I’ve been based in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the last few weeks while we work on the remodel and relaunch of Forest Springs Resort & Spa, and honestly, the town has surprised me in the best way. I came thinking, “ok, cute Ozark town,” and ended up finding a place that’s artistic, weird (in a good way), super walkable, and surrounded by forest, springs, and waterfalls.
So instead of a cold, SEO-ish list of “10 things to do in Eureka Springs,” I wanted to write what it actually feels like to be here for more than a weekend , where I’ve been hanging out, what locals keep recommending, and what you shouldn’t skip if you’re planning a trip.
Why Eureka Springs is different
People here call it “the place where misfits fit,” and you feel that as soon as you walk downtown. Victorian houses on hills, healing springs tucked in little parks, art galleries, crystal shops, musicians on the street, it has that slightly offbeat energy, almost like a mountain version of Bisbee or a tiny New Orleans. That’s actually why we chose to bring Forest Springs to this area, the nature + the creative vibe makes sense for a wellness hotel.
1. Wander Eureka downtown
Downtown Eureka Springs is tiny but it’s packed, and it’s way more fun if you let yourself just stroll and get a little lost. The streets curve, everything is on a hill, and every corner has either a porch, a balcony, a gallery or some super specific shop you didn’t know you needed. You can totally walk it, but the trolley makes it easier, especially on weekends when parking turns into a sport.
There are four lines.
- The red one does the historic loop, so that’s the one for shops, Basin Spring Park, galleries, all the pretty porches.
- The blue and yellow bring people in from the motels and lodges on the east side.
- The purple is the one that goes out toward Razorback Tower and Thorncrown Chapel. Most days it starts around 10 am (9 am on busy Saturdays) and runs until late afternoon or early evening depending on season. A day pass is about six bucks, you can buy it online, and you just show the driver your phone.
- If you’re coming in on the blue line, hop off at New Delhi Café or the Downtown Trolley Depot and you’re right in the middle of things.
One of the coolest things about downtown is that it’s basically built on top of itself. Early on they had mudslides all the time on Main Street, so the city literally raised the storefronts about ten feet and what used to be the first floor became the basement. It gives the town that odd layered feeling, like it’s half historic, half secret.
First day I was in town I just walked around taking photos of cottages, staircases and random street art. Even if you don’t make it out to the trails or the chapels, downtown alone gives you a pretty complete Eureka Springs vibe.
2. Go find the springs (the reason the town exists)
Eureka Springs wasn’t built because someone thought, “cute Victorian town.” It was built because people were coming here in the 1800s for the healing waters. There used to be more than 60 springs around town, and a bunch of them are still tucked into little pocket parks you can walk to.
If you’re already downtown, you can do a mini “spring crawl”:
- Basin Spring – right in the middle of downtown, in the park. Easiest one to see and usually where music or events happen.
- Grotto Spring – on the upper/hill side of town, kind of carved into the rock. Super atmospheric.
- Harding Spring – right off Spring Street, pretty spot to grab a photo.
- Crescent Spring – gazebo, flowers, very “Eureka” energy.
- Magnetic Spring Park – a few minutes’ drive north of downtown, but a pretty one and more peaceful.
Back in the day people really believed these waters helped with skin stuff, joint pain, breathing, all of it – so even if you don’t buy the 1880s marketing, it’s fun to see what started the whole town. If you only have time for two, I’d do Basin Spring (because it’s central) and Grotto Spring (because it feels hidden).
3. Spots in Eureka Springs you really shouldn’t skip
Once you’ve walked downtown and seen a couple of the historic springs, it’s time for the “ok, now I get why people come here” part. These are the places that show up when you Google things to do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and honestly they’re popular for a reason.
about” side.
Thorncrown Chapel
If you only have time for one, make it this. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown, tucked in the woods, and it’s basically glass, wood, and Ozark forest wrapping around you. Super calm, very photogenic, and you don’t need a long visit — 15–20 minutes and you’re good.
Check hours because it’s sometimes closed for weddings.
Christ of the Ozarks & the Passion Play area
This one is very “Eureka.” Big statue, big views. You don’t need forever here, but it’s close enough to swing by after the chapel or the hotel.
The grounds are peaceful and you get those wide Ozark photos people like.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Not technically right in downtown, but a lot of visitors add it to their Eureka Springs day.
It’s a rescue for big cats and other animals — very family-friendly and a totally different vibe from the historic district. If you have a full day and a car, it’s worth the drive.
Crescent Hotel ghost stop
You can’t talk about Eureka Springs without the “most haunted hotel in America.”
The 1886 Crescent Hotel sits above town and has a wild history — fancy resort, then a fake cancer hospital, now ghost tours. I didn’t get scared, but walking the old halls, hearing about Room 218 and the basement morgue is worth it, plus the views over Eureka are great
Onyx Cave or Cosmic Cavern
If you like caves, pick one. Onyx is closer and super easy, more of a quick experience.
Cosmic Cavern is a bit farther but has those underground lakes and feels more like “wow, nature really did this.” Either one is a good add-on if it’s hot or raining.
Hope that helped. If you can, give yourself more than a day here — a long weekend or even a full week lets you slow down, ride the trolley, try a few springs, and actually enjoy the Ozarks instead of rushing through them.
But if you only have one day, do this: slow morning downtown → trolley/walk to a couple of the healing springs → Thorncrown Chapel + Crescent Hotel → quick stop at Christ of the Ozarks → cave or refuge if you’ve still got energy → dinner back in town. That way you hit the history, the nature, and the “I actually saw the famous spots” part in one go.
And if you’re planning a 2026 trip… stay tuned. We’re opening Forest Springs Resort & Spa before summer 2026 — a wellness-focused stay just minutes from downtown. Come back and try it when it’s open 🌲
