Tucked into the Ozark Mountains of Carroll County, Eureka Springs is one of America’s most enchanting small towns — an entire Victorian village on the National Register of Historic Places, wrapped around healing springs and winding mountain streets. It’s a place of world-famous architecture, a haunted grand hotel, big-cat sanctuaries, mountain-bike trails, and an arts-and-nightlife scene unlike anywhere else in Arkansas. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Eureka Springs.
Historic Downtown
The whole of downtown is a National Historic District — a walkable maze of Victorian storefronts, steep staircases, spring-fed pocket parks, and one-of-a-kind shops and galleries, with a color-coded trolley to handle the hills. Start at Basin Spring Park and let the town unfold. Explore Historic Downtown Eureka Springs »
Landmarks & Architecture
See the glass-walled Thorncrown Chapel (one of America’s great buildings), the haunted 1886 Crescent Hotel, and the towering Christ of the Ozarks & Great Passion Play. See all landmarks & architecture »
Outdoor Recreation
Ride or hike ~25 miles of trails at Lake Leatherwood City Park (with a downhill gravity park), or head to Beaver Lake and the White River for boating and world-class fishing. See our full outdoor guide »
Attractions & Family Fun
Meet rescued tigers and lions at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, ride the vintage ES&NA Railway, explore spring-fed gardens at Blue Spring, or head underground into an Ozark cave. See all attractions & family fun »
Where to Eat & Drink
Eureka Springs has one of the most eclectic food, drink, and live-music scenes in the region, packed into its historic downtown. For current, specific recommendations, browse our sister sites NWA Food, NWA Brew, and NWA Rocks for live music.
Plan Your Visit
Eureka Springs sits about an hour east of Bentonville and Rogers, making it a perfect overnight or weekend trip from the rest of Northwest Arkansas. Pair it with our guides to Bentonville, Rogers, and Northwest Arkansas outdoors. Because of the steep, narrow streets, plan to park once and ride the trolley or walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eureka Springs, Arkansas known for?
Eureka Springs is known for its entirely National Register-listed Victorian downtown, its healing springs, Thorncrown Chapel, the haunted 1886 Crescent Hotel, the Christ of the Ozarks statue and Great Passion Play, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, and mountain biking at Lake Leatherwood.
How many days do you need in Eureka Springs?
A weekend (two to three days) is ideal — enough time to explore downtown, see the major landmarks, visit an attraction or two like Turpentine Creek, and get outdoors at Lake Leatherwood.
How far is Eureka Springs from Bentonville?
Eureka Springs is about an hour’s drive (roughly 50 miles) east of Bentonville, making it an easy overnight or weekend trip within Northwest Arkansas.