? Check out Eureka Springs Treehouses, Caves, Castles, and Hobbits. Stay among the trees, live like royalty, or live your best hobbit life. Need a whole place for yourself? Consider renting a Vrbo. Here are some of our favorites: a Historic Tiny Home for 2, a Rustic Cottage for 4, and a Garden Cottage for 4.
Want to visit Eureka Springs but are not sure when? Consider coming during one of their many festivals and events, such as the Mardi Gras Parade or the Ozarks Mountain Music Festival. Whatever you’re into, Eureka Springs, Arkansas has something worth seeing. We hope this travel guide gives you a glimpse into life in Eureka Springs that can inspire a future visit.
Happy Travels!
The Modern Travel Guide
