Overview
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.
8 sights · 4 things to do · 1 places to eat · 37 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Eureka Springs
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.
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.
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 junction turn around and then back to the depot.
Thorncrown Chapel
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, …
Onyx Cave
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 …
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
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.
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BKG Branson Airport, Branson — 31 mi away. Directions
- XNA Northwest Arkansas National Airport, Fayetteville/Springdale/Rogers — 33 mi away. Directions
- TUL Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa — 120 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $49–$219 a night (typical $125), from 68 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$90, mid-range ~$200, comfortable ~$380.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge, On Beaver Lake in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Great Passion Play, Christ of the Ozarks, Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway
- Lunch Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking
- Afternoon Onyx Cave, Historic District
Day 2
- Morning Thorncrown Chapel, Opera in the Ozarks
- Afternoon Promised Land Zoo, Pivot Rock
Day 3
- Morning Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
- Afternoon Car Shows, Festivals and Parades
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
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
See 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.
See Thorncrown Chapel
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.
Do
Do Opera in the Ozarks (Inspiration Point Fine Arts Center)
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.
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.
Eat Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking
Wonderful Italian food located inside an old home on Eureka's Historic Loop. Excellent menu, wine list and wait staff.
- Gaskins Cabin Steahouse
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
Stay Alpine Lodge
Stay Edelweiss Inn
Stay Statue Road Inn
Stay Swiss Village Inn
Stay Thurman's Lodge
Stay Trails Inn
Stay Wagner Inn
Mid-range
Stay Brackenridge Lodge
Stay Land-O-Nod Inn
Stay New Orleans Hotel
Stay Oak Crest Cottages
Stay Pointe West Resort
Stay Roadrunner Inn
Splurge
Stay 1882 Harvest House Bed and Breakfast
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.
Stay 1905 Basin Park Hotel
Unusual hotel built against a hillside; each floor is a "ground" floor with a fire door leading onto the hillside.
Stay All Seasons Inn
Stay Cliff Cottage Inn
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.
Stay Evening Shade Inn Bed and Breakfast
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.
Stay Eureka Matterhorn Towers
Stay Grand Central Hotel & Spa
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.
Stay Island Motel and Resort Rentals
Stay Palace Hotel & Bathhouse
On Beaver Lake
Nearby
Golden
City / town · 2 listings · 10 mi away
Berryville
City / town · 10 mi away
War Eagle
City / town · 2 listings · 15 mi away
Shell Knob
City / town · 25 listings · 16 mi away
Cassville
City / town · 3 listings · 20 mi away
Pea Ridge
City / town · 21 mi away
Huntsville
City / town · 2 listings · 22 mi away
Rogers
City / town · 15 listings · 23 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.