The city of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was founded and named on July 4, 1879. The area has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years, as legends of several native tribes spoke of the great healing spring in the mountains of what later became the state of Arkansas. As word of Eureka’s miraculous, healing waters began to spread, many believed the basin spring itself was magical and healed many afflictions. The waters gained national acclaim with the founding of Ozarka Water Company, which continues today.
A convenient three-hour drive from Osage Beach, the picturesque community of Eureka Springs will enthrall you and entertain you from the moment you arrive until the time you leave. Be sure to drive or walk the historic loop and check out some of the many impressive Victorian homes. There are accommodations to satisfy everyone’s preferences, including historic, luxury, bed and breakfasts, railroad cars, campgrounds, and more.
There are events scheduled throughout the year around Eureka Springs, including this year’s Bikes, Blues and Barbecue event that draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country. Scheduled for October 1-4, riders travel to the area to congregate and explore the beautiful Ozark Mountain highways. The main event is in Rogers, Arkansas, but Eureka Springs is a favorite gathering place before, during, and after the big rally.
A place to explore while in Eureka Springs is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Located in the Ozark Mountains on 459 acres, it’s home to a variety of exotic and native animals. One of the nation’s most respected big cat sanctuaries, this family destination is also accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. This nonprofit, ethical animal tourism destination is also a “Top Three” family-friendly Northwest Arkansas attraction and one of the most popular in Eureka Springs.
Enjoy educational daily tours or experience Africa in the Ozarks in one of their comfortable lodging accommodations. And don’t miss popular annual events like their fun Art With An Altitude Kite Festival in March, or the unique Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular in October.
It’s very rare to visit a city with over 100 restaurants, and only three being chain eateries. That’s the food scene in Eureka Springs. The entire downtown area is on the National Registry of Historic Places so no chain restaurants, shops, or otherwise are allowed. You’ll find places with names like Local Flavor Café, Balcony Bar & Restaurant, Riverview Resort, Bubba’s Barbecue, Rockin Pig, and more. The shopping is a gift in itself with many locally owned treasures.
The cuisine and spirits are as diverse as the town itself. Most of the restaurants are chef-owned and operated with menus dripping with secret family recipes and ingredients. Whatever your taste or diet, you won’t go hungry or thirsty in Eureka Springs. Mexican, Thai, Italian, fusion, farm-to-table, barbeque, burgers, steak, fish, Chinese, southern comfort and low-south tastes can all be satisfied. The options span comfort food to award winning bistros to five-star, high continental cuisine. Wineries, brew-pubs, and coffee houses complete the offerings.
Railway Winery is the perfect stop for wine tasting. It’s located amongst the scenery in the Ozark hills, along the route of the historic ES&NA railroad. This small farm winery is owned and operated by Greg and Vicki Schneider. They offer a selection of wines made from several varieties of grapes, as well as fruit wines. You can sample the wine or enjoy a glass of your favorite on the deck or patio.
Keels Creek Winery is another wonderful place with its own personality. Since 2006, they have been dedicated to crafting award-winning wines from 100 percent Arkansas-grown grapes. They are a boutique winery located in the scenic heart of Eureka Springs. The vineyard and tasting room offer an authentic, laid-back experience where guests can explore the unique flavors of their handcrafted wines. You can enjoy a tasting, tour the vineyard, or plan a private event to be shared. They promise a memorable visit rooted in the passion and heritage of local winemaking.
The Historic Tram Tour is a must for all visitors. The tram tours are approximately 90 minutes in length and are fully narrated by well-trained local guides. In fact, all guides are either natives of the area or long-time residents, who know what they’re talking about and know how to present the information in a fun and easy to understand manner.
Rocket around Eureka Springs in style without walking the hills and steps on the Eureka Rocket Tour. While riding in style on these “rockets,” you will visit many of the magic springs the city was founded on. From exploring the sacred Underground Grotto Spring, to learning about colorful characters, it’s an amazing experience. Tours last 80-90 minutes and are offered every day, weather permitting. They can often accommodate private tours for as few as two people. Pick up is at your hotel, downtown at New Dehli Restaurant, or at their office. They offer lots of ways to avoid parking hassles.
Put the ES&N Railway lunch or excursion train ride on your to-do list. It gives you the opportunity to step back in time to an earlier age of locomotive transportation and enjoy the Excursion Train or Dining Car. See their 1940-era diesel locomotive in operation or view their stationary steam locomotive exhibits. Watch the authentic turntable operate as it turns the engine around, and discover how a locomotive can also be turned at their end-of-the-line wine. There’s the opportunity to dine in luxury as you ride the rails. Enjoy the elegant flavor of the 1920’s aboard the Eurekan Dining Car. You dine on specially prepared cuisine as the clickety-clack takes you back. Shop in the Baggage Room Gift Shop for railroad related gifts.
Take a walk through the Crescent Hotel & Spa, or stay in one of their historic rooms. This opulent, unique edifice is officially known as America’s most haunted hotel. There are paranormal tours offered here and around the city. Built in 1886, legend has been formed from the many “guests who check out but never leave!”
A short 3-mile drive enables you to take in beautiful Thorncrown Chapel. Nestled in a woodland setting, it rises forty-eight feet into the Ozark sky. This magnificent wooden structure contains 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. It sits atop more than 100 tons of native stone and colored flagstone, making it blend perfectly with its setting. The chapel’s simple design and majestic beauty combine to make it what critics have called ‘’one of the finest religious spaces of modern time.’’
Since the chapel opened in 1980, over seven million people have visited. Designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones, Thorncrown has won numerous architectural awards including the American Institute of Architects’ Design of the Year Award for 1981, and AIA’s prestigious 25 Year Award. Additionally, members of the American Institute of Architects placed Thorncrown Chapel fourth on its list of the top buildings of the twentieth century. So, while in the Ozarks, stop by what many have called one of the most beautiful and inspiring chapels in the world.
Try some delicious olive oils and vinegars at Fresh Harvest Tasting Room through one of their complimentary olive oil 101 tasting tours. Fresh Harvest offers one of the largest selections of single-varietal extra virgin olive oils, fused and infused olive oils, and aged balsamic vinegar on tap. There are over 100 items to taste and explore. Sample and taste as you learn about how EVOO and Balsamic are made. No reservation is required unless you are bringing a large group.
Get quirky at Quigley’s Castle, the dream home of Elise Quigley (1910-1984). Her great-grandchildren invite guests to wander through her perennial garden of over 400 varieties of flowers. The garden paths wind around secluded benches, a lily pond, and bird baths up to her home which she beautifully covered with stones she had collected since childhood.
The historic St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, a small but vibrant and hospitable parish family, is hidden like a precious gem in the beautiful city of Eureka Springs. They are a Eucharistic centered community, serving both parishioners and visitors from all around the world. Whether you are a parishioner, new to the Eureka Springs area, looking for a new parish family, starting your journey to the Catholic faith, returning home to the Catholic Church, or you would just like to join them at Mass, they look forward to serving you. Their hope is that you will feel loved and welcomed at St. Elizabeth.
Go underground at one of the area caves and caverns. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains just six miles from downtown Eureka Springs, you will find Onyx Cave Park. Onyx Cave is Arkansas’ oldest toured cave and has been famous since 1891. A delight for all ages, it is one of the very few self-guided cave tours in the US. You can go deep into the underground and explore the amazing cave formations all at your own pace. The tour comes complete with an audio guide that walks you through the cave, explaining the fascinating history and pointing out special features along the path. There is seating at the back of the cave should you want to sit, relax, and take in the ambiance.
As you can see, you may need more than just a one-day trip to this unique community. Whatever you decide to do, you are sure to be as inspired as the many writers, painters, and creative folks who visit and call Eureka Springs home.
For information, visit eurekaspringschamber.com
