Eureka Springs Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary

Eureka Springs is a place that defies the grid. Built into the steep hillsides of the Ozark Mountains, this Victorian village is a maze of winding streets where the ground floor of one building might be the roof of another. It is a town suspended in time, originally founded on the belief that its sixty-plus natural springs held miraculous healing powers. Today, that spirit of rejuvenation lives on through its thriving art scene, inclusive atmosphere, and meticulously preserved 19th-century architecture.

There is a magic here that goes beyond the scenery. Known as the “Little Switzerland of America,” the town has no traffic lights and no straight roads, forcing visitors to slow down and explore at a different pace. Whether you are hunting for ghosts in historic hotels, admiring the limestone bluffs that line the streets, or browsing the eclectic boutiques, Eureka Springs offers a quirky, enchanting escape from the modern world.

A Town Built on Healing and Mystery

Eureka Springs boasts a history as colorful as its painted ladies (the Victorian homes, that is). In the late 1800s, it exploded from a wilderness camp to a booming resort city almost overnight as thousands flocked to take the “water cure.” Because of the rugged terrain, the town developed a unique vertical geography. You will often find entries to buildings on multiple levels, and retaining walls made of local limestone are the unsung heroes of the city’s infrastructure.

The town is also famous for its spiritual and slightly spooky side. It is often cited as one of the most haunted towns in America, with the 1886 Crescent Hotel serving as ground zero for paranormal investigators. Conversely, it is a hub for religious pilgrimage, home to the massive Christ of the Ozarks statue and the world-renowned Thorncrown Chapel. This blend of the sacred, the profane, and the artistic creates a culture you won’t find anywhere else in the Midwest.

The Icons You’ll Want to See

Thorncrown Chapel - Located just 2.5 miles west of downtown, this glass chapel features 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. It sits in a woodland setting and is free to visit, though donations are encouraged. It is a quiet place for reflection and architectural admiration.

The 1886 Crescent Hotel - Perched high above the town, this “Castle in the Air” offers history tours and ghost tours daily. Even if you don’t stay here, the fourth-floor balcony offers the best panoramic view of the Ozarks for free. Ghost tours cost approximately $29.50.

Basin Spring Park - The geographic and social center of downtown. It features the original medicinal spring basin and a historic bandshell. It is the perfect spot to rest your feet, people-watch, and enjoy live music on weekends. Access is free.

Blue Spring Heritage Center - A 15-minute drive (5.5 mi) from downtown, this site pours 38 million gallons of water daily into a trout-stocked lagoon. The site includes a historic bluff shelter and beautiful gardens. Admission is around $22 for adults.

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Eureka Springs usually involves a scenic drive through the Ozarks. The nearest commercial airport is Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), about 50 miles away. Once you arrive, park your car at your hotel and leave it there. Parking downtown is scarce, metered, and difficult to maneuver. The Eureka Springs Trolley is a charming and efficient way to get around, with passes costing just a few dollars for the day.

Pack comfortable shoes with good grip. “Walking distance” in Eureka Springs is misleading; a place might be one block away on a map but require climbing a steep set of limestone stairs to reach. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so layers are essential, especially in spring and fall. Finally, while the town is very dog-friendly, the narrow, crowded sidewalks on weekends can be overwhelming for some pets.

Eureka Springs is truly a year-round destination, but the experience changes drastically by season. For the quintessential experience of festivals and foliage, October is unbeaten, though you must book months in advance. For a quiet, romantic getaway where you can have the winding streets to yourself, the winter months offer a peaceful, cozy solitude that many locals prefer.