How to Explore the History of Arkansas in Eureka Springs

In addition to shopping, dining and plenty of outdoor activities, there is so much more to the town of Eureka Springs.  Exploring the history of Arkansas is easy when you visit Eureka Springs which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  From walking tours to a museum dedicated to protecting the history of the town, there are quite a few ways to learn about how Eureka Springs became the amazing small town it is today.

Where to Start Exploring?

The Eureka Springs Historical Museum is a great place to begin learning about the town’s history and the people who shaped it.  Located at 95 South Main Street in the Eureka Springs Historic District, the museum is there to preserve and protect the history of the town and its people.  Their primary purpose is to collect and preserve physical objects from the cities founding to present day.  There are permanent and rotating exhibits in the museum.  Permanent exhibits include “Our Native American History” and Eureka Springs, the City that Water Built”.  There is also an art gallery on the 2nd floor featuring art that helped create Eureka Springs as an arts destination.  Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for college students.  Children through grade 12 are admitted for free.  The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sundays.

Plan a Tour

There are 2 walking tours perfect for families and groups to help explore the downtown area.  Experienced local experts give in-depth tours with stories and facts about the town.  The Downtown-N-Underground Tour explores the town’s architecture and geography of Eureka Springs.  Participants will actually go underneath the streets and learn how the area was settled.  This tour begins at Basin Spring Park.  The Hoodlum’s Morning Tour gives a glimpse into the lives of the people who made up the town.  This 45-minute tour is great for the whole family and takes guests to specific historic spots around town.  Tickets are $12.00 for adults and kids are free.

Experience the History of Arkansas at Our Springs

You can’t visit Eureka Springs without visiting the springs that the town is named for.  Basin Spring on Spring Street is the spring that people thought had healing powers.  This spring drew in visitors by the hundreds making the town a flourishing city in a short period of time.  There were originally 62 springs but now there are only 12 that have been restored and can be visited today.  Crescent Spring is another popular spring to visit on Spring Street.  Be sure not to miss the stone staircase that leads from the spring up to the Crescent Hotel.

When your day starts to wind down and come to a close, let us at Arsenic and Old Lace bed and breakfast host you for your stay.  Our location is just 2 short blocks from the Historic District offering plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing visit.  In addition to five beautiful guest rooms, we even serve a complimentary breakfast in the morning to ensure a boost to your day.  Reservations book up quickly so be sure to secure your room soon.  Give us a call at 479-253-5454 and be sure to ask about our current specials.  We look forward to having you.

For even more recommendations of things to do in Eureka Springs and around Arkansas, be sure to download our free Vacation Guide!

Photo courtesy of Jack Gray

 

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