Eureka Springs: A Historic Town in the Ozarks

Eureka Springs is a historic town nestled in the Ozarks, in northwestern Arkansas. The town was established in 1879 and was famed for the restorative healing waters even before that. Today, Eureka Springs is a Victorian style gem, delightful for a day trip or weekend getaway.

The entire downtown area of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eureka Springs was named a Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A scenic town, Eureka Springs is also known as "The Little Switzerland of the Ozarks."

Long before Eureka Springs was a town, the area was legendary for the Great Healing Spring. The magical waters of Basin Spring drew Indians for the therapeutic waters. Later, people traveled to Eureka Springs in the hopes of miraculous cures.

During the Victorian era, Eureka Springs was a premiere resort area. The picturesque town benefited from the railroad that brought tourists to enjoy the fresh mountain air and healing springs. Resorts were built to accommodate the tourists.

Today, Eureka Springs is a distinctive destination, a little over a hour's drive from Branson, Missouri. The town is built on a mountain. The streets of the historic town twist and turn, uphill and downhill, past the stone buildings and historic sites.

Eureka Springs is a historic destination, with Victorian style stone building and historic sites. The town is also conveniently located near scenic attractions, including Table Rock Lake, Beaver Lake, White River, Kings River and Rock Lake. It is an area that offers recreation for the outdoors lover, quaint shops and buildings for the history lover and a peaceful atmosphere for restorative rest.

There are still springs in Eureka Springs and they can be found in town, usually surrounded by a small garden or park. Basin Spring was considered the most popular of the springs. Basin Springs is located in the center of town, in a park with a band shell.

Eureka Springs holds a number of art festivals and music festivals during the year, so entertainment is plentiful in this scenic town in the Ozarks.

Accommodations in Eureka Springs include hotels, motels, cottages, B&Bs and RV Parks. There are two hotels on the Historic Hotels of America. Crescent Hotel is a historic hotel overlooking the town. Basin Park 1905 is a historic hotel situated in the center of the Historic District. There is only only bath house still operating in Eureka Springs, located at the Palace Hotel 1901.