Eureka Springs is a storybook town nestled in the Ozark Mountains, full of funk, historic charm, and winding streets where you’ll never know what you’ll find around the corner. Could be a ghost, a painted staircase, a fairy home, drumming in the park, or a zombie crawl. One thing is for sure: Eureka Springs does not lack character, from its lively event calendar to its historic streets; in fact, its entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasting the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, and The Aud, a 1929 performing arts venue where stars from across the U.S. have performed. Other great places for art and culture include Intrigue Theater, The Great Passion Play, and Opera in the Ozarks. Another must-visit in town is Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural wonder nestled in the woods, soaring 48 feet high. For more outdoor wonders, stop at Blue Spring Heritage Center (the largest spring in Northwest Arkansas—featuring 33 acres of native gardens, plants and blooms, and a historic bluff shelter), Turpentine Creek, a wildlife refuge, and Lake Leatherwood, a 1,610-acre park with hiking and biking trails, camping, cabins, playground, and kayak rentals.
Hidden Gems in Eureka Springs
Northwest Arkansas is full of surprises—if you know where to look, and Eureka Springs has plenty!
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, and which became an important stopover on the Trail of Tears.
La Grange Lavender Farm
Tucked in the countryside, La Grange Lavender Co. welcomes you with a fresh scent from the moment you pull in. Wander the fields, pick your own lavender, browse their collection of handcrafted products made from the farm’s harvest, and grab a coffee or lavender-inspired treat. Then, take in the charm of the rustic barn, beautifully crafted from reclaimed wood and vintage windows.
Quigley’s Castle
Quigley’s Castle is the dream home of Elise Quigley (1910-1984). Her great-grandchildren invite guests to wander through her perennial garden of over 400 varieties of flowers. The garden paths wind around stonework, a lily pond, and bird baths up to her home, which she designed to grow tropical plants indoors and cover with stones collected since childhood. See how she found a way to sleep in treetops full of bloom. Tropical plants grow in the natural soil of the first floor and brush the ceiling of the second floor. She has a butterfly, fossil, crystal, arrowhead, and glassware collection beyond imagination! Quigley’s Castle is located 4 miles south of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. One can visit March through November.
Saint Elizabeth Church
Built in 1909, Saint Elizabeth Church is quite an anomaly, having been listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! because it is the only chapel where visitors enter through the bell tower. This remarkable feature is just one of the many details that make St. Elizabeth a fascinating piece of local history and architecture. But St. Elizabeth is more than an architectural wonder. Surrounding the historic chapel is a lush and beautifully maintained prayer garden, creating a peaceful sanctuary filled with greenery, flowers, and quiet places for reflection. The garden seems to embrace the little church, offering visitors a chance to slow down, admire the beauty of the grounds, and experience a sense of peace that feels almost timeless.
Lovell Estate & Winery
Lovell Estate & Winery is more than a historic landmark; it is a destination where history, hospitality, fine wine, and celebration come together. Originally built in 1891, this exquisite mansion was carefully dismantled and transported piece by piece from Carthage, MO, to Eureka Springs, where it was lovingly reassembled and now stands proudly overlooking the entrance of Downtown Eureka Springs. Today, the restored estate serves as a gathering place for wine lovers, visitors, and the community. Guests are invited to explore the winery, stroll the grounds, and enjoy memorable experiences that celebrate the property’s remarkable history while embracing the warmth and hospitality of Eureka Springs.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
Step back in time to an earlier age of locomotive transportation at Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway. Take a ride aboard the excursion train and see a 1940s-era diesel locomotive in operation, along with historic stationary steam locomotive exhibits. Watch the authentic turntable in action as it turns the engine around, and discover how locomotives can also be turned at the railway’s end-of-the-line wye. For a truly memorable experience, dine in style aboard the Eurekan Dining Car. Enjoy specially prepared cuisine while the clickety-clack of the rails transports you back to the elegance and charm of the 1920s. Dining train excursions are available for both lunch and dinner. During the Christmas season, climb aboard the Eureka Express for a magical holiday experience the whole family will enjoy. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a festive train ride, heartwarming Christmas stories, photo opportunities with Santa, hot cocoa, and more. Before or after your journey, cozy up in the historic train depot and enjoy a showing of one of your favorite Christmas movies.
Vue at Rocky Acres
If you are in town for the fall season or looking for a fun date day adventure, don’t miss this hidden gem. Saddle up for a horseback riding experience at The Vue at Rocky Acres! Surrounded by lush forests, a peaceful creek, and breathtaking mountain views, it’s a must-try for horse lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique adventure.
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.
The Great Passion Play: A Powerful Outdoor Experience in the Ozarks
One of the most inspiring experiences in Eureka Springs, The Great Passion Play brings the story of Christ to life on a breathtaking outdoor stage. Set against the scenic beauty of the Ozark Mountains, this nationally recognized production features a cast of more than 100 actors, live animals, dramatic special effects, and an immersive set that transports you back to ancient Jerusalem.
Make it an unforgettable stop on your Eureka Springs getaway – where faith, storytelling, and the beauty of the Ozarks come together in a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
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.
March: St. Paddy’s Day
If there’s one place that knows how to mix charm, color, and Irish spirit, it’s Eureka Springs, Arkansas. St. Patrick’s Day was made for Eureka Springs! This whimsical mountain town, already full of charm and rainbow staircases, hosts one of the most epic St. Paddy’s Day parades in Arkansas. But there’s still so much more to explore. Follow this itinerary for the ultimate St. Paddy’s Day adventure.
April: Ozark Mountain UFO Conference
Explore the possibilities of the Universe and beyond at the Ozark Mountain UFO Conference at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Conference Center in Eureka Springs. The conference takes place each year on the second weekend of April. Honoring the tradition built by the late Lou Farish, experts and enthusiasts come together to explore the unexplained. The conference is hosted by Ozark Mountain Publishing, Inc.
May: Festival of the Arts!
Feel inspired by one-of-a-kind art exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and free music in the park.
June: Pride Festival
Celebrate Pride in a town where all are free to be! With headlining shows and events buzzing throughout town, this is a festival you do not want to miss!
July: Jamboreeka!
Celebrate Independence Day and Eureka Springs Birthday with a bang! Birthday celebrations happen in the Basin Spring Park with games and birthday cake. As evening approaches, head to Lake Leatherwood for live music, food trucks, slip n slides, and fireworks!
August: Volkswagen Weekend
Tie-dye, peace signs, and VWs invade Eureka Springs every August!
September: Gilmore Girls Weekend
If you’re searching for the ultimate Gilmore Girls-inspired getaway, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is the perfect destination. Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains, this charming town captures the magic of small-town living with its quirky shops decked out for fall, quaint gazebos all around town, and cozy diners that make you feel like you’ve stepped right into Luke’s Diner. Check out our full Gilmore Girls-inspired itinerary.
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.
November: Porche Palooza!
Porsche Palooza gathers Porsche enthusiasts for three days of guided drives, a car show and an awards banquet in Eureka Springs, Arkansas — hosted each November by three sponsoring PCA regions.
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