Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Victorian Village,” Eureka Springs is known for its timeless architecture and colorful homes, constructed across steep hillsides and winding roads. This Arkansas town, surrounded by hardwood forests of the Ozark Mountains, boasts one of the largest historic districts in the state, centered around the area’s natural springs.
Beyond its natural beauty, Eureka Springs has a variety of unique attractions, from spelunking and train rides to magic shows and paranormal experiences. This tranquil destination, just over 4 hours from the Oklahoma City metro, inspires long weekends of retail therapy and incredible dining or a perfect getaway with the family.
Enjoy this sample itinerary for a great mix of all our family’s favorites in Eureka Springs!
Day 1
Outdoor exploration and ghost tours
As you drive to Arkansas from Oklahoma City, you’ll pass through a beautiful area just south of Beaver Lake. The War Eagle area is just 30 minutes from Eureka Springs and offers fantastic outdoor recreation.
Step inside War Eagle Cavern for a guided tour of a lakeside cave where visitors can view dome formations and natural streams that flow through the cavern. The tours are pet-friendly and all walkways are stroller-accessible, so this is a perfect adventure for the entire family. The fun continues above ground with panning for gemstones or navigating a half-mile tree maze with a scavenger hunt for an added challenge!
Just 10 minutes away, stretch your legs on the 1.5-mile Shaddox Hollow Loop Trail, a serene escape into the woods for up-close views of limestone bluffs and secret caves for children to explore.
Once you’ve arrived in Eureka Springs, you won’t want to miss a meal at Local Flavor Café. Fresh and creative menu options, like the salmon Caeser salad, meatball sub and a wide variety of burgers (vegetarian, too!), keep guests coming back for more.
After lunch, make your way to Thorncrown Chapel, a picturesque woodland sanctuary built in 1980 with the Prairie School-style architecture popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright. The chapel features 6,000 square feet of glass and elaborate trusses that allow for dynamic patterns of light and shadow to alter its appearance throughout the day.
Another historic marvel worth seeing is the “Little Golden Gate Bridge” of Arkansas, spanning the White River just a few miles downstream from Beaver Lake. This one-lane suspension bridge is the only one in the state open to vehicular traffic. If you have time, the nearby Lake Leatherwood is a beautiful 85-acre, spring-fed lake and a paradise for hikers and bikers alike, with over 25 miles of well-maintained trails.
After a busy day outdoors, treat your family to a hearty meal of fresh pasta at Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking, just a few blocks from the renowned Crescent Hotel and many of the area’s Victorian Bed and Breakfast lodgings. Seating is limited with no reservations required, so arrive early to beat the dinner rush.
As the sun begins to set, end your evening at the Crescent Hotel for a thrilling ghost tour and hear all the paranormal tales that echo through the halls of “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” The evening ghost tours are intended for ages 5 and up, but they do offer kid-only tours (5 to 12 years old) earlier in the afternoon on select days.
Day 2
Animals, shopping and magic, oh my!
A new day in the Ozarks calls for a solid breakfast, and Brews is the place for an assortment of pastries, breakfast sandwiches and craft coffee drinks. Their indoor space has board games to play, or enjoy your meal on an outdoor, pet-friendly patio.
About 20 minutes outside of Eureka Springs is Turpentine Creek Refuge, an animal refuge focused on rescuing wildlife from situations of abuse and neglect. They aim to provide lifelong care to these animals, many of which are big cats and bears. Take a 1-hour, open-air tram tour to see these animals up close and learn about their life stories.
After your tour, make your way to St. Elizabeth Catholic Church to stroll their lush floral grounds and rotunda, just a short walk from the Crescent Hotel. This pedestrian-friendly town has some lovely footpaths nearby to see more of the area, like the Magnolia Trail, which leads to Crescent Spring, or the Harmon Park Loop Trail, which connects to a city park with a playground, skate park, dog park and
public restrooms.
For lunch, our family loved dining at So Good Kitchen. From soups and salads to sushi and protein bowls, these customizable dishes are nutritious, homemade and bursting with flavor. After your lunch, explore the historic downtown area, which is brimming with art galleries and shops, selling everything from clothes and jewelry to cooking gear and novelty gifts. As you shop, watch for more of the area’s historic mountain springs, like Basin Spring
and Harding Spring, along the way.
Wrap up your afternoon with our family’s favorite highlight our of trip to Eureka Springs, an incredible magic show at Intrigue Theater. Sean Paul and his wife, Juliana Fay, are masters of illusion while also bringing comedy and mystery into the experience. If you purchase seats on the first few rows, be prepared for some interaction with the magicians and possibly stage time, too!
Afterward, spend the evening at Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave. Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant’s unique ambiance, outstanding service and attention to detail will be just as memorable as the delicious food served.
Day 3
Spelunking and train rides
On your final day of vacation, start with a visit to Mud Street Café, a favorite morning spot serving traditional breakfast fare, award-winning coffee and bakery delights in an old-fashioned room below street level.
From here, your family can look forward to another cave tour at Cosmic Cavern, just 25 minutes away. This spelunking experience will take you through beautiful limestone formations and two underground lakes, where blind cave trout were discovered. The cave stays at a comfortable 64 degrees year-round, making it one of the warmest in the Ozarks.
After your time underground, enjoy the outdoors on another favorite outing in town, especially for families with young children: an excursion train ride through the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway. Step back in time on a 1940s diesel locomotive and enjoy a 1-hour ride narrated by the conductor. There are also options for non-narrated rides on their dining cars to enjoy lunch or dinner along the way.
If you have extra time or want to extend your stay, nearby Beaver Lake offers endless outdoor adventures for the whole family. The area boasts 480 miles of shoreline, complete with swimming beaches, a marina for boat rentals, scenic hiking trails and even a diving park. Paddleboards and kayaks are available from local outfitters. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, take your family vacation to new heights by ziplining through the stunning Ozark Mountains for a bird’s-eye view!
Eureka Springs blends adventure, charm and history, offering unforgettable memories, whether your family chooses to visit over Spring Break or anytime during the year.
Happy exploring!
