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During the last days of summer, we decided to go to Eureka Springs. Usually, we would be camping but we've been having problems with our motorhome and we are not comfortable at the moment taking it out because we are not sure that we would be able to work the slide out. We thought of bringing Georgia with us but there were a couple of sites that we were planning to check out that were not dog-friendly so we asked Georgia's usual babysitter, Dave to take her in for the weekend.
Eureka Springs isn't just another dot on the map; it's a vibrant town with a personality as unique as its name. Known for its Victorian architecture, winding streets, and lush landscapes, this town feels like stepping into a storybook. As you stroll through its historic downtown, you'll find an array of charming boutiques, inviting cafes, and vibrant art galleries, all nestled in buildings that date back to the 19th century. But don't be fooled by its quaint exterior – Eureka Springs is also a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking and biking to zip-lining and kayaking. It's a place where you can lose yourself in nature and history, all in one unforgettable trip.
We only had a couple of days but we still wanted to make sure we got to see all the things to do that Eureka Springs has to offer. Unbeknownst to us at the time we were in for a parade treat in the end.
Best Time to Visit Eureka Springs
Timing your visit to Eureka Springs can make all the difference in your travel experience. Each season brings its own charm, but there are definitely some highlights to consider.
Spring is a fantastic time to visit if you love seeing nature in full bloom. The town's many gardens and parks come alive with vibrant colors, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The weather is mild, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of blooming flowers.
Summer offers warm weather and a bustling atmosphere. This is peak tourist season, so expect lively streets and plenty of events and festivals. If you're a fan of water activities, the nearby lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Just be prepared for the crowds and make sure to book your accommodations well in advance.
Fall is arguably the most magical time to visit Eureka Springs. The Ozark Mountains are blanketed in stunning autumn colors, creating picturesque landscapes that are perfect for scenic drives and hikes. The cooler temperatures are ideal for exploring the town's outdoor attractions, and the annual War Eagle Craft Fair draws visitors from all over.
Winter in Eureka Springs is quieter but no less charming. The town is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and the lack of crowds means you can explore at a more leisurely pace. The mild winters make it possible to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, though some attractions may have limited hours.
No matter when you choose to visit, Eureka Springs always has something special to offer. Whether it’s the blooming flowers of spring, the vibrant summer festivals, the breathtaking fall foliage, or the cozy winter ambiance, you'll find plenty to enjoy in this enchanting town.
Ready to book a trip?
Thorncrown Chapel
Cost: Free
Thorncrown Chapel, a marvel of modern architecture nestled in the woods. This breathtaking glass chapel, designed by E. Fay Jones, has been captivating visitors since 1980. Its serene atmosphere and stunning design make it a must-see for both history enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
We've been to one of the sister chapels in Hot Springs Arkansas. Read about our Hot Springs National Park Guide about it. and they are pretty similar to each other. Our experience however was different for this one because we were able to go inside. The architecture is very impressive once you are inside. It felt like is encouraging you to a moment of silence and gather yourself and your thoughts. Observe the nature around you and pray.
TIP: I would assume that these chapels get pretty booked up on weekends try to come during the week as there is probably going to be a wedding on weekends. There is more to appreciate on the inside
Christ of the Ozarks
Cost: Free (Just to see the statue)
On our way to Eureka Springs, we passed by The Great Passion Play, I didn't pay much attention to it but on one of the days that we were in Eureka Springs we bought our souvenir post cards that we mailed to the checkout lady was telling us about attractions in the area and the Christ of the Ozarks was one of them.
Standing tall at 67 feet, this awe-inspiring monument is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the area and offers a serene spot for reflection and breathtaking views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Located on Magnetic Mountain, it provides a perfect vantage point to take in the natural beauty of Eureka Springs.
It is not much of a walk to get to the statue you can drive up to the back and walk a bit so you can see the front of the statue.
The checkout lady said that there are only 2 in the world, one in Eureka Springs and one in Rio de Janeiro. Not exactly true because Kevin saw one in Lisbon on his solo trip there. Unlike the one in Rio de Janeiro and Lisbon, despite the size of the statue you won't be able to see it anywhere else in Eureka Springs. You have to drive up there to see it. TIP: If you just wanted to see the statue check out the schedule of the Passion Play. We assume it gets busy when the play is on and parking might be an issue.
Blue Spring Heritage Center
Cost: $17 per person
Blue Spring Heritage Center is a must-visit destination in Eureka Springs. This stunning 33-acre garden and nature preserve offers a serene escape and a chance to explore one of Arkansas's most picturesque spots.
At the heart of the Heritage Center is the captivating Blue Spring. This natural spring pumps out an astonishing 38 million gallons of water daily, creating a vibrant, blue-hued pool that is both mesmerizing and calming. Historically, Blue Spring served as a sacred site for Native American tribes, who considered it a place of healing and spiritual significance.
We were worried that we would not make it there on time to go inside because the information on the internet said that it closes at 5:00 pm but we were able to confirm that it does not close until 6:00 pm and even then they said they would not ask people to leave.
Strolling through the Heritage Center, you'll encounter a network of walking trails that meander through lush gardens, towering trees, and vibrant wildflowers. The trails are designed to highlight the area's natural beauty while also educating visitors about the historical and cultural importance of the site. Interpretive signs along the way provide insights into the native flora and fauna, as well as the rich history of the early settlers and Native American tribes who once inhabited the area.
There is a section in the spring that has a footbridge where you can dip your feet in the spring. It is cold, we were told it is 57 degrees Fahrenheit. We've been walking all day in the summer heat so it initial dip was nice but the longer I left my feet in the water it started to hurt. Like having Charlie horse or your entire feet freezing up and slowly starting to climb up your leg.
Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour
Cost: $25 per person
The U.S. Department of the Interior listed the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa on the National Register of Historic Places, due to the hard work undertaken by the Roenigks. A member of Historic Hotels of America since 2007, this fantastic historic hotel is one of the best in all of Arkansas. It is also designated as one of America's most haunted by America's Most haunted Hotels.
Who doesn't love a ghost story? When I saw that there were ghost tours to be had I made sure it was part of the itinerary. The tour we picked was the one that starts at 6:30 pm. There were tours later than that but we wanted to do it before dinner and we did not want to be out very late… because I ain't gonna be out in the streets at 9:00 pm, that's bedtime. Anyway, the ghost tour was pretty nice because it was not just about the ghosts that live in the hotels but also the history of the hotel and the area. The tour guide's name was Diane and she had been working for about 7 years and very much enjoyed the paranormal.
It is very creepy, especially in certain areas of the hotel. You do not have to be into ghosts to enjoy the tour. It is pretty interesting though. Dame Diane takes you through the different floors of the hotel and walks through the areas where there have been reports of paranormal activities. Diane also told us who are theorized as the ghosts that are hunting the hotel.
Check out this photo of a girl in an area where Dame Diane told us there is heavy hunting. She is clearly in the area but the the people on the tour are not capturing her on her phone
Onyx Cave Park
Cost: $10 each person
Discovered in 1893, Onyx Cave is the oldest show cave in Arkansas and offers a fascinating glimpse into the subterranean world.
It takes about 20 minutes to get to Onyx Cave Park from Downtown Eureka. The cave has a self-guided tour and they provide a headset at the beginning. The tour was about 30 minutes including the audio. The tour had talked about the discovery of the cave, it would also direct you to some of the must-see formations inside the cave. It also talked about how the cave was used as a hiding place during the Civil War at one point and also a place to make moonshine at some point in its history The recorded tour was not very long and the end of the recording is tied to end of the cave. On your way back you can take your time looking at the formations inside the cave. There are other things to do in the Onyx Cave park like ax throwing, gem panning, and rage room. We only did the cave tour because if cave tours are an option we usually check it out.
Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge
Cost: $6 per person
The exact time of Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge opening was not clear. We got there around 9:45 am it was still closed so after some "Googling" we found that it opens at 10:00 am so we waited. At 10:10 am when it was still not open we decided to come back later because we were not sure if it was going to even open. There were several posts on their Facebook account that they would be late opening and we did not want to wait hours to find out.
When we got back after lunch we saw that it was open so we were able to get in. The hike to the Pivot Rock was 0.25 miles then back another 0.25 miles.
Eureka Springs Historical Museum
Cost: $5 per person
Having been to Hot Springs I cannot help but compare the 2 sites being that they are known for the same thing. The two are very different though and how we travelled there are very different. We camped in Hot Springs and Georgia was with us so our exploration of downtown Hot Springs was a bit limited. However, I want to say that Hot Springs did a better job preserving the origin of the area's history.
The museum was small but that was to be expected from a small town with very specific origins which were the healing springs. There are no tours for the museum and it is self-guided. The museum host would start you off though so you know where you can start. I did not know that there were multiple springs in Eureka Springs and depending on your ailment you can go to only the specific springs to get cured.
Overall for the price of admission, I would recommend making a stop at Eureka Springs Historical Museum even before you get started with your trip so you can take in the context of some of the sites you would be visiting. Bonus Feature: Volkswagen Parade
Cost: Free
We did not know this when we came but there is a Volkswagen parade that happens in Eureka Springs every year in the summer. Every year a bunch of Volkswagen cars goes on a parade in downtown Eureka Springs. What is so special about the parade? It is mostly VW beetle cars.
The parade was held in downtown Eureka Springs. In 1970, the Eureka Springs Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
There are some newer versions of the Beetle but the treat is seeing the vintage Volkswagen all dressed up. It was a fun parade seeing the different themes of the car
Overall it was a fun trip. With the world as it is today, I am sure that the next time we visit there will be new attractions to explore and sites to see. I hope you found our ultimate travel guide to Eureka Springs helpful. Let us know if you've been to Eureka Springs. Hope you enjoyed our guide to Eureka Springs.
TTYL