The Best Things To Do In Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a quirky, welcoming town nestled in the Ozark Mountains.

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. “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," says Madison Dawson, tourism director of the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission.

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 our guide to planning the perfect visit to Eureka Springs.

What To Do In Eureka Springs, Arkansas

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

With its location in the Ozark Mountains, outdoor activities abound in Eurkea Springs. Beaver Lake, about 30 miles from downtown, features 30,000 acres of clear water and nature, where you can hike, birdwatch, fish, and enjoy water sports. Another popular water attraction, 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.

From the deepest of depths to the highest of heights, 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 WWI-era Doughboy statue and the Adora Zerlina Astra, a colorful mermaid mosaic statue.

One of the town's most Instagrammable spots is Rainbow Stairs, a public mural that was painted by artists and volunteers. Talk to talented local 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 see an 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 hop aboard a trolley and explore at your own pace. Visit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum to check out permanent and temporary exhibits that showcase the history of the town and its people. For another step back in time, the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway offers excursion rides on vintage trains, or you can dine aboard a 1920s-era 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, and if you happen to visit around the holidays, the Christmas light display and Christmas Snow Village Display are not to be missed.

Another awe-inspired attraction to visit is the 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 In Eureka Springs, Arkansas

You can't go wrong with a meal at Mud Street Cafe, which 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. Meanwhile, 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 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

For a classic 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; ghost sightings are a regular occurrence. If you’re interested in the paranormal, you can even book a hotel ghost tour.

If you want to make the most of your beautiful natural surroundings, consider staying in one of Eureka Springs's many magical treehouses. Check out Enchanted Treehouses and the Original Treehouse Cottages for a one-of-a-kind experience. 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. 

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