The City of Eureka Springs was founded and named on July 4, 1879. By late 1879, the estimated population of Eureka Springs reached 10,000 people and in 1881, the town was declared a "City of the First Class," the fourth largest city in Arkansas. Today, our history lives on as the entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places with National Significance. While we're nowhere near the 4th largest in Arkansas, Eureka is still a "First Class City." (Read more about Eureka Springs History)
Hidden historical points of interest including the 1929 Municipal Auditorium opened by John Phillips Souza, the Eureka Underground, a civil war hospital, famed Abolitionist Carry Nation's Home, houses of ill repute, numerous Bath Houses and the site of Marshall Tilgham's famous capture of the final member of the Dalton gang all may be found in Downtown Eureka Springs and brought to life on one the Main Street program's walking tours.
Eureka Springs also is home to five historic hotels pre-dating 1906, nearly one hundred restored mansions now serving as bed and breakfast lodging and hundreds of other cabins and cottages that range from summer cottages in the 1880 to roadside motor courts of the 1950s. For its preservation, Eureka Springs has been recognized as one of 12 DISTINCTIVE DESTINATIONS by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is a certified Main Street.
Please join us to explore our expansive city trail system connecting this well-preserved one-of-a-kind destination. Here are some of our favorite historic sites and resources:
Description: See the colorful past of this unique town and the people who lived here. A fascinating collection of papers, photographs, mementos, official documents, home furnishings and other artifacts. Extensive research material and geneology. Hours: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, closed Wednesdays and Sundays.Wheelchair access on first floor, but wi[...] more details
Description: Listed in Ripleys Believe it or Not. The only church you enter through the bell tower. Gift Shop hours are 10AM-4PM, 7 days a week from April thru October. Service schedule is as follows: (April - October) Saturday 5:00; Sunday 7:30AM; Sunday 9:00AM. Admission is free of course, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Description: A Guided Walking Tour from the Basin Park Hotel to Peculiar Places in Downtown Eureka Springs.
Please meet in the Basin Park Hotel Lobby.
Join the Resort Host in an adventure hike to the bizarre and mysterious side of the hotel, then head outside to the always interesting sights of Downtown Eureka Springs. Our exclusive Peculiar[...] more details
Description: These open-air tram tours are operated by the City of Eureka Springs and feature an experienced local guide. Park your car and let someone else do the driving to all the must-sees of Eureka Springs. Please note: 1/ Groups, please call 479-253-6852 for reservations 2/ These tours are offered seasonally starting around April 1.
Description: High atop the Arkansas Ozarks sits Eureka Springs' mountaintop spa resort that is "the symbol of Arkansas hospitality" and a proud member of the exclusive Historic Hotels of America. The Crescent Hotel has been the choice of those seeking a prestigious Eureka Springs wedding site, mountaintop spa getaway, or a comfortable safe p[...] more details
Description: Blocks and blocks of history, Victorian architecture, shops, art galleries, hotels, homes and cottages, and charming atmosphere. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in America.
Description: Eureka Springs offers several trolley routes to various locations around town. Most lodging establishments have front door service as do central locations in the downtown area. Park your car, get on a trolley and let THEM drive you to all the sights and attractions of Eureka Springs. Children 6 and under free.
Description: The “Crystal Bridges” of Bible Museums and Biblically inspired art in Northwest Arkansas, the Bible Museum and Sacred Arts Gallery are incredible collections. The Bible Museum is composed of over 6,000 Bibles in over 325 languages and dialects. Some of the rarest Bibles include an original 1st edition, 1st printing 1[...] more details
Description: Located in the heart of downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas, this historic hotel offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, making it the perfect choice for your next vacation or special event. As the only full-service hotel in the area, we offer our guests daily activities, bellman services, a shuttle and 24-hou[...] more details
Description: Located in the heart of downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas, this historic hotel offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern amenities, making it the perfect choice for your next vacation or special event. As the only full-service hotel in the area, we offer our guests daily activities, bellman services, a shuttle and 24-hou[...] more details
Description: Standing as a symbol for freedom from tyranny, a 10-foot section of the Berlin Wall is displayed near Christ of the Ozarks on the grounds of The New Great Passion Play. Psalm 23 was etched into the stone by East Berliners while imprisoned under Communism and is still visible today. Open daily. Admission is free. 800-882-7529.&nb[...] more details
Description: High atop the Arkansas Ozarks sits Eureka Springs' mountaintop spa resort that is "the symbol of Arkansas hospitality" and a proud member of the exclusive Historic Hotels of America. The Crescent Hotel has been the choice of those seeking a prestigious Eureka Springs wedding site, mountaintop spa getaway, or a comfortable safe p[...] more details
Description: The Cobbler's Cottage is one of the oldest homes in Historic Eureka Springs and was the recipient of three 1994 Excellence in Restoration Awards. This charming dwelling offers a winning combination of quaint charm and contemporary luxury. The Cobblers has two floors with a bedroom on each, both with queen size beds. One bed[...] more details