Eureka Springs is a historic town located in northwest Arkansas that started out as a spa town because of the healing springs located nearby. Now known for its artistic community, it has a permanent population of less than 3,000 and draws tourists with its historic charm, art and music events, shopping, dining and outdoor attractions.
History
Eureka Springs is unique because nearly all of its downtown buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town features many Victorian-era homes that have been restored to their 1800s glory. It also has several large resort hotels built in the late 1800s and early 1900s from limestone from a local quarry. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours of the town with a map provided by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce or with the help of a guide. The walking tours cover more than 50 art galleries, haunted locations, underground sites, the historic downtown and Victorian homes. No matter which tour you choose, you will get a workout because the town is built into steep hills and requires going up and down stone staircases and pathways.
Dining
Eureka Springs hosts a farmer's market on Tuesdays and Thursdays from April through November. Located on Highway 62 North, the market features local produce, baked goods, herbs, flowers, fruits and meats. You can also sample the local cuisine at a variety of restaurants like the circa 1864 log cabin home of historical figure John Gaskins, the balcony of a 1905 hotel, an 1886 formal dining room or in "Underground Eureka" on Mud Street.
Outdoor Activities
Eureka Springs' mild weather means the outdoors can be enjoyed nearly year-round. Cruise around Beaver Lake on the Belle of the Ozarks, an oversized pontoon boat, which docks at the Starkey Park Marina from May through October. The Blue Spring Heritage Center has more than a mile of hiking trails and includes the Eureka Springs Gardens, which has 33 acres of flower and herb gardens. The center also spotlights the history of the land that hosted the Cherokee Indians on the Trail of Tears. Canoeing, hiking, fishing and swimming opportunities are available at Beaver Lake, as well as eagle watching from November through March.
Lodging
Eureka Springs offers one lodging option you may not find anywhere else: two haunted hotels. The 1905 Basin Park Hotel and the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, in downtown Eureka Springs, are sister hotels legendary for their paranormal guests. Both date back to the days of prohibition, Jesse James, the Dalton Gang and speakeasies. Both offer Ghost Packages that gives you premium lodging plus ghost tours of both hotels and the town's underground. Or pack a camera and plan your trip around the annual Ghost Seminar that occurs in early January.
Events
Eureka Springs has been named one of the "Top 25 Arts Destinations" by "American Style" magazine. It also has free summer music in Basin Springs Park and a June bluegrass festival. Its athletic event schedule includes an off-road triathlon in June and the Fat Tire Mountain Bike Festival in mid-July. Another event to note is Eureka Springs' Mardi Gras celebration in February, which the town has labeled Eureka Gras. The town comes alive to welcome in the tourist season with balls, parades and dinners, plus a 15K "Freakin Eurekan" race.
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