Choosing the topic of my first blog post was easy. Eureka Springs was the destination we chose for our 2020 Summer Vacation. However, that was before COVID-19 reared It’s oh so ugly head. I have an entire bucket-list of activities that I had planned to experience. Oh well, I’ll get there someday. Until then, maybe my list of the best places to visit in Eureka Springs can help with your vacation planning.

Introduction

Eureka Springs is an especially attractive destination because of the wide variety of activities that are available. Are you religious? They have you covered. Gay, Trans or Gender-fluid? You’ll fit right in. Love the outdoors? Where to start, there are so many natural wonders. Interested in history? Get ready to be educated! Anyone could easily spend a week pursuing their interests.

I love the outdoors so I’m always looking for unique natural features to visit when I take a trip. This area abounds with natural beauty. Mountains, springs and caves…Oh My!

Trip Length: 5 to 7 Days
Travel Time from Chicago: 9 hours and 20 minutes
Travel “Flavors”: LGBT-friendly, History, Outdoors, Quirky fun, Religion

Itinerary Suggestions

Zoos or Animals

Promised Land Safari Park – a drive through safari where you can get up close and personal with the resident animals. It also includes Parakeet Paradise, a petting zoo and animal experiences (for an additional fee).

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Sanctuary – Rescued lions, tigers and bears find homes at Turpentine Creek.

Religious Attractions

Thorncrown Chapel – an architectural paradise in a wooded setting. This gorgeous chapel will inspire peace and inspiration, regardless of your religious views.

Christ of the Ozarks and the Great Passion Play – Most people visit this site to see the 7 story Christ statue or attend the passion play. If you’re not religiously inclined, you may be tempted to skip this attraction. However, I encourage you to take a second look. In addition to the play and the statue, they have a section of the Berlin wall, an Israeli Bomb Shelter and other unique sights.

Historic and Spiritual Sites

Pea Ridge Military Park – military history buffs will want to stop at this National Military Park to see the Civil War Battlefield and view the exhibits at the visitor center. In addition, the Trail of Tears route passed through this area. The exhibits at the visitor center also cover this topic.

Blue Spring Heritage Center – Blue Spring is an important historic and spiritual site for the Cherokee. You too can experience the peace and healing grounds. As you would expect from a spiritual site, the grounds are gorgeous.

LGBT Celebration

Diversity Weekend/Festival – Eureka Springs is known for being a bastion of inclusivity within the Bible belt. Diversity Weekends or Festivals are held several times per year with many events and workshops. Many of the independent businesses are gay-owned and operated. An article from OUTINSTL.com highlights the history of inclusivity in Eureka Springs.

Tours/Transportation/Cruises

Eureka Trolley – I always love vacation destinations that offer easy public transportation. That way, your group can split up even if you only have one car. Or you can just let someone else do the driving. The Eureka Trolley will take you to most of the major attractions, even the ones that are outside of town. Tours are also available.

ESNA Railway – Choose from an excursion. Lunch or Dinner train ride on a 1940’s era diesel train ride. Train lovers will enjoy watching turntable turn the train.

Springs Walking Tour – Take a tour of some of the beautiful springs in the area using this guide.

Ghost Tours – If you’re a fan or paranormal shows, you’ve likely seen the Crescent Hotel featured on a ghost hunt. It is well known haunted location. Don’t let the ghost hunters have all the fun. There are several tour companies that will take you out to ghost hunt with them! A quick internet search will provide you some options.

Belle of the Ozarks – take a scenic cruise of Beaver Lake on the Belle of the Ozarks. You can expect to see an ancient burial ground, a submerged homestead and a wildlife preserve.

Caves

Another awesome natural feature of the area are the caves throughout the region. Here are a few options. Above ground activities are also available.
Onyx Cave – a small show cave.
Cosmic Cavern – a limestone cave with stalactite formations and waterways.
War Eagle Cavern – see this cavern on a guided tour. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the resident bats or salamanders!

Parks/Outdoor Activiites

There are a lot of beautiful views to be seen at parks and on the hiking trails in and around Eureka Springs. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Black Bass Lake
• Lake Leatherwood
• Hobbs State Park Conservation Area
• Hosgald Hollow – if you’re a waterfall chaser, you won’t want to miss this park.
• Inspiration Point – if you like roadside views that don’t require a lot of work, be sure to stop at Inspiration Point to check out the great view.

Lodging

Crescent Hotel and Spa / Basin Park Hotel – both of these historic (and possibly haunted) hotels in the downtown area would be great places to stay. In addition to being beautiful and historic, they are also centrally located.

Final Thoughts

Those are just the highlights that stood out to me. For other places to visit, check out the Eureka Springs website. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? I would love for you to add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!