The One Ozarks Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

The Ozarks region is known as an unspoiled mountainous paradise in the eastern United States, where forested highlands give way to crystal-clear lakes. In this idyllic pastoral setting, you’d expect to find quiet communities and rustic resorts, but in the heart of the Ozarks is one small town that breaks the mould. Eureka Springs combines the tranquility of the outdoors with the vibrant character of a big city hub. Here you’ll find museums and mountains, festivals and forests, local boutiques and lakes, as small-town charm blends with breathtaking scenery.

A Brief History of Eureka Springs

For centuries, native American tribes in northwest Arkansas told legends of a ‘great healing spring’ buried deep in the mountains. The medicinal properties of this famous waterway became more widely known in 1879 when Dr Alvah Jackson reportedly used the spring water to heal his friend of a skin condition. The town of Eureka Springs was founded that same year, and thousands flocked to the community to bathe in its restorative waters.

Eureka Springs grew quickly, with the health tourists bringing hotels, industry, and the railroad in their wake. By 1881, it was the fourth-largest city in the state. Today, the town has become more than a resort and retirement destination, evolving into an eclectic arts hub and outdoor base camp for exploring the Ozarks. The community has preserved its legacy, however, with much of the original architecture on display. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Must-See Attractions in Eureka Springs

The springs that give the town its name are still in existence today, spread throughout the town. One of the most popular is Basin Spring, located in Basin Spring Park downtown. Established in 1890, this historic park contains a limestone fountain that is fed by an underground spring and a Victorian-style bandshell that often hosts community music concerts and other events.

If you’re only in town for the day, one of the best ways to see the sights is by tram. Eureka Springs Tram Tours run from March to November, offering a narrated 90-minute tram ride around the town’s beautiful historic district. You’ll pass over 100 historic homes and buildings, as well as a few healing springs.

Eureka Springs has carved out its own character over the years since its founding, attracting artists from all over the state. You can see the evolution of the town’s creative side at the Museum of Eureka Springs Art, which spans 140 years through displays featuring the work of 150 artists.

Outdoor Adventures

You don’t have to go far to connect with nature in Eureka Springs. The great outdoors are on your doorstep with spring-fed lakes and forested peaks just a short distance from downtown.

Lake Leatherwood City Park is a 1610-acre preserve north of town, which contains an 85-acre spring-fed lake and 25 miles of hiking and biking trails. The lake was formed by one of the largest hand-cut native limestone dams in the countr,y and several park structures date back to the 1940s, making it a historic site as well as a beautiful recreation area. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re visiting on a warm day, you can rent a canoe, paddleboat, or kayak to explore the lake or call into the Bait Shop to pick up some gear and fish for bluegill, crappie, bream, largemouth bass, and catfish.

Go underground to explore Arkansas’s oldest toured cave at Onyx Cave Park. This subterranean grotto has been attracting visitors since 1891 and now offers self-guided tours so you can wander through the cavern at your own pace while learning about its unique geological formations. The park also includes an axe-throwing facility, gift shop, gem-panning workshops, and the Onyx Cave Museum.

You can’t visit Eureka Springs without seeing the Ozark Mountains, but skip the usual trails and take to the sky for a whole new vantage point. Ozark Mountain Ziplines is the ultimate activity for thrillseekers of all ages, with some of the longest and highest cables in the state. With 10 different ziplines to choose from, everyone from complete beginners to experienced flyers will get a chance to enjoy bird’s eye views of the alpine canopy.

Eureka Springs Events and Festivals

Eureka Springs is a lively town with an events schedule that is as diverse and colorful as its community. One of the largest parties in the calendar is Mardi Gras, a town tradition for over 20 years, and celebrated in style. The event features a huge downtown parade, a dazzling nighttime procession, and a masquerade ball.

Another longstanding celebration that brings thousands of music lovers to town is the Ozark Folk Festival. The longest consecutive-running folk festival in the United States, the event is over 75 years old and an important part of the Ozarks’ heritage and history. Taking place over three days in September, this year’s festival includes an Old Time Community Dance in Basin Park, folk dance and music workshops, a Singer Songwriter Contest, and a Folk Fair with artists and Craftspeople.

Nearby Neighbours

If you’re spending a 3-day weekend or a longer break in Eureka Springs, you may be tempted to take a look around the Carroll County area. There are several small towns nearby that make for great day trip options.

The historic town of Berryville is just 8 miles east of Eureka Springs. Founded in 1850, this quaint village has a beautiful town square ringed with 19th-century brick buildings that now house boutiques, bookstores, and gift shops. You could spend a few hours shopping or visit the Saunders Museum and the Carroll County Heritage Center to learn more about the area.

A 40-minute drive south of Eureka Springs takes you to Huntsville, home to beautiful nature preserves, including the McIlroy Madison County Wildlife Management Area, which features three spectacular waterfalls. You’ll also want to check out an unusual Huntsville landmark, the Faubus House. Built in 1967 for a former Arkansas Governor, the house is built into the side of a cliff and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Garfield, a 30-minute drive west of Eureka Springs, is a good base camp for exploring some of the area’s inviting natural attractions, such as Whitney Mountain and Beaver Lake. At the north end of Beaver Lake is the Devil's Eyebrow Natural Area, a wilderness area that boasts one of the highest concentrations of rare plant species in Arkansas. Visitors can hike the Nature Trail to see a year-round-flowing spring and enjoy stunning views of the lake from the summit of Trimble Mountain.

Unique Charm

Eureka Springs is truly a one-of-a-kind town. Where else in the Ozarks can you visit a healing spring, party in a Mardi Gras parade, and take a zipline ride over the mountains? This dynamic community nestled in the mountains is an ideal destination for daytrippers, weekenders, and family vacations. Gateway to the Ozarks, natural playground, rejuvenating resort, arts and entertainment hub — Eureka Springs has so many different personalities that it offers a little something for everyone.