Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is a quaint resort town in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, with eclectic dining and shopping, art galleries and local crafts. The massive Beaver Lake is just outside of town. It is a Victorian village and has a European look and feel, with Victorian cottages and homes on steep winding streets.

The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and with good reason. Not many towns sprang up overnight like Eureka Springs. On July 4, 1879, the town was founded and named. By the end of the year, approximately 10,000 were living there. The attraction was the area's numerous cold water springs, thought to have healing properties. Naturally, this claim was fairly short lived, and when the boom busted, a town full of Victorian homes balanced precariously on limestone bluffs was left in the Ozark wilderness without much of an economic base. As a result, few new buildings followed, and those that were there were rarely razed or renovated. Dozens, if not hundreds, of Victorian homes have remained-- ranging from tiny cottages to elaborate mansions.

Today, the city is passionate about preserving this treasure. In the Spring of 2001, Eureka Springs was named one of 12 Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

You've never seen anything quite like it.

Get in

By car
  • Driving - Eureka Springs in remotely located in the Ozarks and the best way to get there is drive. You can travel south from Springfield, Mo or Branson, Mo. on US 65 to US 62 and then west. It is about 1-1/2 hours from Springfield and about 45 minutes from Branson. Eureka Springs is at the crossroads of US 62 (east/west) and US 23 (north/south), both are two lane highways and have curves and hills.

By plane
  • Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) 50 miles southwest (mountain miles - takes longer to drive in the Ozark hills)
  • Tulsa International Airport (TUL) 160 miles west
  • Springfield/Branson Regional Airport (SGF) 100 miles north

Get around

Because parking is limited, many tourists find it convenient to walk or take the trolley.

Access to the downtown historic district is somewhat limited to individuals with disabilities. Sidewalks are rough native stone and often steep.

Streets in the historic area are very narrow and the operators of large vehicles like RV's and one ton pickups will find manuvering through town to be a real challenge.

See
  • 🌍 The Great Passion Play. Outdoor play of Christ's Passion in 4100 seat amphitheater. Performances from the last Friday in April to the last Saturday in October. $23.50 Adults, $10 Children 6-11, Under 6 Free. 
  • 🌍 Christ of the Ozarks. Seven-story statue of Christ with outstretched arms. On the grounds of The Great Passion Play, it can be seen from the historic district of Eureka Springs. Open 24 hours a day and free of charge to visit. (updated Apr 2021)
  • Historic District. This is also referred to as the loop. It includes the downtown area on Spring Street. The architecture is Victorian, and you get the impression you are in an artisan village. There are galleries, restaurants, gardens, healers, craft shops, street musicians, spas and nightclubs. 
  • 🌍 Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway. Heritage railway offering scenic train excursions. Be aware that the "excursion" trip is very short - no more than a couple of miles to a wye juncttion turn around and then back to the depot. 
  • 🌍 Thorncrown Chapel, 12968 Hwy 62 West (1.5 miles west of town; GPS may be unreliable.), ☏ +1 479 253-7401. 9AM–5PM daily Apr–Nov; 11AM–4PM daily Mar, Dec; closed Jan–Feb. May close early for special events. Airy (and air conditioned) glass and wood chapel designed by notable architect E. Fay Jones, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1980 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places exceptionally early, in 2000. Non-denominational Christian services offered most Sundays. No smoking, food or drinks. Free (donations optional). (updated Apr 2021)
  • Pivot Rock. an unusual rock formation. 
  • Car Shows, Festivals and Parades. Eureka Springs is a popular weekend gathering spot for car and motorcycle enthusiasts, artists and musicians. Check the Eureka Springs Advertising & Promotions Commission's web page for a schedeule of events. 
  • The Rosalie Tour & Wedding Home, 282 Spring Street, ☏ +1 479 253-7377. By Appointment. Built in 1889 by JW Hill, The Rosalie is "the prettiest and fanciest home on The Boulevard"! It is a magnificent example of Steamboat Gothic design and Eastlake architecture. Tours and weddings by previous appointment only. 

Do
  • 🌍 Onyx Cave, 338 Onyx Cave Ln (6 miles east of town), ☏ +1 479 253-9321. Oldest tour cave in Arkansas, and one of several in this region. Self-guided tours use short-range FM receiver. The Amethyst Angel Wings are a popular photo op. Comfortably cool year-round. Stairs in some sections. Call ahead if the weather is icy. (updated Apr 2021)
  • 🌍 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, ☏ +1 479 253-5841. 7 miles south of Eureka Springs on Highway 23. 450 acre USDA licensed refuge for big cats. Open 9AM till dusk every day except Christmas. On-site bed & breakfast. 
  • 🌍 Promised Land Zoo, 32297 State Hwy 86, Eagle Rock (10 miles north of Eureka Springs on Hwy 23), ☏ +1 417 669-0088, . 9AM–5PM daily. 120-acre safari-style zoo with over 500 animals from all over the world. Drive your own car through four miles of trails. Petting zoo and a free-flight area where you can feed parakeets. $23 per adult; discounts for kids and seniors. (updated Apr 2021)
  • 🌍 Opera in the Ozarks (Inspiration Point Fine Arts Center), 16311 Hwy 62 West (seven miles west of Eureka Springs), ☏ +1 479 253-8595, . Every summer, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Center hosts budding opera singers in three operas performed in repertoire. One of the most picturesque spots in the south central USA, Inspiration Point is a look-out site perched atop Rock Candy Mountain, between the beautiful White River Valley and Beaver Lake. $10–30 per person. (updated Apr 2021)

Eat
  • New Delhi Cafe, 2 North Main., Features American and Indian food. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. thenewdelhicafe.com +1 479 253-2525
  • Mud Street Cafe 22 G South Main Street, +1 479 253-6732. Great underground ambiance.
  • Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking, 26 White Street, ☏ +1 479 253-8806. Wonderful Italian food located inside an old home on Eureka's Historic Loop. Excellent menu, wine list and wait staff. 
  • The Grand Taverne Restaurant & Lounge, 37 North Main Street, ☏ +1 479 253-6756, . Casual, fine dining located on the lobby level of The Grand Central Hotel. American cuisine with French influence. 

Sleep

There are many places to stay here that will fit every budget and need, but it is advised to make reservations several weeks in advance because Eureka Spring is a very popular tourist location.

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge
  • 1882 Harvest House Bed and Breakfast, 104 Wall Street, ☏ +1 479 253-0007, . 1882 Harvest House is a restored Victorian home; its land grant is signed by Abraham Lincoln. This home has reportedly been used for inn keeping since Eureka Springs' earliest days. Includes full breakfast. Heavy woods are located behind the house; throughout the day deer and other fauna graze on the serene, spacious grounds. Private parking on premises adjoin the gardens under a very large oak tree, its age estimated between 125 to 200 years old. $95 to $175. 
  • 🌍 1884 Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast (Bridgeford House B & B), 263 Spring Street (Highway 62 or 23 to Main then Spring), toll-free: +1-888-567-2422. Check-in: 3PM +, check-out: 11AM. B&B on the trolley car and the horse drawn carriage routes, listed on the National Register of Historic places. The “Secret Garden” has been honored with Eureka Springs Garden Club’s Award for “Garden of the Season.” $95 - $179. 
  • 🌍 Crescent Hotel and Spa, 75 Prospect Ave, ☏ +1 855 725 5720. Built in 1886 as an upscale resort, the hotel quickly became unmanageable and fell into disrepair. After a six-year restoration the hotel reopened in the early 2000s. The hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America. $119-$279. (updated Jul 2021)
  • 1905 Basin Park Hotel, 12 Spring Street, ☏ +1 479 253-7837, toll-free: +1-800-643-4972, fax: +1 479 253-6985, . Unusual hotel built against a hillside; each floor is a "ground" floor with a fire door leading onto the hillside. $89 - $199. 
  • 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast, 5 Ojo Street (on historic loop), ☏ +1 479 253-6734, toll-free: +1-800-656-6734, . Two old historic homes and two cottages. Three-course plated gourmet breakfast. 9 rooms all with Jacuzzis. Weddings performed onsite. Packages also available. $119 to $189. 
  • All Seasons Inn, 156 Spring Street, ☏ +1 479 253-2001, toll-free: +1-866-336-2001, . $125 - $300. 
  • 🌍 Angel at Rose Hall Bed and Breakfast, 46 Hillside Ave. (At Train Depot turn left and make an immediate left onto Hillside Ave. Follow Hillside Ave about 250 yards), ☏ +1 479 253-5405. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Private, off-street parking is provided. Suites: $135 - $219. 
  • 🌍 Arsenic & Old Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn (Eureka Springs Arkansas B & B), 60 Hillside Ave (2 blocks from the Eureka Springs Historic Loop. At Train Depot turn left and make an immediate left onto Hillside Ave. Proceed up Hillside Ave about 250 yards), toll-free: +1-888-350-5454. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Private, off-street parking is provided. Rooms:$145 - $199, Suites: $199 - $259, Cottages: $99 - $295. 
  • Beaver Lake Cottages, 2865 Mundell Road, ☏ +1 479 2538439, . Beautiful lakefront cottages and suites nestled in the Ozarks. Amenities include Jacuzzi tubs, full kitchens, lake views and elopement venues. 179-400$. (updated May 2018)
  • Cliff Cottage Inn, 42 Armstrong St, ☏ +1 479 253-7409, . Bed and breakfast with six suites in restored Victorian houses directly off Armstrong Street. The cottage and the studio are set farther back for a more secluded atmosphere. All rooms have either a Jacuzzi or a hot tub. Complimentary breakfasts delivered to all rooms (except the cottage) every morning. roughly $200 per night, but vary by room. 
  • 🌍 Enchanted Forest Resort (Eureka Springs Cabins), 1840 Hwy 23 N (2.8 miles north of Eureka Springs on Highway 23), ☏ +1 479 253-8639, . Check-in: 2:30pm, 3:00pm Sundays, check-out: 11:00am. 8 private cabin rentals secluded in the forest. Cabins for families and couples are available, with full kitchens, indoor Jacuzzis, and private decks with grills. A hiking trail to the Blue Moon Cave is also on the property. $140 - $195. 
  • Evening Shade Inn Bed and Breakfast, 3079 East Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-6264, toll-free: +1-888-992-1224, . Private luxury bed and breakfast suites and private cottages located on 10 wooded acres in city limits. Full breakfast delivered to your suite/cottage each morning. Desserts in your room each evening. Elopement weddings performed. Specials and packages also available. $139 and up. 
  • Eureka Matterhorn Towers, 130 W. Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-9602, toll-free: +1-800-426-0838, fax: +1 479 253-2850, . $59.50 - $119.50. 
  • Grand Central Hotel & Spa, 37 North Main, ☏ +1 479 253-6756, toll-free: +1-800-344-6050, . All luxury suites with two person jacuzzis, refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. On site parking, full service spa and salon. The Grand Taverne Restaurant on lobby level. Located in historic downtown. $125 and up. 
  • Island Motel and Resort Rentals, 5 Woodsdale Drive (Holiday Island), ☏ +1 479 253-9571, toll-free: +1-800-874-1331, . $35 - $210. 
  • Palace Hotel & Bathhouse, 135 Spring Street, ☏ +1 479 253-7474, . $159 - $229. 

Near

These are properties are located on Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs.

Go next
Routes through Eureka Springs
Fayetteville ← Rogers ←  W  E  → Berryville → Mountain Home


This article is issued from Wikivoyage. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.