Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Ranked #5,515 in Travel & Places, #157,397 overall

A Love Affair With Eureka Springs

Eureka! It means "I found it!", so what did you find? If you're anything like me you found a mesmerizing town built on the side of a mountain that you are ridiculously drawn to.

There is a very diverse mix of people in Eureka Springs, but most of them share an undying love for this quaint Victorian town perched high in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas.

What is it about this place?

Basin Park - The Balm of LifeHere's the deal, Eureka is nuts. I don't think anyone can really explain what it is about this place that grabs your heart.

For starters the town motto is "Where the misfits fit.". At first it seems like that means misfits are widely accepted here, which is true, but more importantly it says a lot about the general attitude of the residents. All walks of life flock here, and they all get along and accept each other for their differences. Don't get me wrong, we're dealing with human beings here, so Eureka isn't free of all drama and politics, but it does seem like Eurekans are less likely to judge you based on your differences.

The nature here might have an effect on the magnetism. Winding rivers, beautiful lakes, breathtaking views, wildlife, and more trees than the eye can see surround Eureka Springs, which is nestled on one of the peaks of the Ozarks. There are endless activities for the outdoor type including hiking/bike trails, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, camping, or just hanging out by the river, you name it, it's probably here.

History. Oh boy, the history is thick in this town. You can feel it in the air. Street after street of beautifully restored Victorians and historic hotels. An endless stream of rock bluffs and limestone walls. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. I'm sorry, did you read that last line? That's fantastic!

The Springs of Eureka! The springs reportedly use to have healing properties. That's really how the town came to be. The Native Americans held the area in high regard for it's "magic" water. It was only a matter of time before European settlers discovered the enchanting lure of the springs.

Experienced Eureka for yourself yet?

basin-and-flatiron

Since I'm a sucker for Eureka, It's hard to imagine that there's anyone who hasn't been, or heaven forbid, never even heard of the darn place.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Just let me see some pics man!

If you're a freakin' Eurekan then you can look at pictures of Eureka all day. Here's a small fix for ya'!
Loading
christ of the ozarks

Christ of the Ozarks 

We moved to Eureka, and I'm here to tell you all about it

Every Great Man blog

The title "every great man" is from a quote that has inspired me for a few years now. I'm not sure where I heard it, or who said it, but the quote is "There's nothing in every great man, that's not in every one of us.". My family and I have relocated to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It was frightening to say the least, but upon arrival, all fear was vanquished. This blog is meant to help inspire others who may be planning to relocate to Eureka, and to offer fans of Eureka Springs a look at life here while you're away.
Loading
harding spring in eureka springs

Harding Spring, one of the 63 well maintained springs in Eureka 

A morning drive through Eureka Springs

Before my family and I finally relocated to Eureka, after 8 long years of contemplation/excuse making/fear/planning, we scoured the internet for anything Eureka. We just wanted to feel it's power again, any way we could. That is my inspiration for my blog and this lens, I want to provide a connection to Eureka that's above and beyond the average tourism sales pitch material. This video played a huge role in our lives the year before we moved. I think we watched it at least once a day, usually more, so for all you freakin' Eurekans out there, here ya go!
Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Downtown morning of 8 29 09
by Ozonemuddfan | video info

20 ratings | 7,306 views
curated content from YouTube

When is a good time to visit Eureka Springs?

Right now is always the best time!!

In our 8 year plan to move to Eureka, I call it our pregame, we made our way to town as much as we could. Some of our most memorable and inspiring trips were spur of the moment decisions. The last year of our pregame all of our trips were initiated in that spontaneous spirit. So, pick a lodging option from below, make your reservation, and GO!! Or, forget the reservation, just get on the road, Eureka misses you.
Powered by Discover Our Town
11 Singleton House B&B
This Historic District Victorian Inn, now celebrating its 25th season, is located just one block's w...
1881 Crescent Cottage Inn
This landmark Victorian home contains four rooms and mountain views. All rooms include queen beds wi...
1882 Harvest House
1882 Harvest House is a restored home. Enjoy a full breakfast in the formal dining room or get comfy...
1884 Bridgeford House
This Queen Anne Eastlake Victoria home offer five guest bedrooms with private baths, fireplace, porc...
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
A mountaintop spa resort offering premier lodging for nearly 125 years. There are numerous wedding a...
1908 Ridgeway House Bed and Breakfast
This Colonial Revival style home is located in the historic district on a nice quiet street off the...
5 Ojo Inn
5 Ojo Inn is an upscale, Historic bed & breakfast in the heart of the historic district. Guests will...
Adelyn's Suites
This lovely cottage offers two suites that are available individually or combine the two for a spaci...
Angel at Rose Hall Wedding Chapel Bed & Breakfast
Awarded Four Diamonds by AAA, the Angel at Rose Hall Wedding Chapel and Bed and Breakfast is situate...
Arkansas White River Cabins
White River Cabins offers seven accommodations that are nestled on rock ledges, 450 feet above the W...

Postcards and more from ArtShock

Living in Eureka has inspired me in ways I never could have imagined. I'm always working on new art inspired by this amazing town. Eurekans who have not yet made the move to Eureka Springs are always looking for a piece of Eureka to take home. I hope to offer items to fill that need here.
Loading
Magnetic Spring in Eureka springs

Magnetic Spring 

eureka springs webcam

View From Eureka Springs Webcam 

Eureka Springs Webcam

That's right! A website with three different views of Eureka that you can view any time. This came in real handy to our family before our move. If you can't make it to town for a parade, or you want to see the town covered in snow, or you just need that little Eureka Springs bump, check this out. This is the first thing I looked at every morning when I woke up for a long time.
Eureka Springs Webcam
Enjoy!
Beaver Lake

Another great reason to visit NW Arkansas, Beaver Lake 

Eureka reading material

I've bought my fair share of Eureka Springs books over the years to feed my addiction while I was away. Check out this selection to keep you satisfied until your next visit.
Loading

Help me help you

Guestbook/suggestion box

Do you have a memory from Eureka you'd like to share? Is there something in town you would like to see a picture of but can't seem to find it online? Do you have the perfect t-shirt or postcard idea that I can make a reality for you? Don't be shy, I'd love to hear from all of you.

  • davespeed Dec 24, 2011 @ 1:16 pm | delete
    A Beautiful lens. I'm going to have to add Eureka Springs to my list of places to visit. I love your passion for your town!
  • artshock Dec 24, 2011 @ 5:30 pm | delete
    Hi Dave! Thanks for the kind words. I hope you take the time to visit, you won't regret it.
  • anticloud Jul 26, 2011 @ 10:54 am | delete
    Great lens. I love learning about little places that I would never think of visiting.
  • BR Jun 30, 2011 @ 1:27 pm | delete
    I love you Shock family!!! So proud of you guys for grabbing your dreams by the horns! Yesssssssssssssssss!
  • Gidget & Moondog Jun 24, 2011 @ 11:44 pm | delete
    HELP!!! We've been "Eureka obsessed" since '08. As gypsies on a continual search for our HOME, I randomly searched the net for "misfit" towns & got sucked right in by Eureka.... can't shake it off! It is at the top of our "Bucket List" now, as Moondog is in remission w/the big C & wants to play blues harp street music . Know any restaurants needing experienced waitstaff? Rental homes for cheap? I do daily searches...local paper (LCC) etc., all the you tube driving tours, everything I can find Eureka...It's kinda pitiful really....what is it about this place? Is it really as wonderful as the obsession makes you believe??? Congrats to you making it happen for you & your family!
  • artshock Jun 26, 2011 @ 11:33 pm | delete
    Gidget and Moondog! I'm so excited that you guys are on your way home! It's even more wonderful than you think, it's a dream. It's not pitiful at all, this town is full of people who feel the same way you guys do. As far as jobs and rentals, that's a tough one, but there are things that come up all the time, they just don't last long. The best thing to do is get here by any means you can, and it will work itself out. The wonderful people in this town are very caring and helpful. It is a tourist town, so it can be hard to make a living here, most people have 2 or sometimes 3 jobs, but if you're a freakin' Eurekan, then it's worth it. If you guys make it here be sure and hit me up. The LCC is a good source of some jobs and rentals, but for real the ops come and go so fast. Best of luck to you both! Moondog would fit right in with the blues in the street, I can almost hear it already!
  • Gidget & Moondog Aug 10, 2011 @ 4:08 pm | delete
    Thank you Mr. Artshock. We are virtually & in our hearts there. Hopefully one day it will be for real.
  • Jenny Jun 23, 2011 @ 11:54 pm | delete
    Awesome job Jeremy!
  • artshock Jun 26, 2011 @ 11:18 pm | delete
    Thank you so much Jenny!
  • Jerrad28 Jun 22, 2011 @ 9:29 am | delete
    I've never been to Eureka but it seems like a great place! Thanks for sharing
  • artshock Jun 26, 2011 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    You're most welcome!
  • StephenC Jun 20, 2011 @ 12:41 pm | delete
    Lots of info! Terrific travel lens. Enjoyed learning about Eureka Springs.
  • artshock Jun 26, 2011 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    Thanks a bunch Stephen!
  • JoshK47 Jun 19, 2011 @ 9:42 am | delete
    Looks like a wonderful little town! I may have to spend some time there on my travels. :)
  • artshock Jun 26, 2011 @ 11:16 pm | delete
    It's worth a visit for sure!
  • Load More

by

artshock

My name is Jerms. I love my family and art. I love to cook and eat. I live in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I love it here. I have a blog about Eureka. I... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!