A Weekend Guide to Eureka Springs

From hidden trails to artisan shops, Eureka Springs offers an enchanting escape that feels worlds away from everyday life. Here's your complete guide to making the most of a weekend in this Victorian mountain town.

Friday Evening: Arrival & Unwinding

Arrive in time to catch the golden hour light filtering through the Ozark hills. Check into Forest Springs and let the tranquility of the forest begin to work its magic. Take a gentle stroll along our private trails as the sun sets, listening to the evening chorus of birds settling in for the night.

For dinner, the historic downtown offers farm-to-table restaurants tucked into Victorian buildings. We recommend reservations at one of the local favorites where Arkansas-raised beef and locally foraged ingredients take center stage.

Saturday: Explore & Discover

Morning: Wellness Rituals (7am - 11am)

Begin your day with a quiet sunrise walk on our forest trails, at your own pace through the Ozark woods. The morning light through the canopy creates an almost ethereal atmosphere. Follow this with a session in our Nordic sauna, alternating between the heat and a refreshing cold plunge. This contrast therapy will leave you energized and centered for the day ahead.

After your wellness session, enjoy the morning overlooking the forest. Take in the stillness of the Ozarks before heading out.

Midday: Downtown Wandering (11am - 3pm)

Head into Eureka Springs proper to explore the winding streets that climb and curve through the hillside. The town's 63 springs once attracted visitors seeking healing waters, and today they come for the galleries, boutiques, and the undeniable charm of streets untouched by traffic lights, Eureka Springs is one of few American towns with no traffic signals at all.

Stop by the local coffee roasters for a pour-over made from beans roasted on-site, then browse the artist studios where painters, potters, and jewelers craft their works in historic storefronts. The architecture alone is worth the visit, over 100 Victorian-era buildings on the National Historic Register.

Coffee & Brunch

Mud Street Cafe, Brews, or Myrtie Mae's for biscuits and gravy

Must-See Spots

Basin Spring Park, the Crescent Hotel grounds, Spring Street galleries

Afternoon: Natural Wonders (3pm - 6pm)

Drive the scenic route to Thorncrown Chapel, architect E. Fay Jones' masterpiece of glass and wood that seems to float within the forest. The 48-foot-tall structure contains over 6,000 square feet of glass, creating an almost ethereal connection between the sacred interior and the surrounding woods. It's been called one of the finest religious spaces of the 20th century.

Return to the resort for a late afternoon swim in the outdoor pool, or challenge your travel companions to a match on our pickleball court, nestled in the Ozark hills, with lawn games and ping pong nearby for the rest of the group.

Evening: Sunset & Stars (6pm - Late)

Gather around the fire pit with a local craft beer or Arkansas wine as the forest canopy frames the night sky and the day's adventures become tomorrow's memories.

For a more active evening, take a moonlit walk on our forest trails. The Ozarks are an International Dark Sky community, meaning the star-viewing is exceptional, especially during new moon phases.

Sunday: Slow Morning, Sweet Departure

Sleep in and savor a leisurely morning overlooking the forest. There's no need to rush; checkout is designed to give you the full morning experience. Take one last walk on the trails, perhaps discovering a particularly ancient oak you'd missed before.

Before departing, visit the historic downtown once more for brunch at a local favorite, where buttermilk biscuits and local honey provide the perfect conclusion to your Ozark escape. Pick up some local honey, handmade soap, or artisan goods to take a piece of Eureka Springs home with you.

Seasonal Considerations

Each season offers something unique in Eureka Springs:

• Spring (March-May): Wildflowers bloom on the trails, waterfalls run strong, the May Festival of the Arts brings galleries and studios to life
• Summer (June-August): Warm evenings perfect for fire pit gatherings and stargazing, lake activities at Beaver Lake
• Fall (September-November): Peak foliage in October, cooler hiking weather, fewer crowds after October
• Winter (December-February): Holiday lights, calmer trails, perfect sauna weather, intimate atmosphere