You’ve probably heard of the best attractions in Eureka Springs, but how many have you seen? Spend the evening searching for ghosts, tour one of the beautiful landmark churches in town or spend an afternoon zip lining through the trees. There is so much to do here in our small town it is no wonder guests return to visit year after year. Check out our list of the top 6 best attractions in Eureka Springs.
A beautiful outdoor amphitheater, costumed performers and live animals set the scene for one of Eureka Springs favorite attractions: The Great Passion Play. Rated as America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama, the Great Passion Play runs from May 1st through October 31st each year and tells the story of Jesus and his last days on earth. The play isn’t the only thing to see when visiting. The property is also home to a Bible Museum, Sacred Arts Museum, and gift shop. Visitors can also take part in the Holy Land Tour. Exhibits of the Nativity, Garden Tomb, Bethlehem Inn and full-sized replicas of the Marketplace and East Jerusalem Gate can be toured. The 2016 schedule has already been released and can be seen by clicking here.
The Crescent Hotel is known as America’s Most Haunted Hotel. Hear the tales of The Ghost in the Morgue, the Lady in the Victorian lingerie and the Girl in the Mist. The show is best for ages 8 and up but there is a more family friendly tour each evening at 7:00 pm. Nightly ghost tours depart each evening at this venue starting at 8:00 pm and last 75 minutes. Tickets are $21.50 for adults and $8.00 for children 12 and under. Weekends in October are the busiest time of year so plan ahead during this month.
You probably don’t think about cougars, leopards, lions, and bobcats when you think of Eureka Springs but just 7 miles down the highway is the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. This non-profit organization is a refuge for rescued cats that are abandoned, abused, and neglected. There are over 100 big cats to be seen when visiting. Turpentine Creek is open every day except Christmas Day. Self-guided tours run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with guided tours leaving every hour starting at 10:00 pm. Kids of all ages will enjoy the Education Station with Touch and Feel center to get a hands on feel of whiskers and cat fur.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mark zip lining off your list of things to do, check out Ozark Mountain Zipline. Offering 10 zip lines, a suspended sky bridge, and suspended tree platforms, you’ll spend the day zipping through the trees and feeling the adrenaline rush. Tours last 2 hours and cost $89.00 per person. There is a walking trail for family members who wish to watch others zip but that do not want to participate. Hours and days open vary by season. For more information, visit them at their website or by calling 479-363-6699.
Take in the beauty of 2 absolutely beautiful churches in Eureka Springs: Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church and Thorncrown Chapel. Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church is a landmark stone church that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church was completed in 1882 and features marble statues in the gardens and is filled with history as the first baptism and wedding date back to 1904. Thorncrown Chapel is just 1.5 miles from Eureka Springs. The church stands 48-feet into the air with 425 windows and 6,000 square feet of glass. Visitors can still attend church services here from April through October at 9:00 am and again at 11:00 am. The service includes a biblical teaching and music and lasts around 1 hour. Thorncrown Chapel does not have an admission fee but accepts donations. They are closed in January and February.
For a peaceful place to stay on your visit to Eureka Springs, let us host you on your getaway here at Arsenic and Old Lace. We’ve got 5 guest rooms, plenty of common areas to kick up your feet and a convenient location to the Historic District. We’ll even make you breakfast in the morning! Call us today to book your perfect room!
Photo courtesy of Brad Holt
