When I first rolled into Eureka Springs, it felt like I’d stumbled onto a movie set. Twisting mountain roads led to a town tucked between hills, where every building seemed to lean a little, and every corner held a surprise Victorian facades, rainbow-painted stairways, and a sense of timeless charm.
I came here for a weekend getaway, hoping for peace and a little weirdness. I got both. From ghost tours to natural springs, art galleries to forest hikes, Eureka Springs blends spooky, artsy, and serene in a way that few places do. Whether you’re into history, nature, or quirky small-town vibes, here’s everything I loved and a few things I wish I’d known before going.
Explore the Historic Downtown
This is the heartbeat of Eureka Springs, and honestly, I could’ve spent an entire day just exploring this part alone. The downtown is built into the hills, so the streets aren’t straight they curve, climb, and dip in ways that make every corner feel like a discovery. It’s the kind of place where you look up and realize there’s another street above you, or a staircase tucked between buildings that leads to who-knows-where. It has this old-world charm that somehow feels both European and unmistakably Ozark.
There’s no shortage of quirky shops think metaphysical stores with shelves of crystals and incense, antique shops full of dusty treasures, and galleries with local art that’s actually good (not the mass-produced stuff you find in tourist traps). I wandered into one place that sold nothing but handmade birdhouses. Another had a handwritten sign offering “psychic haircuts.” It’s that kind of town.
Street musicians are common on nice days banjo players, singers, and even someone playing the spoons. The whole downtown just has this friendly, unhurried vibe. I grabbed a maple latte at Eureka Springs Coffee House and sat on a bench near Basin Spring Park, watching people drift by.
Zee Tip: Parking is kind of a mess downtown. It’s best to find a public lot and leave your car for the day. You really don’t want to deal with the tiny, sloped streets once you’ve parked.
Don’t Miss:
- Eureka Fine Art Gallery – Full of regional artists and surprisingly affordable pieces.
- Wilson & Wilson Folk Art Co. – Great for weird, colorful souvenirs.
- Brevity – A cute little stationery + vintage shop hidden behind a bookstore.
Visit Thorncrown Chapel
You’ve probably seen photos of Thorncrown Chapel before it’s pretty iconic. But trust me, no photo does it justice. The first time I saw it in person, I actually stopped and whispered “whoa” out loud. It’s tucked away in the woods just outside town, and the entire structure is basically made of glass and timber beams. It blends so seamlessly with the forest that you almost don’t notice it at first… and then suddenly you’re inside this light-filled sanctuary where everything is quiet except for the wind and birds.
I got there early in the morning, and there were only two other people inside. Sunlight was pouring through the tall glass walls and bouncing off the wooden floor in the softest, most peaceful way. I sat in one of the pews and just… sat. You don’t have to be religious to feel something there it’s spiritual in a broader sense. Like nature and design came together in total harmony.
They welcome visitors throughout the day, and there’s usually someone inside who can answer questions if you’re curious about the architecture. They don’t allow loud talking or big tour groups, which I appreciated it really keeps the space sacred.
There’s a small parking lot, and the chapel is just a short walk from it maybe 2 minutes. It’s free to enter, but donations are appreciated.
Thorncrown Chapel was designed by architect E. Fay Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s won multiple awards for its design and has been featured in architectural magazines around the world.
Discover the Springs Behind the Name
Before this trip, I didn’t realize the town was literally named for actual springs. I thought it was just a poetic name. But no Eureka Springs has dozens of natural springs scattered around town, and many of them are still flowing today.
I followed a self-guided walking map from the visitor center that took me to some of the more accessible ones: Grotto Spring, Harding Spring, Sweet Spring, and Magnetic Spring, to name a few. Most are just a few steps off the road, surrounded by stonework, flowers, and little iron gates. Some had trickling water; others were dry but still beautiful and peaceful.
Each spring has its own little story. Grotto Spring, for example, is built into the hillside and looks like something out of a fantasy novel mossy stone, flickering shadows, and a cool little cave where the spring bubbles out. Harding Spring was once believed to have healing powers, and people used to line up to fill bottles.
It’s worth slowing down to visit a few, especially if you’re into history or just want a quiet place to sit. Most springs have benches nearby, and a couple even have tiny gardens or paths winding past them.
Some springs are harder to spot, especially if you’re just wandering. Grab a free spring map at the visitor center or download one online before your trip.
Bring a reusable water bottle. A couple of springs still have safe, fresh drinking water flowing especially Magnetic Spring.
Stay (or Just Visit) the Crescent Hotel
I couldn’t visit Eureka Springs and not check out the Crescent Hotel. I mean… they call it “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” and honestly? I kinda believe it. The place has a weird energy but not in a bad way. It’s perched up on a hill, surrounded by forest, and looks like the kind of spot where a ghost would casually peek through lace curtains on the third floor.
I didn’t stay overnight (too chicken), but I did take the ghost tour and it was worth every penny. It’s less cheesy than I expected and surprisingly detailed. The guide talked about the hotel’s strange past as a “cancer hospital” run by a fake doctor who promised miracle cures. That story alone was spooky enough, but then we walked the old morgue basement. Nope. Not for me. I clutched my friend’s arm the whole time.
Even if ghost stories aren’t your thing, the hotel itself is beautiful. Grand old staircase, creaky wooden floors, huge fireplaces, and one of the best views in town. I went back during the day just to hang out on the terrace and sip a drink.
You don’t have to be a hotel guest to eat at the restaurant or do the ghost tour but you should book your spot in advance, especially on weekends.
Ask for a room on the second floor facing the garden side. They’re quieter and allegedly less haunted.
Take a Tram Tour Through Town
Okay, hear me out: I’m not usually a guided tour person, but the Eureka Springs tram tour is one of the best ways to get a crash course on the town’s wild history especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to walk uphill in 85-degree weather.
The tram winds through all the main neighborhoods, and the driver doubles as a storyteller. Ours was a lifelong local who had all the juicy town gossip prohibition tunnels, healing cults, secret speakeasies. It gave me a whole new appreciation for how strange and layered Eureka’s past is.
You’ll pass some of the springs, historic homes, haunted buildings, and quiet neighborhoods you might miss on your own. And since the streets here are famously hilly and twisty, being on a tram lets you enjoy the scenery without getting shin splints.
Sit on the right side of the tram for the best views during most of the tour. And bring water it gets toasty in summer.
The tour stops at several spots where you can hop off, take pictures, and wander for a few minutes before reboarding.
Stroll Through Blue Spring Heritage Center (Expanded)
This spot surprised me in the best way. Blue Spring Heritage Center isn’t just some nature walk it’s a peaceful, almost meditative escape about 10 minutes outside of town. You’re surrounded by gardens, native plants, footbridges, and the constant sound of water trickling nearby.
The spring itself is massive over 500 gallons of water flow out every minute and the pool it feeds is so blue it looks filtered. But it’s not. It really is that color. The whole area is considered sacred by local Indigenous tribes, and when you’re standing there, it’s easy to see why. It just feels… still.
There’s a shaded trail that loops around the spring, with benches, wooden walkways, and interpretive signs along the way. I saw butterflies, koi fish, and the biggest lily pads I’ve ever seen. You don’t need hiking boots or anything fancy it’s very walkable and perfect for a slow afternoon.
Go earlier in the day to avoid the heat, and bring bug spray especially in late spring and summer.
This is a great place for solo travelers or couples. It’s less of a “touristy” spot and more of a chill, quiet escape.
Browse Local Art Along White Street
If you love wandering through quirky neighborhoods filled with creativity and character, White Street should be at the top of your Eureka Springs list. It’s a narrow, tree-lined street just outside the main downtown area and it’s basically an outdoor art gallery, even when there’s no official event happening.
I happened to stumble onto White Street on a quiet afternoon, and every few steps, there was something unexpected a mosaic mailbox, a garden full of welded metal flowers, hand-painted house numbers. It feels like the artists here don’t just live on the street… they decorate it. A few galleries are tucked inside old homes, and you’re totally welcome to walk in. No pressure to buy anything. Most owners are happy to chat about their work.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the White Street Walk (usually held in May), it turns into a full-blown street party. Artists set up booths right on their porches. There’s live music, wine, handmade jewelry, sculpture, woodwork, and lots of snacks being passed around. It’s local, weird, and wildly charming.
Zee Tip: Even if you’re not an “art person,” White Street is still worth walking. It’s less crowded than the main strip and filled with details you’d miss in a car.
Galleries to Check Out:
- Zarks Gallery – Features bold, colorful glass art and some funky mixed media pieces.
- Quicksilver Gallery – A longtime favorite for wearable art and jewelry.
- Iris at the Basin Park – Technically just off downtown, but has great local artists.
Bonus: Where I Ate (And What I’d Go Back For)
I didn’t expect Eureka Springs to have such a solid food scene, but wow every meal I had here felt like a happy surprise. There’s a real mix of cozy, romantic spots and laid-back cafes where you can hang out in hiking boots and still eat like a queen.
Here’s where I ate (and what I’d definitely order again):
Mud Street Cafe
This was my breakfast go-to. It’s tucked beneath street level in a cozy brick-lined space with vintage furniture and soft lighting. I had the lemon ricotta pancakes, and I still think about them. They were fluffy, not too sweet, and came with this homemade blueberry syrup that should honestly be bottled and sold.
Zee Tip: Go early or expect a wait it’s popular and tiny, but worth it.
Local Flavor Cafe
This one has a real date-night vibe warm lighting, local art on the walls, and a great wine list. I got the pecan-crusted chicken salad, which sounds basic but was anything but. The house dressing was some kind of citrus-honey magic, and I almost licked the plate. My friend had the trout and gave it a solid 10/10.
Outdoor seating has a view of the street and a nice breeze in the evening.
Grotto Wood-Fired Grill & Wine Cave
This one’s wild it’s built into the side of a limestone bluff, and part of the interior is an actual cave. Literal rock walls. The vibe is upscale rustic, and the food matches. I went with the wood-fired pizza with figs and prosciutto, and it was chewy, crispy, and absolutely perfect.
Ask to sit near the cave wall it’s the coolest spot (literally and aesthetically).
Bubba’s Barbecue (Honorable Mention)
Total change of pace, but if you’re craving something smoky and messy after a day of walking around, this is the place. I grabbed a pulled pork sandwich and ate it on the hood of my car. Zero regrets.
Planning Tips for Eureka Springs
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for fewer crowds and vibrant scenery.
- Getting Around: It’s very walkable, but hilly bring comfy shoes!
- Where to Stay: Look for B&Bs or hillside cottages with balconies.
- Hidden Spots: Don’t skip the Basin Spring Park it’s a good people-watching spot.
Eureka Springs surprised me in the best way. It’s weird, it’s whimsical, and it’s wildly walkable. Whether you’re chasing ghosts, sipping coffee on a porch, or soaking in forest silence at Thorncrown, this little mountain town will leave a mark.