Eureka Springs has a rich and quirky history that dates back to the late 1800s, when it boomed as a Victorian health resort. People flocked to the area for its natural springs, believed to have healing powers, and the hillside town quickly filled with ornate architecture, winding streets, and no stoplights or right angles. The entire downtown is now on the National Register of Historic Places, and much of its original charm remains - from the preserved buildings and historic hotels to the legends, lore, and ghost stories that still draw visitors today.

Eureka Springs has so many great spots to eat and drink, whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a casual lunch, or a fun night out.

If you want to start your day with something special, the Crescent Hotel’s Crystal Dining Room serves a lovely breakfast with a beautiful setting. Later, you can head up to their SkyBar for delicious gourmet pizza and cocktails with amazing views of the town. For a cozy, local vibe, Local Flavor Café is a favorite for creative brunch dishes, while Ermilio’s offers comforting Italian meals that feel like home. If you’re in the mood for something casual and laid-back, Sparky’s Roadhouse Café is great for spicy burgers and a wide beer selection.

A couple of other local favorites are McGarity’s, just outside downtown, where you can enjoy hearty Irish-inspired dishes in a relaxed pub atmosphere, and The Filling Station, a family-friendly spot known for classic American breakfasts and lunches.

For drinks, Jack Rabbett’s Whisky Bar in the Basin Park Hotel has a lively vibe (pool tables included) with craft beers and great cocktails, and Gotahold Brewing is perfect if you want to relax outdoors with some local brews and live music.

In Eureka Springs, you’ll find a walkable downtown filled with quirky shops, art galleries, cafes, and historic architecture. Hop on the trolley, visit the iconic Thorncrown Chapel, stroll the springs and gardens, or take a ghost tour at the Crescent Hotel. Outdoor lovers can hike or paddle at Lake Leatherwood, explore Onyx Cave, or meet rescued big cats at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

Thorncrown Chapel, just a mile outside Eureka Springs, is a breathtaking glass-and-wood sanctuary nestled in the Ozark forest. Designed by E. Fay Jones - the protege of Frank Lloyd Wright - for retired teacher Jim Reed, it opened in 1980 and immediately became an architectural marvel. Standing 48 feet tall with 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, the chapel seamlessly blends into its wooded surroundings, offering a serene space for reflection and celebration - indeed, critics have called it “one of the finest religious spaces of modern times”

Blue Spring Heritage Center, located about 5 miles west, showcases a stunning 33-acre woodland garden built around a massive spring that discharges roughly 38 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily. With its trout-filled lagoon, historic bluff shelter (listed on the National Register, and once a Trail of Tears stop), and native wildflower trails, it’s a tranquil escape full of history and scenic beauty

Closer to downtown, the town’s famed natural springs, like Grotto Spring, Harding Spring, and Magnetic Spring, are tucked into neighborhoods and trails, often paired with stonework and shaded garden paths. Two must-sees right in town are Crescent Spring, with its picturesque Victorian gazebo on Spring Street, and Basin Spring Park, a central gathering spot with live music, historic plaques, and the spring that helped start it all. Visit the Eureka Parks website for more information. You can also access a map of all the springs here.

The Crescent Hotel offers popular nightly ghost tours. Guided walks share spooky stories of spirits like Michael, a stonemason who died during construction, and Theodora, a helpful housekeeper ghost. The tour also explores the hotel’s dark past as a 1930s cancer hospital. Tours run around 8 PM, with advanced tickets recommended since they often sell out. Whether you’re curious or a skeptic, it’s a memorable, eerie experience - we thoroughly enjoyed it (coming from a skeptic and a scaredy-cat).

For you Tiger King fans! Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, just south of Eureka Springs, is a sanctuary caring for rescued big cats like tigers, lions, and cougars - many of which came from Carole Baskin's Big Cat Rescue in 2023 when they merged. Spread across 450 acres, the refuge offers guided tram tours where you can learn about the animals’ rescue stories and conservation efforts. Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM during Daylight Saving Time, it’s a great spot for wildlife lovers and supports ethical animal care.

If you're up for a short drive, Northwest Arkansas has even more to offer. Bentonville is a hub for world-class mountain biking, with over 150 miles of trails, plus great restaurants, breweries, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Fayetteville offers a lively college-town vibe with farmers markets, live music, and scenic hiking. Whether you're into nature, food, art, or just relaxing, there's something nearby to enjoy while you're here.