Planning a trip to Eureka Springs and only picturing cute shops and Victorian houses? Same. But once you’re here you realize the town is basically wrapped in forest, water, and hills — so you can do way more than stroll downtown. Whether you’re coming as a couple, with kids, or you just want an active weekend, there are plenty of unusual things to do in Eureka Springs that make it feel bigger than it is
1. Mountain biking in Eureka
Just 10–12 minutes from downtown you’ve got spots like Lake Leatherwood with shaded forest trails and little stretches that open up near the water. You don’t have to be a pro, there are lines that work for beginners and a few that keep intermediate riders happy. And that’s why it’s fun: most people don’t expect to be riding real Ozark trails on a Eureka Springs trip, so it turns into one of those “oh, this town is actually cool” moments.
If you’re here in summer, go earlier in the day because the humidity kicks in fast, and bring your own water, once you’re out on the trail there isn’t really a place to grab a drink.
Rentals in town usually run around $35–$60 for a half day, a bit more if you want an e-bike, and then you’re off.
2. Paddle or SUP on Beaver Lake
If the weather shows off, get out on the water. Beaver Lake is only about 20–25 minutes from downtown Eureka Springs (depends which marina or access point you pick), and once you’re there it feels like you left town completely.
Most marinas will rent you a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard by the hour usually somewhere around $20–$35 for a single kayak, a little more for a tandem or SUP, and some spots have half-day rates if you want to make a whole afternoon of it.
It’s super easy for families and couples because the water is calm, there are pretty little coves to paddle into, and you come home with good photos instead of just “we walked downtown again.”
You will need a car, the trolley doesn’t go to the lake, but it’s literally just “put the marina name in Maps and drive.”
3. Zipline / treetop course
This is the move when everyone says “I don’t want to hike but I do want to do something.” Most of the zipline places are 10–15 minutes from downtown, so you can grab coffee in town and be flying over trees half an hour later.
Prices usually land in the $50–$75 per person range depending on how many lines you do and the season.
Kids think it’s the greatest thing ever, adults get those Ozark-ridge views, and the whole thing is over in about an hour to an hour and a half, so you still have time for shops, dinner, whatever.
On busy weekends, book ahead, Eureka fills up more than people expect.
4. Cave day: Cosmic Cavern or Onyx Cave
When people Google “things to do in Eureka Springs,” the caves always pop up, and honestly, they deserve it. Both Cosmic Cavern and Onyx Cave are an easy 15–25 minutes from downtown, they run in any weather, and you don’t have to be sporty to enjoy them.
Tours are usually around $15–$25 per adult and cheaper for kids, which makes it a nice family activity. Inside it’s naturally cool (so good in July), it’s flat and safe enough for kids or grandparents, and you still come away feeling like you experienced Ozark nature even if you didn’t hike a mile.
If you go on a Saturday, try to go earlier in the day so you don’t get stuck behind a big group.
5. Hiking in Eureka Springs
Hiking in Eureka Springs doesn’t have to mean driving far out of town. You can literally step out in downtown, follow the steep little streets into the hills, and turn it into a mellow urban hike. Along the way you’ll find several of the original stone springs tucked into grottoes and stairways – small, shady, and very “this is why this town exists.”
It’s completely free and perfect as a between-meals walk or a pre-sunset leg-stretch. If the hills look like a lot (they can be), use the Eureka Springs Trolley as your cheat code: a day pass is around $6, the red line runs the main historic loop from late morning into the early evening, and you can hop off at the historic depot and start your walk from there. It makes “hiking in Eureka Springs” doable even if you don’t feel like climbing up and down all day.
Hope this gave you a fresh look at the best Eureka Springs activities beyond the usual downtown stroll. Whether you’re biking through the Ozark forest, paddling on Beaver Lake, zipping through the trees, exploring underground caves, or simply wandering the hills and springs of town, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
This little town surprises you. And when you’re ready for a place to rest after all that adventure, keep an eye out for Forest Springs Resort & Spa — opening before summer 2026, with wellness, nature, and comfort all in one spot.
