If you’ve never taken the time to explore the long list of things to do in Eureka Springs, this should be your year! Eureka Springs is a historic Victorian town located in the northwestern part of Arkansas. It’s a fantastic place for a quick weekend getaway or even a more extended vacation to reset and relax. Our charming resort town is located within about two hours of Branson and Springfield, Missouri, around three hours from Tulsa and Kansas City, and around five hours from St. Louis, Oklahoma City, and Witchita. The perfect distance for folks who love a good road trip!
The travel industry has changed a lot over the past few years. A recent study from Tourism Review News discovered that travelers want to support local businesses during their vacations more than ever. Eureka Springs, AR, is the epitome of a local community. When you visit, you’ll support our artists, locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and so much more. The summer is the most popular time when our quiet bedroom community becomes a lively tourist hub, welcoming more than 750,000 visitors annually. This is when guests love to take advantage of our stunning wilderness trails, the natural springs, and historic Victorian architecture tours.
Due to the large number of visitors to the area each year, there are a lot of lovely lodging properties available for your trip. But none quite compare to our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast—Arsenic & Old Lace. We’re located just two blocks from the downtown historic district and are near many of the best things to do in Eureka Springs. Our modern Queen Anne Victorian mansion offers guests a quiet and secluded space to relax after a day of adventures in the Ozarks.
With only five luxurious guest rooms, we can provide five-star amenities, appointments, and hospitality on a personal level. Start planning your next summer getaway filled with the best things to do in Eureka Springs and book your room today!
Exciting Things to do in Eureka Springs in 2023
Eureka Springs is consistently ranked as one of the best small towns to visit in America, and we owe it to the charming, quaint downtown and the surrounding natural beauty. Enjoying both, of course, is at the top of our list of things to do in Eureka Springs this summer! After exploring the outdoor activities, you’ll find a great selection of restaurants for a delicious meal.
Here are our top ten favorite things to do in Eureka Springs:
- Eureka Springs Tram Tours: Along this open-air tram ride, you’ll pass by hundreds of old Victorian homes, historic buildings, and the local springs our town is named after. The tram tours are approximately 90 minutes long and are fully narrated by your knowledgeable local guide. This is one of the things to do in Eureka Springs on your first day: get a lay of the land and see other sights you might want to revisit.
- Thorncrown Chapel: This beautiful example of architecture was designed by a protege of Frank Lloyd Wright and world-renowned architect E. Fay Jones. The unique chapel is made entirely of glass and wood and is considered one of the most striking structures in the Ozarks. A lush forest surrounds it, creating a more than peaceful place to spend a few hours.
- Quigley’s Castle: Known as one of the strangest dwellings in the Ozarks, this house has plants and trees growing inside the structure. The house’s exterior is covered with unusual rocks collected by Mrs. Quigley herself. Don’t miss a stroll through the gardens. Tours are offered daily.
- Shopping for Antiques: Due to the long history of this area, one of the best things to do in Eureka Springs is antiquing. The local shops are full of treasures; you never know what you might find. Add a stop to the Barn Shoppes, Eureka Unique Antiques, and the Secret Garden for special finds.
- Lake Leatherwood City Park: This 1600-acre park on the edge of town is perfect for a day in the great outdoors! More than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails surround a picturesque spring-fed lake, ideal for kayaking or canoeing.
- Tour the Onyx Cave: Take a self-guided tour of Onyx Cave and see what the forces of nature can do. Go deep underground to learn how the cave was formed and marvel at the beautiful world beneath. It has been a tourist attraction since 1893, making it the oldest show cave in Arkansas.
- Blue Spring Heritage Center: This is one of the best things to do in Eureka Springs to connect with nature, learn more about the early history and discovery of the area, and relish the fresh air of the Ozarks. Wander along the mile-long trail through gardens and the historic pure waters of the Blue Spring.
- Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway: Book a relaxing train ride through the Ozarks on a classic 1940 locomotive. If it’s a romantic date for two, add a gourmet lunch or dinner to your trip, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
- Opera in the Ozarks: Each summer, there’s an excellent opportunity to witness new vocal studies and instrumental music graduates perform on the big stage. Head to their website for the 2023 schedule. By far one of the unique things to do in Eureka Springs!
- Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave: There are a lot of Eureka Springs restaurants to choose from, but one of our favorite recommendations is this grill and wine bar, built directly into stone with a continuously running spring, creating an incredible ambiance and delicious food and drinks.
For more personalized recommendations on the best things to do in Eureka Springs, feel free to ask your knowledgeable innkeepers during your stay!
The Best Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast
One of the most important parts of a great getaway is your accommodations—and thankfully, our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast is one of the best places to stay in our charming small town. Your lodging experience can often make or break a trip—and we’re right nearby the best things to do in Eureka Springs! It’s essential to pick a place where you’ll feel comfortable, taken care of, and completely able to relax and destress. We know you’ll experience a truly romantic and one-of-a-kind stay while at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. You’ll quickly see why we hold the number one spot on TripAdvisor at the best Bed and Breakfast in Eureka Springs.
During your stay, the pampering starts each morning with a beautiful and thoughtfully prepared breakfast. Your meal begins with a fruit course and homemade bread (muffins, bread, or scones). A sweet or savory main course with an appropriate meat or side dish follows these opening courses. There’s always a selection of fruit juices, and our custom-blended coffee and hot teas are available before, during, and after the meal. It’s the best way to start you day before exploring all the best things to do in Eureka Springs.
You’ll love retreating to your beautifully-appointed guest room in the evenings at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. You’ll have everything you need to relax in style! Your utmost comfort is our goal, and you’ll find that in the small details like high thread count linens, plush robes and towels, luxury toiletries, and so much more. Each room is equipped with a cozy bed and seating area, and every room has its own special touch and unique decor. Every time you visit, you can choose a different room and decide which is your favorite. Book your stay today!
