A city full of natural and cultural attractions in the extreme northwestern part of Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a resort city named after the abundance of surrounding mineral lakes.
The same therapeutic properties that attracted indigenous cultures and settlers to this Ozark Mountains hideaway still attract tourists today, and visitors of all ages often appreciate the history here. The city's attractive downtown area is lined with historic Victorian buildings, small museums, and Central Basin Spring Park. Other nearby places to visit include the Eureka Railway and North Arkansas Railway, the inspiring Thorncrown Chapel and the famous Passion Game.
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1. Thorncrown Chapel
A beautiful place of worship and spirituality, the Thorncrown Chapel is a 48-foot tall wooden structure with 425 windows and 6,000 square feet of glass. This awe of true architecture allows for ample light inside and gives a truly open feeling to the surrounding Ozark forest setting.
Designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones, the chapel hosts public Sunday Services from April to December and is available for weddings throughout the year. Every member of the public is encouraged to check out the impressive design of this woodland chapel, and plenty of parking for RVs and buses can be found nearby.
Address: 12968 Highway 62 West, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
2. Downtown Eureka Springs
The historic downtown area of Eureka Springs is a central attraction of the city. The aesthetics of the 1900s Victorian architecture lining Spring and Main Streets makes for an excellent backdrop for many kinds of downtown experiences.
Local storefronts, eclectic shops, and specialty boutiques comprise many of the shopping opportunities downtown, which is only rivaled by the generous selection of local eateries and evening entertainment. Spring Park in the city center is a great place to relax between shopping excursions or listening to live music from under the covers.
Walking tours are a popular way to experience Eureka Springs city center, ranging from historical underground tours to guided tours of the city's haunted side. Eureka Springs trolleys and outdoor tram tours offered by the city are great ways to see some local attractions.
Festivals, celebrations, and community spirit can also be found downtown, including an annual festival of the arts, seasonal parades, and memorable Mardi Gras celebrations.
3. The Great Passion Play
The Great Passion Play brings to life the epic drama surrounding Christ's death and resurrection. Performed in an outdoor amphitheater, the play is based on the Old Testament prophecies and New Testament accounts of the last seven days of Jesus of Nazareth prior to, and including His ascension.
Hosting numerous concerts throughout the year, there are numerous opportunities to attract this Christian appeal including a multi-level stage, live animals and 150 trained actors.
Plenty of other attractions at The Great Passion Play also give it a family-friendly reputation, including the larger than life Christ of the Ozarks monument. You can also take part in a Complete Immersive Sanctuary Tour with a life-size replica of the East Gate in Jerusalem and an authentic Market to explore.
Hiking trails, Ark Ark's zoo and Sacred Art Museum are also available for year-round experiences at The Great Passion Play.
Address: 935 Passion Play Road, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
4. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Serving as a sanctuary for big cats and other large animals, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to abandoned, abused, and neglected tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars, as well as bears and bobcats.
Visitors to the Wildlife Refuge have many ways to interact with the resident animals and learn more about their species. Guided habitat tours take place daily at Turpentine Creek, and exclusive backstage tours take place on weekends.
The wildlife refuge also hosts numerous special events throughout the year, which help fund Turpentine's efforts, including a kite-flying festival, blues weekend, and various educational programming.
Address: 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
5. Blue Spring Heritage Center
Composed of beautiful gardens, local history, and a vast natural spring, the Blue Springs Heritage Center has been a tourist attraction for over 70 years. Before attracting tourists and residents of Eureka Springs, spring was considered the sacred space of Native American tribes and tourism.
The history of Blue Spring is fully displayed with each visit, including the historical artifacts, exhibits, and remnants of an old factory that was once powered by moving water. Different gardens are also worth a visit and just over a mile of trail link different garden beds.
Address: 1537 County Road 210, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
6. Basin Spring Park
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Just before the city was merged, the mineral water found in what is now known as the Spring Basin drew indigenous cultures and settlers and paved the way for the prosperous city to be found. nowadays.
Now a central downtown park incorporating benches, a bandshell, and the original spring encased by concrete and a fountain, this city park provides a scenic resting opportunity between downtown excursions and serves as a great starting point for other nearby attractions.
Walking tours usually start at Spring Park and public spaces host community celebrations, including live music and holiday festivals.
Address: 4 Spring Street, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
7. Quigley's Castle
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and noted as the "the Ozark's strangest dwelling," Quigley's Castle was the dream home of Elise Quigley, an Italian immigrant with a passion for gardening.
Perennial gardens surround the home, with lovely roads, benches and other features. Inside the house are full-sized tropical plants and trees, sprouting from the natural ground on the first floor. Displayed indoors are a number of unique collections, including butterflies, crystals, fossils, glassware, and arrowheads.
Open March through November, visitors can take a self-guided tour of this quaint and memorable residence.
Address: 274 Quigley Castle Road, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
8. Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway Company
Located a mile from downtown Eureka Springs, this historic warehouse and passenger facility allows visitors to get a glimpse of what life was like when the rail service arrived in Eureka Springs in 1883.
The repository can view a stock collection, a revolving turntable, scooter, and a car equipped to run on rails. Practical experience when visiting the warehouse comes from daily scheduled trips, including a sightseeing train, lunch train, and special dinner train.
Baggage Room Gift Shop is also available at the depot for locomotive-related memorabilia and keepsakes.
Address: 299 North Main Street, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
9. Onyx Cave Park
First discovered in 1891 and organized tours since 1893, Onyx Cave is just a short distance east of Eureka Springs and offers family-friendly opportunities to see some features. Amazing cave and wildlife. The cave is small, and visitors can walk through it with relative ease on a self-guided tour that takes about a half-hour or less.
Onyx Cave also has a famous Gem Panning station outside the cave, which attracts both children and adults. A newly renovated gift shop at the cave has a variety of gems, jewelry and photo opportunities with a large set of Amethyst Angel Wings.
Address: 338 Onyx Cave Lane, Eureka Springs, Arkansas
10. Exploring the Outdoors
Hiking, biking, and water activities are some of the most popular ways to explore the great outdoors surrounding Eureka Springs, and miles of trails can be found both sprawlings throughout the city and immediate surrounding area.
The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa has one of the densest collections of hiking trails in the city, and the scenic Lake Leatherwood provides both mountain biking and hiking routes and access to the water.
Entertainment venues other prominent around Hot Springs include Buffalo National River, Ozark National Forest and many underworlds to explore, such as Onyx Cave and Cave space.
More ideals for you: Top 10 things to do in Wichita
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