I’ve been to Eureka Springs more times than I can count! This fun and quirky town, located in the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas, is a perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking for the outdoors, quirky history, and a unique experience.
This itinerary has been crafted to give you some amazing options for your trip and to help you think through all the great things there are to do in Eureka Springs. No double that you’ll have the perfect weekend in Eureka Springs, Arkansas with this itinerary.
Table of Contents
Tips for Visiting Eureka Springs
Before we jump into the itinerary, here are a few tips to help you plan ahead and know what to expect!
- Downtown Historic Eureka Springs is very hilly. Bring great walking shoes and plenty of water during summer.
- Eureka Springs is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, and the town hosts LGBTQ+ events and festivals. You’ll feel welcome here!
- Eureka Springs hosts a variety of eccentric events throughout the year, including the annual UFO Conference, the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl, and the May Festival of the Arts. Check for events before your visit, especially if you want to avoid crowds.
- Parking downtown can be difficult during events and in the evening. There is a free trolley that runs from the visitor center to the Crescent Hotel with stops between.
- The closest airport is Fayetteville Northwest Arkansas (XNA) (32.71 mi). Other nearby airports are Branson (BKG) (31.3 mi), Harrison Boone County (HRO) (33.84 mi), and Springfield Springfield-Branson (SGF) (61.34 mi).
- It’s recommended that you fly in and rent a car to get to Eureka Springs. While Uber is available in the area, drivers can be scarce, and getting around is best by car.
- Eureka Springs is full of quirky and fun little oddities. One example is “Bigfoot” or “Sasquatch,” which has been spotted around Eureka Springs numerous times over the years. Keep an eye out for them!
Where to Stay in Eureka Springs
Downtown
Basin Park Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown, when choosing to stay here, guests can walk to the nightspots, bistros, shopping, and galleries. Stay in and enjoy the Balcony Bar and Restaurant with its views of Spring Street or people-watch in Basin Spring Park just outside your front door. The Basin Park Hotel hosts daily Resort activities, Jack Rabbett’s Whisky Bar, JR’s Game Room, a 24-hour front desk, bellman, and shuttle service.
For relaxation, on the Second Floor, guests find Spa1905, a day spa & spa boutique offering spa services, a Sun Deck, and a Hot Tub. For more fun, The Paranormal Investigation provides both adventure and a ghost tour from the roof to the Bootlegger’s Cave.
New Orleans Hotel: Where timeless elegance joins southern hospitality. Walking distance to all of the shopping, art galleries, fine dining, local brews, and other exciting attractions in downtown Eureka Springs. All rooms have balcony access and great views of the downtown streets and shops. Take a stroll through the majestic springs on Spring Street or relax on the balcony.
Beaver Lake
Lake Front Cabin for Couples: 7.3 miles from Eureka Springs Historic District, Beaver Lakefront Cabins has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, water sports facilities, and a private beach area. Each room at the 4-star resort has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a sun terrace and a hot tub. The resort provides lake views and a grill. Activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing can be enjoyed in the surrounding areas, and guests can relax along the beachfront.
Sugar Ridge Resort (Great for Groups): Eureka Springs Historic District is 12 miles from Sugar Ridge Resort. Located in Eureka Springs in the Arkansas region, Sugar Ridge Resort provides accommodations with free WiFi, free private parking, and access to a hot tub. They offer a cabin that accommodates up to 14 people, as well as smaller suites and rooms, all with lake views.
On a Budget
Wanderoo Lodge: A great option for anyone on a budget who wants to take advantage of the outdoors during their trip. They offer activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and floating right from the hotel. Each room is different with its own unique, curious, and quirky style. No two rooms are exactly the same. You’ll often find live entertainment at the Gravel Bar onsite too.
Quality Inn: The Quality Inn Eureka Springs South is conveniently located at the intersection of State Highway 23 and US Highway 62, just outside historic Eureka Springs. Guests can also enjoy the Victorian-style lounge area, picnic area, and on-site massage therapist (by appointment). The hotel also features a beautifully landscaped rock garden and secluded paths.
Friday Night: Have Fun in Town
After you arrive in Eureka Springs, it’s time to hit the town! One of the main draws of coming here is exploring the cute, quaint historic center.
While I admit that the nightlife here is limited, there are still some cool things to do, so I’m sharing a few of my favorites for a fun night on the town.
Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave
The area around Eureka Springs is filled with unique and beautiful caves, but one of the coolest experiences is having dinner right downtown in one of them at Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave! This is a great place to start off your weekend at a true Eureka Springs gem.
Get some great pizza, enjoy some good wine or a cocktail, and relax while looking at the underground grotto complete with a waterfall during dinner. A special place with such great food!
Pro-tip: Make sure you book in advance, as this restaurant is small and very popular!
Jack Rabbett Whiskey Bar and Rabbett Hole Speakeasy
After dinner, head over to Jack Rabbett Whiskey Bar inside the Basin Park Hotel right downtown. They make great drinks and have plenty of whiskey ready for you to sip. You’ll also find pool tables, tvs with any games on, and live music from time to time!
The Basin Park Hotel opened in 1905 downtown, including this bar, which has a unique historic feel. If you want even more fun and drinks, go down the Rabbett Hole to the cave below, formally known as a speakeasy during the Prohibition, where tastings are poured.
Note: Advance reservations are required for the tastings in the Rabbett Hole.
Saturday Explore Eureka Springs
On Saturday, it’s time to explore the town! You’ll start off downtown, then have options for the rest of the day depending on what you are most interested in. There’s plenty to do for a day in Eureka Springs!
Morning: Explore Downtown
Start off your morning at BREWS for a great coffee on the edge of downtown. They’ve got great options for breakfast and coffee, you could even stop back later in the day for a beer as they switch over to a bar in the afternoon and evening!
After coffee, it’s time to walk. One of the best things to do in Eureka Springs is just to meander the hilly streets, popping into boutiques and art galleries around town. Spend your morning doing just that.
While downtown, also look for some of the natural springs that Eureka Springs is known for. The town is named after the numerous natural springs found in the area. The water from these springs is believed by many to have healing properties. You’ll find multiple downtown and can grab a sip from one if you want, too!
Mid-Day: Visit Thorncrown Chapel
Visit Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural marvel nestled in the Ozark woods. This glass chapel is renowned for its stunning design and serene setting. It was built by the architect E. Fay Jones, who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright for years.
The chapel is located on Highway 62 West just outside of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted. Every tour group will receive a presentation telling the story of the chapel.
Thorncrown Chapel is open the following hours:
March through December 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (On weekends and some weekdays, the chapel occasionally closes as early as 12:30 PM for special events. Please call ahead to make sure the chapel will be open if you plan to visit late in the day.)
They are closed in January and February except for weddings and other special events. I got married here as you can see from the photos above – I love an excuse to share a wedding photo!
Sunday services are held at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, April through October. November through the third week in December we have one Sunday service at 11:00 AM. Services last approximately one hour and include inspiring music and biblically-based preaching.
Afternoon: Spa Visit or Tram Tour
In the afternoon, decide what you are most interested in! I’ve included two options here that can make for a fabulous afternoon. Choose to relax at a spa or get to know more about Eureka Springs and the stunning Victorian homes on a tram tour!
Option 1: Spa Visit
Perched high above the Victorian Village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, a landmark hotel. Originally constructed as a luxury resort, it has served various purposes over the years, including being a women’s college and a hospital.
Today, it is a unique and beautiful hotel and spa. The New Moon Spa offers massages, facials, salon services, and resort spa treatments in a tranquil space.
You don’t have to stay here to enjoy a visit to this hotel. After a spa treatment, you can enjoy drinks with a view from their deck, overlooking the hills of the Ozarks. Ideal afternoon if you ask me!
Option 2: Tram Tour
Take a guided tram tour to explore the town’s historic district and learn about its rich history. This is a great option for those who don’t want to walk up and down all the hills or to try to drive and sightsee at the same time.
The tours often cover key landmarks, including Victorian homes and unique architecture. You will see so many historic homes and buildings on the tour, as well as beautiful scenery.
Enjoy a refreshing stop at one of the historic springs that made Eureka Springs the famous health spa that it was in the 1800’s.
Dinner: Local Favorite
For dinner, head to Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking for some good food! This is a local favorite that my family has been going to since I was a kid. It is family-owned, made from scratch, and has a great, quiet atmosphere.
It is first-come, first-served only, so no reservations, but it does get very busy. The upstairs has games, and you can grab a drink while you wait. I recommend coming early, before you are too hungry, as there’s almost always a wait of 30 minutes or more on weekends!
Evening: Ghost Tour or Christ of the Ozarks and Passion Play
After dinner, decide where to head next with one of these two options, depending on what you’re most interested in! There’s plenty to do around Eureka Springs on the weekend.
Option 1: Ghost Tour
Due to its historic and reportedly haunted locations, Eureka Springs offers ghost tours that take visitors to various spooky sites while sharing tales of the town’s paranormal history.
There are two different tours you can take. One happens at the Basin Park Hotel and the other at the Crescent Hotel. I’ve personally done the tour at the Cresent and it is probably the creepiest ghost tour I’ve ever been on! It is really good and well worth it on your visit! The haunted history also makes Eureka Springs a great Halloween destination.
Featured on Ghosthunters, Ghost Adventures, My Ghost Story and in Smithsonian magazine the ghost tour at the Crescent Hotel ends with a notorious morgue you get to in the basement of the hotel! The guide dresses up in 19th century costumes, too adding to the fun!
Option 2: Christ of the Ozarks and Passion Play
The Christ of the Ozarks is situated atop Magnetic Mountain along with the grounds for The Great Passion Play. This area overlooks the town of Eureka Springs and the stunning Ozark Mountains.
The statue was built in 1966, stands approximately 65.5 feet (20 meters) tall, and is intended to symbolize the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of the Ozarks. The statue’s outstretched arms evoke a sense of welcome and serenity, offering a beautiful view.
After visiting the statue, head to The Great Passion Play, a live outdoor theatrical performance that depicts the last days of Jesus Christ, from his entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and resurrection. The production takes place in a natural amphitheater and includes a tour of the Holy Land.
Before the play, visitors to the site can explore the grounds, which include the Christ of the Ozarks statue, gardens, and other amenities. There are also gift shops and dining options available.
They also do seasonal performances here, like Christmas concerts and more. Here is their schedule for more details on upcoming performances and tickets.
Sunday: Enjoy the Outdoors
Sunday is all about getting outside and exploring the beautiful mountains surrounding the town of Eureka Springs! There’s so many great outdoor activities to choose from because of this. I recommend choosing one or two of the below depending on your interests.
Morning: Take a Hike or Visit Dogwood Canyon
For your morning, spend some time outside! I recommend one of these activities in the morning when it is cooler, especially in the summer. It’s much easier to hike in the cool of morning than in the afternoon heat!
In the morning, both of these options are a bit of a drive. That is intentional as you don’t want to take long drives all day long (at least that would not be my ideal), but if you want to switch any or all of these up, go for it!
Photo by Derek Livingston on Unsplash
Option 1: Take a Hike
The Ozark Mountains surrounding Eureka Springs are full of beautiful trails you can take to enjoy the mountains. Below are two of my favorite trails I would recommend for 3 hours or less.
1. Hawksbill Crag Trailhead: About an hour from Eureka Springs is Whitaker Point Trail in the little town of Deer, Arkansas. Often referred to as Hawksbill Crag, this is a 2.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The “Crag”, a rock formation that juts out from the bluff’s face, received its name because it resembles a hawk’s beak.
2. Tea Kettle Falls: Kettle Falls Trail is a 2.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Huntsville, Arkansas that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. You’ll see plenty of cool flint rock formations and a beautiful waterfall on this trail.
Option 2: Visit Dogwood Canyon
Dogwood Canyon is a great place to enjoy the natural features and history the Ozarks have to offer. It’s a family destination offering hiking, biking, wildlife tours, horseback riding, and trout fishing amongst towering bluffs, waterfalls, creek beds, handcrafted bridges, and wildlife.
The park includes a fully functioning mill, restaurant, conservation center, bike rentals, a treehouse built by Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters, and a horse stable facility. The last time I was here, I saw a bald eagle on a hike!
Dogwood Canyon is in Missouri, about 40 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs, and requires an entrance fee. It’s a great place to mix in history, the outdoors, and fun activities.
Afternoon: Visit a Cave or Adventure on a River
During the afternoon, escape the heat with some time on the water or visiting a cave! This region of Arkansas is famous for its flint rocks and the natural springs that seem to be everywhere. Both of these options are a great way to get to know the natural formations that make this area so unique.
Option 1: Visit a Cave
Explore the fascinating Onyx Cave, known for its unique formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours take you through the cave, providing insights into its geological history.
Onyx Cave was found in 1971 during the construction of a parking lot for this larger attraction and opened as a show cave for the public in 1973.
They currently offer a 30-35 minute tour with roughly 60 steps down into the cave that are negotiated about 30 at a time. It’s a beautiful cave and just about 10 minutes outside town making it easily accessible when visiting.
Option 2: Float, Canoe, or Kayak on the White River
If you like adventure, this is for you! Rent a kayak or canoe and float along the crystal-clear waters of the White River. Fish as you float along or pull your kayak/canoe on the edge of the river to take a dip and relax in the clear water. This is one of my fondest memories from my childhood, and I still love coming here to this day.
While you kayak, you’ll see the unique flint rock cliffs and take in the mountain views. Generally, paddling is pretty easy as the water flows at a nice pace on the river.
I’d recommend a rental through Wanderoo, which includes a round-trip shuttle to/from the river, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
Other suggestions:
- Spend a day on Beaver Lake: rent a boat, go for a swim, take a hike with a view, there’s lots to do at Beaver Lake!
- Go on an Adventure with OMZ: you can zipline, rent e-bikes, or go gem mining here for some fun
- Spend an afternoon at Lake Leatherwood: just a few miles northwest of Eureka Springs. Non-motorized boats such as canoes and kayaks are available for rent. The serene environment makes it a great place for a peaceful paddle, and you can get a photo with the famous sasquatch!
I hope this guide helps you plan a perfect weekend in Eureka Springs! This town is so special to me and I know it will be for you too.
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