25 THINGS TO DO IN EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

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Eureka Springs is a historic city in Northwest Arkansas that sits in the Ozark Mountains, in Carroll County, United States. Eureka is a Greek word that means “I have found it”. It has a population of approximately 2500. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Eureka Springs as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. The city has attracted wealthy residents over the years because of its Victorian houses. Here is a list of all the places you must visit when you go to Eureka Springs.

Click here to download this FREE guide to your phone, tablet or computer. The PDF version has addresses and entrance information on the places listed and links to relevant websites.

Downtown of Eureka Springs

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This small town has a beautiful architectural design that will remind you of a typical European town. It is known as ‘Little Switzerland”.

Go to the spot where Spring Street meets Center Street

Spring Street is one of the popular streets in Arkansas. It was named by the American Planning Association in 2010 as one of America’s 10 Best Streets. It is the heart of Eureka Springs and boasts of restaurants, shops, and hotels that are historic in design. Art galleries and museums also contribute to the pool of attractions in the historic town. Basin Park Hotel contributes to the historic look of this area.

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Also See: What to Wear in Arkansas in All Four Seasons

 

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Festivals & Theaters

Eureka Springs is known for live music and magic shows. The Great Passion Play is very popular; it has been viewed, since it opened in 1968, by more than 7.7 million people. There is also a 3 Day Volkswagen festival which is popular among Volkswagen lovers. At the annual Bluegrass Festival you will be treated to performances by very good musicians. Similarly, Eureka Springs into Music offers a Classical Music Festival. You might also enjoy a show at Gaskin Switch Theater with Mark Wayne Beers; Intrigue Theater, Ozark Mountain Hoedown or see a Tribute to Willie Nelson at Outlaw Willie.

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The Rainbow Staircase

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The rainbow staircase is known as ‘Cash and Boardman Mural’ put together by artists and volunteers through the Up Project in 2015. The staircase is located downtown, off Center Street, opposite Basin Park Hotel. You will have to go down the stairs and take pictures from the bottom end in North Main Street.

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Blue Spring Heritage Center and Gardens

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Blue Spring is the largest spring in Northwest Arkansas; it flows 38 million gallons of water every day. It is rumored that natural springs in Eureka Springs have healing powers. The Heritage Center and Gardens is 33 acres and covered by beautiful gardens, plants, and greenish or bluish water. You pay to visit the center; for more information visit the Official Website for Blue Spring.

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Also See: Road Trip: 26 Places to Visit in Arkansas | Road Trip Planner Checklist

 

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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

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If you are an animal lover and want to learn about Big Cat Refuge, you should visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge . When you shop at the Center’s gift shop you will be supporting the mission of the foundation.

Dinner Train & Excursion Rides

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Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway offers excursion rides and dinner trains. Go back in time and enjoy the 1920’s locomotive transportation while dining on delicious cuisine. A Tram Tour is another option for people who want to learn more about the city. You can also ride a Trolley around Eureka Springs for a Historical Tour. There is also a tour for downtown.

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Inspiration Point

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The view is beautiful at Inspiration Point; it is located just 5 miles from Eureka Springs on Highway 62, on a cliff 550 feet above Green Valley and White River. At Inspiration Point you will also enjoy staged opera in June and July during the summer Opera Festival.

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Motorcycle Rides

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Eureka Springs and its roads are smooth; as you maneuver through hills and forests you will be met with spectacular views and unforgettable experience. The Pig Trail is very popular and was recently voted as one of the top ten rides in America; Bikers also flock to the Fat Tire Festival. Motorcycle packages are offered by many hotels in the area, you can also find more information here.

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River lake Outdoor Center

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At this center, you will be able to rent canoes for exploring Beaver Lake and White River. There are also shuttle services, camping excursions on the White River, fishing guide services, as well as maps, bait, fuel, and food. The address is 14735 Hwy. 62 W. Eureka Springs. Phone: (479) 253-5628

 

Historical Museum and Information Center

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The museum in Eureka Springs is housed in a Calf House built in 1889. At the museum, you will learn the history of the architecture, springs and the people. Local artists from 20th century and beyond are celebrated and their work displayed in the gallery. You can also explore art at Art of Eureka Springs.

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Thorncrown Chapel

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Thorncrown Chapel is forty-eight feet high and made of wood and glass. The chapel has received a dozen architecture awards from around the world and receives visitors from all walks of life. Marriage ceremonies are conducted at the beautiful chapel; you must schedule your wedding well in advance.

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More Things to Do in Eureka Springs

11| Zipline in the Ozark mountains with Zipline Eureka Springs.

12| Go to Onyx Cave.

13| Horse riding at Dinner Bell Ranch, Hidden Valley Ranch, or Bear Mountain Stables.

14| Fish/hike or bike around Lake Leatherwood.

15| Art class at Eureka Springs School of the Arts.

16| There is a Farmer’s Market at Pine Mountain, at the village on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

17| Go to Keels Creek Winery and Railway Winery for wine tasting.

18| Visit Pivot Rock Natural Bridge.

19| Golf at Holiday Island.

20| In August go to Annual Yards & Yards of Yard Sales.

21| Take a tour of a strange dwelling in the Ozark, Quigley Castle.

22| Go to Eureka Springs Blues Weekend.

23| Fleur Delicious Weekend in July gives you a taste of France.

24| Ripley’s Believe It or Not – featured St. Elizabeth Catholic Church because the entrance is from the bell tower.

25| Ghosts tours at Crescent Hotel, Basin Park Hotel or Haunted Eureka Springs.

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Useful Information on Eureka Springs

Getting there

Road:

Highway 62 East and West

State Highway 23 North and South

Airports:

Carroll County Municipal Airport (twelve miles away).

Commercial Airport in Fayetteville.

An international airport in Highfill (airport code XNA), west of Bentonville.

Temperature

Average annual temperature is a high of 71 F and a low of 46 F.

Annual rainfall is about 36 inches per year.

Humidity is normally 53%.

Autumn is the best time to visit as this is the time the leaves change color and present a picture perfect place.

Hotels

For a list of hotels, motels and other accommodations in Eureka Springs click here.

Restaurants and Bars

For a list of good restaurants and bars in Eureka Springs click here.

Maps

Here are maps of Eureka Springs. You can also click here.

For more information on Eureka Springs

Official Website of Eureka Springs. Official Website of the City of Eureka Springs.