attractive places in Eureka Springs

12 Top attractive places in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

February 26, 2023
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If you have an idea to visit Eureka Springs, one of Arkansas’s most beautiful destinations, we’ll tell you the most attractive places in Eureka Springs, as well as the most interesting things you can do in there. Historic Victorian buildings, small museums, and the centerpiece Basin Spring Park are just a few places you can visit. There are other natural and cultural attractions in Eureka Springs. As well as you can visit North Arkansas Railway, the inspiring Thorncrown Chapel, and the theatrical production. Then, let’s start our tour of Eureka Springs.

1. Thorncrown Chapel

attractive places in Eureka Springs

The Thorncrown Chapel is an amazing place of worship and spirituality and one of the most attractive places in Eureka Springs. More than seven million people visit there every year. It is a 48-foot-tall wooden structure that has 425 windows and 6,000 square feet of glass. The Chapel was designed by the architect E. Fay Jones. It is available for weddings throughout the year. The Thorncrown Chapel hosts public Sunday Services between April and December.

If you visit there, you can see the impressive design of this woodland chapel. You can visit there throughout the day between April and November. It is open to the public for more limited hours in March and December and it is closed during January and February. You can find plenty of parking for RVs and buses nearby. Don’t forget to bring your camera, when visiting there.

2. Downtown

attractive places in Eureka Springs

The historic downtown district of Eureka Springs is one of the most attractive places in Eureka Springs. You can find many shopping opportunities downtown. For example, local storefronts, eclectic shops, and specialty boutiques. You can visit Basin Spring Park. It is a great place to rest. Also, you can catch live music from under the bandshell. The best way to experience downtown Eureka Springs is by taking a  walking tour. You can also take the Eureka Springs Trolley and an open-air tram tour to see some of the local sights. The downtown hosts many events like an annual festival of the arts, seasonal parades, and memorable Mardi Gras celebrations.

3. Great Passion Play

attractive places in Eureka Springs

The epic drama of Christ’s death and resurrection is brought to life in “The Great Passion Play.” The drama is presented in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. The play is based on the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament accounts of Jesus of Nazareth’s final seven days, up to and including His ascension. The entire year is filled with several performances. A life-size copy of the Eastern Gate in Jerusalem and an actual marketplace are included in an immersive Holy Land tour that visitors can take part in. You can also visit a Sacred Arts Museum, a Noah’s Ark petting zoo, and mountain biking trails all year long.

4. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to abandoned, abused, and neglected tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bears, and bobcats. If you visit there, you can learn more about these animals. There are many ways to interact with these resident animals as well. Behind-the-scenes tours happen on the weekends and guided habitat tours happen daily. It hosts special events throughout the year like a kite-flying festival and blues weekend. It also features various educational programming. They provide a family-friendly treehouse and an adults-only safari lodge also.

5. Blue Spring Heritage Center

Blue Spring Heritage Center

Blue Springs Heritage Center is one of the most attractive places in Eureka Springs for over 70 years. It was considered a sacred space for traveling and local American Indian tribes. Later it becomes a great place to enjoy the Ozark outdoors and a popular family destination. If you visit Blue Springs Heritage Center, you can see many artifacts and exhibits like remnants of an old mill that was powered by moving water. You can also visit Bluff Shelter that on the National Register of Historic Places and various gardens.

6. Basin Spring Park

Basin Spring Park

Basin Spring Park is where the mineral water was found before the city was incorporated. Now, Basin Spring Park is a central downtown park. Basin Spring Park is a popular starting point for walking tours, and it serves as a venue for events including holiday festivals and live music. During weekends, summer music is frequently played from the park’s bandstand, which was established in 1921.

  • Visit: 4 Spring Street, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

7. Quigley’s Castle

Quigley's Castle

Quigley’s Castle was the dream home of Italian immigrant Elise Quigley. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see full-size tropical plants and trees inside the home. It has several unique collections as well. Some of them are butterflies, crystals, fossils, glassware, and arrowheads. You can visit there from March through November. Also, you can take a self-guided tour that takes place both inside and outside the castle. Children under 14 years old can get free admission to see the castle.

8. North Arkansas Railway Company

North Arkansas Railway Company

If you want to know what life was like when rail service arrived in Eureka Springs in 1883, you should visit this historic depot and passenger line. It has a collection of vintage rolling stock, a restored turntable, and a handcar. You can also take daily scheduled rides that take place between April and October.  Trips include a lunch train, a special dinner train, and an excursion train.

9. Onyx Cave Park

Onyx Cave Park

Onyx Cave is a short drive east of Eureka Springs. It was first discovered in 1891 and hosting tours since 1893. It is one of the most attractive places in Eureka Springs and offers a family-friendly opportunity to see wildlife and some amazing cave features. You can walk through the cave with relative ease on a self-guided audio tour. The tours usually take about a half hour or less. There is a Gem Panning station outside the cave. There is a gift shop as well. It features a variety of jewelry, gems, and photo opportunities with a large set of Amethyst Angel Wings. Axe throwing is also available. You are only allowed to do it with guided instruction and supervision.

  • Visit: 338 Onyx Cave Lane, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

10. Lake Leatherwood

Lake Leatherwood

There are many ways to explore the Ozark mountains surrounding Eureka Springs. Some of them are hiking, biking, and water activities. The city has miles of trails that go throughout the city. Eureka Springs also provides underground worlds to explore like Onyx Cave and Cosmic Caverns. The first place to head for outdoor activity in Eureka Springs is Lake Leatherwood City Park. It is a 1,600-acre park and provide outdoor adventures for nearly 80 years. Here, you can easily access the lake and enjoy over 25 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. It also allows you to take advantage of fishing opportunities through its fully stocked bait shop.

11. Crescent Hotel and Spa

Crescent Hotel and Spa

1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa is one of the most attractive places in Eureka Springs and provides numerous community attractions and things to do. The hotel is not just a place to stay. It provides day visitors and overnight guests with activities ranging from full moon yoga to spooky haunted tours. As well as, it is a great place to eat, socialize, and spa treatments. The Crystal Dining Room features special events throughout the year. Gourmet pizza that is served on the hotel’s balcony is another popular place in Crescent Hotel. If you visit there, you can have great views overlooking the Ozark landscape. 

  • Visit: 75 Prospect Avenue, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

12. St. Elizabeth Catholic

St. Elizabeth Catholic

The St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is over a century old. This inspiring landmark of Eureka Springs has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Tourists enter the Catholic through a charming bell tower. You can find Stations of the Cross, and a small prayer garden at the side of the building. You can take part in any of the scheduled masses that occur throughout the week or sign up for a self-guided tour. This is a popular wedding venue as well. You can buy jewelry, inspirational readings, and a wide variety of religious items from the nearby gift shop.

Those are the most attractive places in Eureka Springs,  Arkansas. If you plan to tour Eureka Springs, don’t forget to visit these places. You will be able to get an amazing experience in Eureka Springs.

Hotels to stay in Eureka Springs

If you visit to Eureka Springs, you can stay in the below highly rated hotels. They are close to most attractive places in Eureka Springs.

Luxury Hotels

  • 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa: An outstanding tourist attraction, a great place to stay, special programs, balcony restaurants, a sprawling estate
  • 1905 Basin Park Hotel: Near downtown and adjacent to Basin Spring Park, easy access to the historic downtown district, old-fashioned rooms complete with modern amenities

Mid-Range Hotel

  • Palace Hotel & Bath House Spa: Comfortable rooms in a historic 1901 building, antique Victorian furniture, friendly front desk staff, an elegant lobby, a long list of specialty spa services
  • Grand Central Hotel & Spa: Located in downtown with easy access to nearby shops and restaurants, a historic building with clean, comfortable rooms, a surplus of spa pampering services
  • Brydan Suites: A popular mid-range option, features modern suites with ample space

Budget Hotels

  • The Trails Inn: Friendly rates, excellent customer service
  • Edelweiss Inn: An affordable hotel near downtown, with modern rooms, a well-kept facility, a trolley stop right outside the front door
  • The Ozarka Lodge: Near the historic district, featuring a balcony area overlooking a pool, a convenient location, many repeat guests

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Frequently Asked Questions 

What makes Eureka Springs special?

Eureka Springs, which is located on the northern edge of Arkansas, rolling Ozark Mountains, is a popular destination for tourists. The charming Victorian-era city center and the surrounding natural beauty, which includes a profusion of mineral springs for swimming, draw tourists to the small metropolitan region.

Are there hot springs in Eureka Springs?

Throughout the city, there are more than 47 hot springs. On the other side, there are 66 cold springs in Eureka Springs. 15 of the well-known cold springs are easily walkable.

Do people refer to Eureka Springs as Little Switzerland?

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is referred to as “The Little Switzerland of America” since it is situated in the Ozark Mountains and features steep, winding streets and Victorian architecture. The region, which was incorporated as a city in 1880, once had springs that were said to have healing charm.

Does it snow in Eureka Springs?

Snowfall varies seasonally in Eureka Springs on a monthly. From November 19 to March 24, which is 4.2 months, there are snowy conditions with an average 31-day snowfall of at least 1.0 inches.

What makes it Eureka Springs?

On July 4, 1879, the city of Eureka Springs was established and given its name. The original camp of tents and hastily constructed shanties saw thousands of tourists come in as word of Eureka’s miraculous, healing waters started to spread.

When is the ideal season to visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas?

In Eureka Springs, there is plenty for everyone to do throughout the year, but spring and autumn are our favorite seasons to travel there. The fall season is a wonderful time of year because the humid summer weather is passed and the daytime both highs and lows are in the 60s.