The Best Things To Do In Eureka Springs, Arkansas

It’s rare to find caves to explore, a haunted hotel, quirky shops, and a welcoming atmosphere all in one place. But that’s exactly what you’ll find in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. 

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is an eccentric town with a laid-back energy that attracts a diverse group of residents and visitors. "Eureka Springs is one of the most unique and welcoming towns in America,” says Madison Dawson, tourism director of the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission. “We are America's colorful gateway to the storied Ozark Mountains and are overflowing with the warm hospitality this region is so well known for.” 

Home to natural springs and healing waters, Eureka Springs was founded in 1880 as a Victorian-era spa town. It’s also been an enclave for artists, writers, and other creatives for generations. Its art community remains as vibrant as ever, with dozens of galleries to explore and the decades-old Ozark Folk Festival held every year.  

“As you walk along our winding streets and mountain pathways, you can feel the creative spirit. It complements the history and beauty that make Eureka Springs so special,” says Dawson. Here's everything you need to know to plan your next visit to Eureka Springs.

What To Do 

Eureka Springs has something for everyone, including history buffs, nature lovers, art aficionados, spiritual pilgrims, and shopaholics. Here’s a glimpse at the best activities in town.

Explore The Mountain Landscape 

Located in the Ozark Mountains, outdoor activities abound. Beaver Lake, about 30 miles from downtown, features about 30,000 acres of clear water and nature, where you can hike, birdwatch, fish, and enjoy water sports. Kings River offers kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. 

Northwest Arkansas is a top mountain biking destination in the South and offers numerous trails nearby, like Lake Leatherwood and Marble Flats. There are also plenty of caves to explore, including Cosmic Cavern, Onyx Cave Park, and War Eagle Cavern, where underground temperatures stay in the 50s and 60s year-round. 

Swing by Ozark Mountain Ziplines, where you can soar more than 300 feet high above a forest canopy. Learn about rescued lions, tigers, bears, and more at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and you can even stay overnight for a safari-style adventure.

Immerse Yourself In The Arts

There are multiple art galleries to explore and public art displays in Basin Spring Park, like the World World I-era Doughboy statue and the Adora Zerlina Astra, a colorful mermaid-like mosaic statue. 

One of the town's most Instagrammable spots is the Rainbow Stairs that was created by artists and volunteers. Talk to artists at Art Colony Eureka Springs and purchase unique paintings, glass, wood crafts, and other art. 

Take A History Lesson

Stroll through downtown Eureka Springs to take in the eclectic mix of architecture, including Victorian, Craftsman, Gothic Revival, and other styles. Most of the buildings were built before 1910, and the district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Learn about the town’s history via a Eureka Springs Tram Tour or explore on your own by riding a trolley. Visit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum for permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing the history of the town and its people. The Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway offers excursion rides on vintage trains or you can dine aboard the 1920s-era Eurekan Dining Car. 

Get In Touch With Your Spiritual Side

You can’t miss the iconic 67-foot-high Christ of the Ozarks statue, which sits on Magnetic Mountain and overlooks Eureka Springs. See a performance of the Great Passion Play or visit its Christmas light display and Christmas Snow Village Display around the holidays. 

Just outside Eureka Springs is Thorncrown Chapel, a 48-foot structure consisting of more than 400 windows and more than 6,000 square feet of glass. The picturesque chapel was designed by well-known Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones and has won several architecture awards. 

Shop For Quirky Souvenirs

Downtown Eureka Springs’ hilly streets are packed with shops, where you’ll find all kinds of souvenirs, like jewelry, art, Arkansas Razorbacks gear, and local food items. The Silver Maple Gift Market offers a slew of one-of-a-kind items sourced from local makers and small businesses. Sweet’s Fudge Kitchen has been making its sweet concoctions since 1969. 

Where To Eat 

Mud Street Cafe has been a go-to breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot in Eureka Springs for years and is popular for its pastries, omelets, burgers, sandwiches, coffees, and teas. For classic pasta, meatballs, and other comforting dishes, visit Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking. New American restaurant Le Stick Nouveau features a rotating, seasonal menu and a romantic vibe. Local Flavor Cafe offers a quaint dining experience in the heart of downtown, along with an extensive wine list and seasonal cocktail menu. 

Where To Stay

The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa is a Eureka Springs landmark. It features 15 acres of gardens, hiking, biking, and walking trails that loop around the town, as well as a hot tub, swimming pool, spa, and restaurants. The hotel is also known as one of the most haunted lodgings in the country, with ghost sightings a regular occurrence. If you’re into the paranormal, you can book a hotel ghost tour. 

Treehouses are other unique places to stay in Eureka Springs. Check out Enchanted Treehouses and the Original Treehouse Cottages. You can also stay in a Hobbit Cave or Castle. 

If a cozy bed and breakfast is more your style, you’ll find plenty of options, like the Arsenic and Old Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn, the Peabody House, and the Hidden Springs Bed and Breakfast.