Eureka Springs is rich in culture and historical charm; in fact, its entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Step back in time at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and The Aud, a 1929 performing arts venue. Other great places for art and culture include Intrigue Theater, The Great Passion Play and the Opera in the Ozarks. Thorncrown Chapel, nestled in the woods, is an architectural wonder soaring 48 feet high. For more outdoor wonders, stop at Lake Leatherwood City Park, Blue Spring Heritage Center (the largest spring in Northwest Arkansas—featuring 33 acres of native gardens, plants and blooms, and a historic bluff shelter) and Turpentine Creek, a wildlife refuge.
Hidden Gems in Eureka Springs
Northwest Arkansas is full of surprises—if you know where to look. So here are some unexpected surprises that make a vacation to Northwest Arkansas unforgettable.
Blue Spring Heritage Center
Experience the serenity, unique history, and natural beauty of this special place. Crystal-blue water pours into a trout-filled lagoon while blooming flowers line nearby paths. The center is also home to a historic Native American bluff shelter, where important ceremonies and rituals were once held, which became an important stopover on the Trail of Tears.
Trip Ideas & Things to Do in Eureka Springs
Every city in Northwest Arkansas has its own story, and the best way to experience it is to dive in. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, local flavors, arts and culture, or hidden gems, there’s a trip idea here with your name on it.
Turpentine Creek: African Wildlife in the Ozarks
An amazing thing to do just outside Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to nearly 100 rescued lions, tigers, leopards, bears, and more—living in spacious habitats designed for their lifelong care. This nonprofit sanctuary offers unforgettable safari-style experiences, including guided tram tours, behind-the-scenes looks at daily operations, and morning Coffee with the Curator. Extend your adventure with unique on-site lodging like glamping tents, lodge suites, and the Zulu Safari Lodge—where you can fall asleep to the roar of big cats under the stars.
Crescent Hotel & Basin Park Hotel
From luxurious spa treatments and rooftop stargazing to ghost tours and gourmet dining, The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and The Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs offer unforgettable stays filled with charm, comfort, and a dash of the unexpected. Whether you’re soaking in the spa, exploring haunted hallways, or sipping craft cocktails downtown, these historic hotels deliver the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Annual Events in Eureka Springs
Plan your trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, around these events and annual happenings in Northwest Arkansas.
January: Ozark Mountain Music Festival
The 1905 Basin Park Hotel is the scene of the four-day festival built around Ozark Mountain music, which fuses bluegrass, modern folk, urban, and American Roots music.
May: Festival of the Arts!
Feel inspired by one-of-a-kind art exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and free music in the park.
June: Ozark Folk Festival
Staged for more than seven decades, this festival includes the Barefoot Ball, a songwriting competition, hands-on workshops, and three days of headliners.
October: Zombie Crawl
Dress as the living dead — or watch in horror — as zombies parade through downtown. Pre-parade activities include spooky music and shopping at the Macabre Market.
December: Christmas in Eureka Springs
Celebrate the season with all kinds of holiday cheer, from community caroling and Christmas movie viewings to a parade of lights, a hot cocoa and cookie crawl, and more.
Getting to Eureka Springs
We’ve got your how-to for traveling to and around Northwest Arkansas.
Flying to Northwest Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), located between Fayetteville and Bentonville, is the primary airport in the area, offering nonstop service to more than 23 cities across the country.
More regional airports are found throughout Northwest Arkansas, including:
- Bentonville Municipal Airport
- Eureka Springs/Carroll County Municipal Airport
- Fayetteville Airport at Drake Field
- Huntsville Municipal Airport
- Rogers Municipal Airport
- Siloam Springs Municipal Airport
- Springdale Municipal Airport
Drive Time To & From Northwest Arkansas National Airport
Eureka Springs is 50 miles from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport; expect a one-hour, 20-minute drive to and from the airport.
Real-Time Driving Information
Check out iDriveArkansas.com or download the iDrive Arkansas app to find the latest traffic conditions across the state. The site also provides updates on construction projects, traveler information reports, and more. You can even use iDrive to:
- Report litter
- Submit issues
- Find Adopt-a-Highway information
- Share feedback
- Stay informed on road-related programs
Drive Time Around Northwest Arkansas
Bentonville to Eureka Springs: 40 miles / 60 minutes
Fayetteville to Eureka Springs: 45 miles / 60 minutes
Approximate Drive Time to Northwest Arkansas
- From Joplin: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- From Branson: 1 hour, 45 minutes
- From Tulsa: 2 hours
- From Springfield: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- From Little Rock: 2 hours, 45 minutes
- From Oklahoma City: 3 hours, 20 minutes
- From Kansas City: 3 hours, 35 minutes
Stop by and Say Hi at our Visitor Information Centers
EUREKA SPRINGS TRANSIT & WELCOME CENTER
137 W. Van Buren St., Eureka Springs
479-253-9572
VISIT EUREKA SPRINGS
36 S. Main St., Eureka Springs
479-253-7333, 479-253-8737