Eureka Springs: History, Springs and Trails

Eureka Springs offers a range of highlights to consider when planning your trip: a historic downtown, museums and art, springs and trails, as well as sightseeing tours. Depending on whether you are more interested in local history, spending time on trails or taking a guided tour, different themes may take center stage. This can also help you plan your hotel stay in Eureka Springs to suit your travel interests.

Local History, Art and Museums

The entire downtown area of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eureka Springs was also the first historic district in Arkansas and was added to the Register in 1970. Art can be found in galleries and studios, as well as on sidewalks and in stairwells. Along with its historic character, a variety of art spaces contribute to the city’s cultural identity.

The Eureka Springs Historical Museum offers a self-guided tour in the restored 1889 Calif House. Exhibits on both floors introduce visitors to the city’s history. Another cultural highlight is The Great Passion Play’s Bible Museum, which houses more than 6,000 Bible manuscripts in over 625 languages and dialects. Collection figures may change.

The Great Passion Play’s Holy Land Tour takes visitors through a scale replica of the East Jerusalem Gate and marketplace, as well as other Bible-inspired exhibits. The museum and tour have different focuses: one centers on a collection of manuscripts, while the other is a guided walk through recreated places and exhibits. Check the latest visitor information before your visit; for the Holy Land Tour, also check dates and reservation details in advance.

Springs and Park History

Lake Leatherwood City Park covers 1,610 acres and includes an 85-acre spring-fed lake. The two figures describe different areas: the larger one refers to the park, and the smaller one to the lake. The park’s history is also noteworthy: in the early 1940s, the WPA built the limestone dam, historic diving platform, pavilion and several other park structures. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Eureka Springs has more than 66 springs, 15 of the more significant ones within walking distance. The total number gives a sense of the breadth of the springs theme, while the 15 springs within walking distance identify a specific group for visitors interested in the city’s springs.

Walking and Biking Trails

Black Bass City Park has two miles of trails around the lake, including a half-mile accessible trail. The lake is free of motorboats and suitable for fishing. Before your trip, you can check the latest information on trails, facilities and conditions.

An easy, 1.4-mile loop for walking and biking runs through Harmon Park and Spring Garden, toward the historic Upper Spring Street district and on to the Crescent Hotel. The stated distance refers to this loop. At Black Bass, by contrast, the trails total two miles and run around the lake.

The Great Passion Play offers more than 18 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails; trail running is also possible there. The trails are designed for different experience levels, from beginner to intermediate to expert. This is a different scale from the single 1.4-mile loop. When choosing, you can also consider whether you are looking for a loop described as easy or trails with different listed experience levels. Trail distances and conditions may change; check the latest information before your outing.

Scenic Drive and Guided Tour

The Historic Loop is an approximately two-mile scenic drive starting and ending at Highway 62. The route passes through Eureka Springs’ business district and by Victorian homes and other residential areas. This is a different way to explore than walking or biking trails: the focus is on a drive and the buildings along the route.

The Red Route operated by Eureka Springs Transit follows a 20-minute loop through downtown along Main Street and Spring Street. The Open-Air Tram Tours, by contrast, are fully narrated, 85-minute guided sightseeing tours. This distinction is useful for planning your time: the Red Route is described as a loop through downtown, while the longer ride is a narrated sightseeing tour. Red Route service may vary seasonally, and tour times may change. Check the schedule and tram tour dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Holiday Island

Go to the broader travel overview: Carroll County.