Downtown Eureka Springs is unlike anywhere else in Arkansas — the entire city is on the National Register of Historic Places, a Victorian mountain village of winding streets, steep staircases, and ornate 19th-century buildings with not a single traffic light. Founded on its “healing” springs, it’s now a walkable warren of one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, cafés, and music, all tucked into the Ozark hillside.
The Historic District & the Springs
Eureka Springs grew up in the 1880s around dozens of springs that drew health-seekers from across the country. Today those springs are marked by pocket parks throughout downtown — the most famous being Basin Spring Park, the leafy heart of town that hosts live music and events. Wandering the historic loop past the springs, staircases, and Victorian storefronts is the quintessential Eureka Springs experience. Read our guide to Basin Spring Park & the historic springs »
Shopping, Galleries & Arts
Downtown is a shopper’s and art-lover’s paradise — block after block of independent boutiques, craft emporiums, and fine-art galleries that have made Eureka Springs a nationally known arts colony. It’s a place for slow browsing, gallery-hopping, and discovering local makers.
Getting Around: The Trolley
Because the streets are steep, narrow, and parking is limited, the Eureka Springs Transit trolley is the easiest way to get around — color-coded routes connect downtown, the historic hotels, the Passion Play grounds, and lodging. Hop on and let someone else handle the hairpin turns.
Where to Eat & Drink
Downtown Eureka Springs is one of the most eclectic dining and nightlife districts in the region, from historic cafés and fine dining to lively pubs and live-music venues. Because the lineup evolves, we keep current, specific picks on our sister sites — browse NWA Food for restaurants and NWA Brew for bars and breweries. For live music around the region, see NWA Rocks.
Back to Things to Do in Eureka Springs.