Flourishing in the 19th century as a resort town, Eureka Springs is nestled in the Ozark Mountains and is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. In addition to its charismatic historic core, the city boasts a tourist railway, an iconic statue of Christ and the oldest show cave in Arkansas.
Things to do in Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs centres around a beautifully preserved Historic District home to the Victorian-era Palace Bath House and the Crescent Hotel. Admire the Queen Anne, Romanesque and Italianate architectural details as you peruse the art galleries, boutiques and restaurants that now occupy its Heritage-listed buildings.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Eureka Springs is the Christ of the Ozarks, a 65-metre-tall statue of Christ with outstretched arms. Its modern and minimalist whitewashed design rises prominently atop Magnetic Mountain and can be viewed up close or from the Historic District of Eureka Springs.
Enjoy a scenic ride on the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway, which follows a four-kilometre-long stretch of track once belonging to the Arkansas & Ozarks Railway Company. Admire the vintage steam locomotives and see the 1940s diesel engine in action, then watch as the turntable rotates it at the end-of-the-line junction.
A short drive east of Eureka Springs takes you to the oldest show cave in Arkansas, the Onyx Cave. It’s renowned for its impressive flowstone, with an audio guide offering a fascinating interpretation of the rock formations and cave chambers.
Getting around Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is just over one hour’s drive from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport or around three hours from Tulsa International Airport. A trolley accesses some of Eureka Springs’ attractions and the downtown area is easy to explore on foot.