Long before wellness became a trend, Eureka Springs was a healing destination. In the late 1800s, thousands journeyed to these Ozark springs seeking cure for ailments from rheumatism to consumption. Today, that healing legacy continues—evolved into a sophisticated wellness ecosystem that makes Eureka Springs one of the most compelling wellness destinations in America.
The springs that gave Eureka Springs its name were considered sacred by Native American tribes for centuries before European settlers arrived. The water, filtered through layers of limestone, emerges mineral-rich and pure—believed to carry healing properties that drew thousands seeking relief from various ailments.
By 1879, the town had grown from wilderness to a bustling resort city of 10,000 people, all drawn by the springs. Victorian bathhouses and sanitariums lined the hillsides. While modern medicine has evolved, the fundamental truth remains: there is something profoundly healing about this place.
Today's Eureka Springs wellness scene blends ancient wisdom with contemporary science. At Forest Springs Resort, we have created an integrated approach to restoration that honors both tradition and innovation:
Nordic sauna traditions meet modern understanding of the cardiovascular and immune benefits of contrast therapy. Our sauna circuit alternates heat and cold to stimulate circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular regeneration.
The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku—immersive time in forest environments—has been shown to reduce cortisol, lower blood pressure, and boost immune function. Our 10+ acres of Ozark forest provide the perfect setting for guided or solo forest therapy.
The tradition of taking the waters continues in evolved form. Our hydrotherapy experiences, soaking pools, and proximity to natural springs connect guests to the healing power of water that first put Eureka Springs on the map.
From morning yoga to trail hiking to evening meditation, our programming supports both active and contemplative wellness. Pickleball, nature walks, and dedicated stillness spaces offer balance for every temperament.
Research increasingly confirms what indigenous peoples and early settlers knew intuitively: places like Eureka Springs offer measurable health benefits. The combination of clean air, abundant negative ions from moving water, phytoncides released by forest trees, and distance from urban stressors creates conditions that support healing on multiple levels.
Studies have shown that time in nature reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, and enhances immune function. The Ozark forest, with its diverse ecosystem of hardwoods, springs, and wildlife, provides an especially rich environment for these benefits.
True wellness encompasses more than physical health. Eureka Springs offers something increasingly rare in our hyperconnected world: permission to slow down. The town itself operates at a different pace—no traffic lights, no chain restaurants, no pressure to consume or perform.
This slower rhythm, combined with access to nature, art, and intentional wellness practices, creates space for the kind of restoration that goes beyond relaxation. Guests often report returning home not just rested, but with renewed clarity about what matters in their lives.
"Wellness is not a destination you reach, but a direction you travel. Eureka Springs simply makes it easier to find the path."
Experience the healing power of the Ozarks at Forest Springs Resort.
Forest Springs
A sanctuary in the Ozarks