Eureka Springs Travel Guide: A Complete Itinerary

Planning your first visit to Eureka Springs? This Victorian gem in the Arkansas Ozarks offers far more than meets the eye. From healing springs to world-class architecture, vibrant arts to outdoor adventure, here is everything you need to know for an unforgettable first trip.

Getting There

Eureka Springs is tucked into the northwestern corner of Arkansas, accessible by several routes:

• By Air: Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) is 45 minutes away, with connections to major cities via American, United, Delta, and Allegiant
• By Car: Scenic drives from Tulsa (2 hours), Kansas City (3.5 hours), Little Rock (3.5 hours), or Dallas (5 hours)
• Pro Tip: Take Highway 62 for the final approach—the winding road through the mountains is part of the experience

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

Afternoon: Settle In

Check into Forest Springs Resort and take time to decompress from your journey. Enjoy a walk on the private trails, experience your first sauna session, or simply sit on your private terrace and breathe in the forest air.

Evening: Downtown Discovery

Head to downtown Eureka Springs for dinner. The historic district is built into steep hillsides with no traffic lights—just winding streets lined with Victorian architecture. Start at Basin Spring Park and wander. Every turn reveals something unexpected.

Dinner Recommendations

• • Local Flavor: Farm-to-table cuisine with Ozark ingredients
• • The Balcony: European-inspired dining with courtyard seating
• • Ermilio's: Italian classics in an intimate setting

Day 2: Architecture & Nature

Morning: Thorncrown Chapel

Rise early and visit Thorncrown Chapel before the crowds. This architectural masterpiece—a soaring glass sanctuary designed by E. Fay Jones—is one of the most celebrated buildings of the 20th century. The morning light through the forest is transcendent.

Midday: Blue Spring Heritage Center

Visit one of the largest natural springs in the Ozarks. The clear blue water rises from 200 feet below at a rate of 38 million gallons per day. The surrounding gardens and heritage village offer a peaceful exploration.

Afternoon: Wellness Rituals

Return to Forest Springs for the full sauna circuit experience. Alternate between heat and cold, ending with quiet time by the forest-view pool. This is the heart of the Eureka Springs wellness tradition.

Day 3: Arts, Trails & Departure

Morning: Gallery Crawl

Eureka Springs is home to over 50 galleries and working artist studios. Spend your morning exploring—many artists are happy to discuss their work and process. Focus on Spring Street and the surrounding lanes for the highest concentration.

Late Morning: Final Trail Walk

Take one last walk through the Forest Springs trails or venture to Lake Leatherwood for easy hiking with beautiful views. This is your time to integrate the peace you have found.

First-Timer Essentials

Wear comfortable walking shoes—the hills are real

Book dinner reservations, especially on weekends

Bring layers—Ozark weather can shift quickly

Leave time to get lost downtown—that is part of the charm

Visit Thorncrown early morning or late afternoon

Budget time for unplanned discoveries

Ready for Your First Visit?

Let Forest Springs Resort be your home base for discovering Eureka Springs.

Forest Springs

A sanctuary in the Ozarks