Founded on July 4, 1879, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, offers a historic downtown along with outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the sights and shopping experience set in the old buildings that line Main Street, venture off to explore the Ozarks that surround the town, find solitude in the calming waters of Beaver Lake just five miles to the west or look to local adventure outfitters for a planned excursion.
Exploring the Ozarks
Several companies in the Eureka Springs offer hiking and horseback excursions to remote parts of the Ozarks. Besides the ability to trek deep into old forests, a tour company can take you to sights that are hard to come by on your own. Either by horse or on foot, you can trek to places such as the Buffalo National River and King River Falls, both 20 miles to the east. Of course, you can also reach these hot spots on your own simply by grabbing a map and strapping on your hiking boots.
Blue Spring Heritage Center
Home to the largest natural spring in northern Arkansas, the Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs offers more than just a look at the springs. More than 38 million gallons of bubbling water flows in to the center's trout lagoon each day, and there are plenty of things to explore on the grounds. A mile of trails takes you through gardens rich with native flora and fresh blooming flowers.
Water Fun
Eureka Springs, as the name suggests, is surrounded by water, both rivers and lakes. During the heart of the long, hot summer, guests can enjoy the cool waters of the area along with the recreation that these scenic waterways provide. The Buffalo National River, 20 miles to the east, offers ample opportunity for those looking for canoeing, kayaking or rafting adventures. Beaver Lake, five miles to the west, and Table Rock Lake, 10 miles to the north, feature fishing, boating, swimming and water skiing.
Golf
While the Eureka Springs area isn't as golfer-friendly as other parts of Arkansas, the Holiday Island Golf Course is less than five miles out of town and features both a nine-hole and 18-hole course.
Relaxation
While the peace and quiet of the great outdoors or the flowery gardens of the Blue Spring Heritage Center may be all that some need to relax and unwind, others might find a trip to the spa just what the doctor orders. As of June 2010, there are nine spas and wellness centers in Eureka Springs, each offering standard massage services, while some have salons.
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