16 Top Things to Do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Positioned within the rolling inexperienced Ozark Mountains on the north fringe of Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a hotspot for vacationers. Guests flock to the small city space for each its charming Victorian-era metropolis middle and the pure magnificence surrounding it, together with a wealth of mineral springs for bathing in. Plus, despite its tranquil location, this vacation spot is well accessible by automotive from main Midwestern hubs like Kansas City (230 miles) and Oklahoma City (250 miles); cities like Springfield (Missouri), Tulsa and Little Rock are all even nearer by. That makes Eureka Springs supreme for a weekend getaway, though there are many causes to remain longer, if you happen to so select. Listed below are probably the most fascinating and enjoyable issues to do within the space.

(Observe: Among the following actions, points of interest and areas could also be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New insurance policies could also be in place, together with capability restrictions, reservation necessities or masks mandates. Examine with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, the U.S. Division of State and native tourism boards earlier than touring.)

Whereas it could boast loads of beautiful pure magnificence, Beaver Lake is definitely a synthetic reservoir, constructed within the Nineteen Sixties by damming the White River. The jap shore is about 10 miles northwest of Eureka Springs, and this lake incorporates greater than 28,000 acres of water at full pool. Beaver Lake is thus a preferred vacation spot for out of doors actions: With quite a few coves and inlets and practically 500 miles of shoreline, you can find no scarcity of scenic locations to stake out for a hike by the woods or a swim within the blue waters. Picnic spots and boat launches dot the world across the reservoir, and the creation of Beaver Dam has made for a preferred chilly water fishing spot on the White River (striped bass is one widespread catch right here). If you’d like greater than only a daytrip, numerous cabins, inns and campgrounds are scattered across the lake, making it a viable various to staying in Eureka Springs correct: Beaver Lake Cottages and Beaver Lakefront Cabins are two close by choices which can be extremely rated.

Nestled within the tranquil woods lower than 5 miles northwest of Eureka Springs sits this famend architectural icon. Designed by famed Arkansan architect E. Fay Jones − a one-time protege of Frank Lloyd Wright – to enhance its pure environment, the woodland sanctuary stands 48 toes tall and options 425 home windows. Thorncrown Chapel, set atop native stone and coloured flagstone, was commissioned by Jim Reed, who wished to share the sweetness and views from his land with Ozark guests. Since opening in 1980, this serene, nondenominational place of worship has welcomed greater than 7 million guests and was listed as one of many American Institute of Architects’ prime 10 buildings of the twentieth century. With Thorncrown Chapel described by its creator as a “place to assume your finest ideas,” the general public can go to totally free and ponder life’s points, massive and small.

The chapel is open day by day from March to November, and guests may also cease by for Sunday companies from April to December; it is closed in January and February. In case you’re visiting within the afternoon, notably on a weekend, you will wish to name forward, because the chapel can typically shut early for weddings and different occasions.

Tackle: 12968 U.S. Route 62 W., Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Regardless of Eureka Springs’ comparatively small inhabitants measurement of round 2,200 residents, its historic downtown is a significant vacationer vacation spot. Lots of the buildings date to the Victorian period and provides the town a very quaint environment: Actually, your complete downtown space is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations. Town’s location on quite a few hills offers it a singular structure with winding streets and homes perched on cliffs. It is price strolling round Predominant and Spring streets simply to absorb the ambiance, however downtown boasts loads to do past trying out the Victorian structure. Eureka Springs, residence to myriad artists, options an abundance of artwork galleries for vacationers to browse, in addition to boutiques promoting artful presents and souvenirs. As well as, an array of public artwork, together with the notable Rainbow Stairs and Humpty Dumpty on a Wall, will impress guests. The historic downtown additionally gives a wide array of eating choices alongside wine bars and stay music venues.

For a frighteningly good time, take a tour of the 1886 Crescent Resort & Spa, billed as “America’s Most Haunted Resort.” The architecturally distinctive resort opened within the late nineteenth century and mixes French Renaissance and Richardsonian Romanesque constructing kinds: With turrets, verandas and different intricate constructing options, it is the type of spot with loads of locations for ghosts to cover. Skilled guides stroll friends by a number of the resort’s most historic – and creepiest – rooms, in addition to a former morgue on-site. Guests say the tour guides in interval clothes are entertaining as they share tales about individuals who died on the resort – and whose ghosts have reportedly been noticed within the years and many years since. These tragic figures embody a stonemason who fell to his dying throughout building, a 4-year-old who died of appendicitis and even a resort cat buried on the property.

Tickets could be purchased on-line or on the resort, however advance reserving is beneficial, as excursions can promote out. Featured on “Ghost Hunters” and “Ghost Adventures,” the excursions can get somewhat spooky and are beneficial for kids ages 8 and older; guests 16 or youthful have to be accompanied by an grownup. Alternatively, shorter, kid-friendly excursions function on choose days.

Tackle: 75 Prospect Ave., Eureka Springs, AR 72632

As its identify suggests, Eureka Springs encompasses 66 chilly mineral springs, which had been traditionally thought to have therapeutic powers. (In case you’re on the lookout for springs of the recent selection, you will wish to drive about 200 miles south to the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas.) Plenty of these chilly springs bubble as much as the floor in peaceable metropolis parks and gardens, which had been established by Eureka Springs to protect them. For a soothing jaunt across the metropolis, contemplate a cease a minimum of one among these parks, or construct your individual strolling tour across the 15 completely different springs that sit inside straightforward strolling distance of the town middle. Basin Spring (previously often called the Indians’ Therapeutic Spring), which now feeds a fountain in Basin Spring Park within the coronary heart of the town, is likely one of the most notable. Different well-liked springs embody Crescent Spring in its namesake park, which is understood for its Victorian gazebo and rock partitions, and Candy Spring, set in a park amid the flowers. Town has a helpful map stating the springs you possibly can stroll to.

Sadly, you possibly can’t simply bounce into the mineral springs dotted about Eureka Springs; a lot of them are, in any case, in small public parks. To soak in these mineral-laden waters, you will want to move to an area bathhouse or spa. For a singular expertise, the Palace Resort & Tub Home is an efficient guess. This historic property has been within the wellness enterprise for over a century and nonetheless gives a number of the identical companies it did again within the day, akin to mineral soaks in claw-footed tubs and eucalyptus steam therapies in wood barrels. Previous friends name the resort a beautiful strategy to pamper your self, full with enjoyable therapeutic massage companies.

Hint the evolution of Eureka Springs at this museum downtown. Its location in a traditional three-story Victorian-era residence inbuilt 1889 is ideally suited to a historical past museum. The Eureka Springs Historic Museum covers main floor, from when Native Individuals first found mineral springs within the space to when Eureka Springs morphed into first a “well being resort” after which a countercultural city for artists. This attraction homes a set of greater than 10,000 artifacts, together with musical devices, journey memorabilia and images. Naturally, patrons can browse reveals showcasing native artists, together with a restored mural by H. Louis Freund. Latest guests say the fascinating shows and reveals make this museum price a cease year-round.

Tackle: 95 S. Predominant St., Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Adjoining to the historic Crescent Resort you will discover this intriguing church, which has earned a number of mentions in Ripley’s Imagine It or Not! publications. The rationale? The only entry level to the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is thru its bell tower. However the distinctive entrance is not the one cause to go to this place of worship: Its structure, impressed by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, is actually distinctive. The inside is decked out with marble surfaces, and the pink-tinted ceilings mixed with a chandelier fabricated from hundreds of crystals give an ethereal kind of lighting to the church’s auditorium. Vacationers recognize the fantastic thing about St. Elizabeth together with the gardens and tranquil setting, stating the church deserves a go to and makes for a stunning stroll from the Crescent Resort.

The church nonetheless holds common companies you possibly can attend however opens to guests exterior of these occasions. A small on-site present store sells souvenirs, spiritual gadgets and extra.

Tackle: 30 Crescent Drive, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

This is one for cat individuals: Drive about 10 miles south of Eureka Springs and you may hit this refuge for large cats. A family-run nonprofit, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was based in 1978, when three members of the Jackson household took in an 8-month-old lion cub that had been chained to a tree. Greater than 40 years later, this feline-focused haven homes practically 100 rescued animals, with an emphasis on tigers, lions, cougars and leopards.

Turpentine Creek is not a zoo however moderately a house for animals in want, aimed toward treating them with dignity and compassion whereas letting them roam. So whereas actions like touching or feeding the wildlife are off the desk, current guests benefit from the alternative to see what this refuge is doing for the rescued animals, including that the excursions are academic and the workers is educated. Entry consists of an hourlong tour across the refuge on a tram, and guests can wander freely in a self-guided discovery space afterward. Turpentine Creek even has on-site lodging, so you may make the expertise really feel like a safari with a keep in an eclectic vary of lodges and tents.

Tackle: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Add a non secular aspect to your trip with a visit to this epic open-air theater, which places on a reenactment of the final days of Jesus Christ’s life. With its multilevel set, intricate lighting design and solid of over 100, current attendees say the visible results are spectacular and the efficiency appeals to all ages; some even attend the present a number of occasions per yr. The Nice Ardour Play is carried out in a big out of doors amphitheater with 4,100 seats and a 550-foot-wide stage that has a number of ranges. Past the present, vacationers can try the on-site Bible Museum in addition to the Holy Land Tour, which can take you thru necessary biblical websites akin to a traditionally correct, full-size re-creation of the traditional East Jerusalem Gate and Market. Since that is an out of doors venue, the play sometimes solely takes place from late Could to late October. Nevertheless, within the low season, you possibly can nonetheless go to the Holy Land and Bible Museum.

Tackle: 935 Ardour Play Highway, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

For a knee-slapping good time after darkish in Eureka Springs, contemplate this nightly selection present at a theater on the east aspect of city. Operating for practically 40 years, the Hoe-Down gives up a must-see mixture of each nation and gospel musical numbers, alongside family-friendly comedy skits. The solid is led by charismatic comedian Mike Nichols, who brings characters like Uncle Posture Pedic and bumbling janitor Tator “Chip” Patches to the stage, accompanied by knowledgeable troupe of actors and musicians. Reveals run 4 nights per week from April to November, and also you’re sometimes suggested to purchase tickets upfront. Latest attendees say the exhibits are a refreshing mixture of comedy and music that entertain a variety of ages.

Tackle: 3140 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Lower than 10 miles northeast of Eureka Springs lies this cave with layered rock formations fabricated from pure flowstone. This rocky materials is shaped from minerals left behind by flowing water, which, in a setting like Onyx Cave Park, takes on a superbly textured and rippled form that may resemble curtains. Flowstone is usually often called “cave onyx,” however guests ought to take observe that no actual onyx could be discovered right here.

For a small entry price, guests can take a self-guided tour by the cave advanced, geared up with radio headphones that provide you with all the main points you will wish to know. This family-friendly attraction requires no specialty caving tools – however remember to convey a jacket or sweater, because the temperature hovers round 57 levels on this subterranean area. When you’re out of the caverns, different actions on-site embody ax throwing and gemstone panning; if you happen to’re good with the pan, you will hopefully stroll away with some gem stones to take residence with you. The park hours fluctuate by season, so examine its Fb web page for actual open dates and occasions earlier than your go to.

Tackle: 338 Onyx Cave Lane, Eureka Spring, AR 72632

Amtrak won’t cease in Eureka Springs, however you possibly can hop aboard this practice for a scenic 4.5-mile experience into the Ozarks aboard a classic Forties-era diesel locomotive. You’ve gotten a number of choices on your experience on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway. The Tour practice, for instance, lasts an hour and options commentary from an on-board conductor. It’s also possible to go for one of many lunch or dinner trains in a Nineteen Twenties-style eating automotive with out narration; each of those include a full meal served in an ornate eating automotive. The dinner journey is a fancier affair, with dishes like prime rib on supply – and it is beneficial you gown up. Youngsters below 5 can’t take the dinner practice, however they’re welcome on the shorter and extra reasonably priced lunch journey. Latest riders recognize the ambiance of a bygone period however observe the lunch and dinner rides are extra concerning the expertise than the delicacies.

The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway is a seasonal attraction: It runs often from mid-Could to late October, whereas in April and early Could it operates on a way more restricted schedule.

Tackle: 299 N. Predominant St., Eureka Springs, AR 72632

Combine collectively an illusionist, a medium, and a shocking church-like theater with stained glass home windows and vaulted ceilings, and also you get this stellar evening of leisure in Eureka Springs. The dynamic duo of illusionist Sean-Paul and personal investigator-turned-clairvoyant Juliana Fay have carried out all over the place from the usOklahoma submarine to the principle stage on “America’s Obtained Expertise” – however their house is the Ozarks, the place they placed on a present as much as 5 occasions per week earlier than an intimate viewers of 100 individuals. The pair’s skills, which embody the whole lot from levitation to comedy sketches to different magic tips, make for an eclectic occasion.

Latest attendees loved the efficiency, saying the small measurement of the theater offers everybody a great view and the viewers participation supplies a singular magic present expertise. Given the theater’s measurement, nonetheless, shopping for tickets upfront is extremely beneficial.

Tackle: 80 Mountain St., Eureka Spring, AR 72632

Billed as “the Ozarks’ strangest dwelling,” this oddball residence south of Eureka Springs is the product of a nature-loving girl who designed her home to have most room for greenery. On prime of that, the creator of Quigley’s Fortress demolished her earlier home whereas her husband was away at work so he can be pressured to assist construct her dream residence.

Quigley’s Fortress options giant gaps between the flooring and partitions the place designer Elise Quigley planted flowering tropical vegetation that now stretch as much as the second story. Quigley continued to gather vegetation and pure objects and combine them into the home and backyard by to her dying within the Eighties. Each inside the home and outside you will discover quite a few rock formations and loads of different ornamental odds and ends. Latest guests state that the backyard, distinctive structure and historic particulars make this “citadel” a very one-of-a-kind place to go to.

And go to, you possibly can: Quigley’s grandchildren now care for the location, which is open often from April to October; vacationers hoping to move there in March and November ought to name forward to verify opening days and occasions.

Tackle: 274 Quigley Fortress Highway, Eureka Spring, AR 72632

A must-see for anybody all in favour of nature or historical past, this stunning 33-acre out of doors attraction was a buying and selling submit for Native Individuals. Later, it turned a stopover level and respite for the Cherokee individuals throughout their pressured migration often called Path of Tears; they had been drawn to the blue-tinged pure spring discovered right here given its prominence in Indigenous tales. Blue Spring remains to be lively and releases some 38 million gallons of water per day. The land across the spring-fed trout-filled lagoon hosts a backyard crammed with native vegetation and flowers, and chances are you’ll nicely spot some helmeted guinea fowl strolling across the grounds. Cease by the on-site customer middle to study concerning the historic significance of Blue Spring.

Blue Spring Heritage Heart is located lower than 10 miles northwest of Eureka Springs. The middle is often open from mid-March to late November, earlier than closing for the winter months.

Tackle: 1537 County Highway 210, Eureka Springs, AR 72632