20 Things to Do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, nestled in the Ozark Mountains, charms visitors with its winding streets, Victorian architecture, and natural springs. While known for its unique shops and attractions, exploring this historic spa town doesn’t require a large budget; there are many wonderful free things to do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, allowing you to soak up its quirky atmosphere and scenic beauty affordably. Discover hidden pathways, historic springs, and beautiful natural settings without opening your wallet.
This guide points you towards 20 specific ways to enjoy Eureka Springs completely free of charge. From wandering its historic downtown to hiking scenic trails and discovering unique sights, you can craft a memorable Ozark adventure. Get ready to experience the best of Eureka Springs without the expense.
Historic Downtown & Springs Exploration
Walk Historic Downtown: Wander the unique, winding streets like Spring Street and Main Street, lined with well-preserved Victorian buildings. Exploring the unique layout and historic architecture on foot is the best way to see the town’s core.
Visit Basin Spring Park: Relax in the heart of downtown at the site of the original spring that drew visitors here. It’s a great spot for people-watching and often features music or small events.
Self-Guided Springs Tour: Discover the town’s natural springs beyond Basin Spring. Seek out Harding Spring, Magnetic Spring, Sweet Spring, and others tucked away in small grottoes and parks throughout the historic loop.
Climb the Rainbow Stairs: Find the colorful staircase connecting North Main Street up towards Center Street. It’s a bright, cheerful spot perfect for a unique photo opportunity.
Window Shop Downtown Boutiques: Eureka Springs is filled with eclectic shops, art galleries, and craft stores. Enjoy browsing the unique items and creative window displays without any pressure to buy.
Visit St. Elizabeth Catholic Church: Step inside this historic church known for its unique entrance through the bell tower. Admire the architecture and stained glass; quiet, respectful visits are welcome outside service times.
Parks & Nature Trails
Explore Harmon Park: Enjoy this city park offering space for picnics, a playground for kids, and access to walking trails. It’s a nice spot for a relaxing break near downtown.
Hike Lake Leatherwood City Park Trails: Discover miles of hiking trails surrounding Lake Leatherwood, just outside of town. Exploring the wooded paths and enjoying the natural scenery is completely free.
Walk Black Bass Lake Trails: Visit this scenic area featuring trails around a small lake and an impressive historic dam. It offers a relatively easy hike with beautiful water views and photo opportunities.
View Christ of the Ozarks Statue & Grounds: Drive up the mountain to see the iconic seven-story statue overlooking the town. Access to the grounds around the statue is free, offering impressive views of the structure itself.
Explore the Great Passion Play Grounds: Wander the grounds of the Passion Play complex when performances are not scheduled. Enjoy the landscaping, see various biblical statues, and take in the views from the hilltop.
Walk the Crescent Hotel Grounds & Gardens: Explore the beautiful gardens and grounds of the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel. Enjoy the scenic views overlooking the town and valley from this famous landmark.
Arts, Architecture & Unique Sights
Visit Thorncrown Chapel (During Visitor Hours): Experience the stunning architecture of this renowned glass chapel nestled in the woods. Viewing the chapel’s interior during designated visitor hours is free and unforgettable.
Browse Art Galleries: Many galleries showcasing local and regional artists are clustered downtown. Spend time browsing the diverse artwork; gallery owners often welcome respectful visitors just looking.
Spot Street Art & Murals: Keep an eye out for colorful murals painted on buildings around town. Discovering these pieces of public art adds another layer to exploring the streets.
Admire Victorian Architecture: Take time to appreciate the intricate details of the Victorian-era buildings throughout town. Look for gingerbread trim, colorful paint schemes, and unique architectural features on homes and businesses.
Discover Hidden Staircases & Walkways: Eureka Springs is built on hillsides, resulting in a network of charming public staircases and pathways. Exploring these hidden connections between streets is an adventure in itself.
Scenic Drives & Views
Drive the Historic Loop: Take a leisurely drive along the upper historic loop residential streets. Enjoy seeing more Victorian homes, gardens, and different perspectives of the unique town layout.
Find Scenic Overlooks: Seek out spots along upper roads or trails that offer panoramic views of the town nestled in the valley. Capturing these broader perspectives is worth the effort.
See the Lake Leatherwood Dam: While exploring Lake Leatherwood City Park, make sure to view the impressive limestone dam built by the WPA. The historic structure itself is a notable sight within the park.
