1 - 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1

So, you've only got one day in Eureka Springs? Not a problem! Our city's main attractions -- The Great Passion Play, the world- famous Thorncrown Chapel and the landmark historic hotels -- are just a short distance away from our downtown shopping district. While you could certainly spend most of a day at any one of these places, it's definitely possible to see it all if you keep up a quick pace.

Eureka Springs has a historically inspired public transportation system, especially geared toward visitors to our city. To get around, simply hop on the trolley (a $3.50 pass lets you ride all day long), and let the drivers shuttle you throughout the town. Let's make the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa your first stop. Before you venture inside, notice the beautiful gardens surrounding the hotel and the perfect view of the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue across the valley. Ask the concierge about the Ghost Tours that are available!

Leaving the Crescent, take the trolley downtown and stroll along Spring Street browsing in all the shops and taking in all the fabulous art, antiques and architecture. Stopping at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, located in the heart of historic downtown you'll see that it remains much the same as it was a century ago.

Ride the trolley on out to Thorncrown Chapel, the award-winning glass chapel that sits in the woods just west of Eureka Springs. You walk down a wooded trail, move around a curve and there stands the dream of a retired schoolteacher, Jim Reed. In 1978 Jim enlisted the help of renowned architect E. Fay Jones, a native Arkansan and student of Frank Lloyd Wright, to design a place of worship for visitors to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The result was a forty-eight-foot-tall wooden structure with 425 windows.

Since the chapel opened in 1980, over five million people have visited this woodland sanctuary and thousands of couples have been married there. It has won numerous architectural awards and at the millennium, members of the American Institute of Architects placed Thorncrown Chapel fourth on its list of the most significant buildings of the twentieth century.

Hop back on the trolley for a trip to the grounds of The Great Passion Play. Located on a hillside at the edge of charming Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the presentation of the The Great Passion Play takes you back 2,000 years to the greatest story ever told, the final days of Jesus Christ's walk on earth. Over six million guests have attended this renowned outdoor drama under the stars in the past 35 years. In addition to the Sacred Arts Center and the Bible Museum, The Great Passion Play grounds offer other attractions and special events. An original ten-foot by ten-foot section of the Berlin Wall was erected next to the Church in the Grove. An East Berliner painted the words, "Though I walk through the dark valley, I will not fear," from the 23rd Psalm in his native language. A two-and-a-half-hour tour of the New Holy Land will offer a factual and inspirational narrated visit based on extensive archaeological research.

Day 2

Time now to discover the very heart and soul of Eureka Springs at a leisurely pace. You got a buck? Then you can ride on the Green Route Express! For a measly dollar bill, the amazing express trolley will deliver you to Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, our engaging silk-stocking neighborhoods, Carnegie Library and the historic downtown. Just pace yourself, put on your comfy shoes and - above all - enjoy!

Let's make our first stop the train station. A great railroad show rolls out for you at ES&NA. See the 1940-era diesel locomotive in operation or view the stationary steam locomotive exhibits. Watch as the authentic turntable operates to turn the engines around and discover how a locomotive can also be turned on the end-of-the-line "wye." Dine in luxury as you ride the rails ... Enjoy the elegance of the 1920's aboard the Eurekan Dining Car. You'll dine on perfectly prepared cuisine as the "clickety-clack takes you back."

Next up is some leisurely strolling through the historic residential district on Spring Street. The homes here date back to the 1880's and the colors are Victoriana at its best. Many of these stately old homes are B&B's and their lush gardens are hidden treasures in every nook and cranny. At the top of Hillside Drive, where it intersects Spring Street, sits the Free Public Library. The community of Eureka Springs received funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to build a free public library. A Mr. Southerland, who, to the best of our knowledge, was a visitor to Eureka Springs, made the initial request. The building was completed in 1912. Originally one of the four libraries built by Carnegie in Arkansas, the Eureka Springs Carnegie Library is now one of only two left in the state. The other one serves the residents of Conway County and is located in Morrilton, Arkansas.

Leaving the library, continue down Spring Street, past the Palace Hotel and Bath House, around the corner past the Post Office and be sure to peek into all of the shops in our historic downtown. Often, the artisans themselves are in the galleries and you can enjoy a conversation that may give you insight into their work.

Every night there is entertainment galore with the two music shows, Pine Mountain Jamboree and the Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down, offering down-home, talented locals performing the best in bluegrass, gospel, pop, rock, big band, western swing, country, and Cajun music in the Ozarks. Local musicians and regional bands also perform at many of the restaurants, bars and nightspots around town.

Day 3

You've ridden the rails, walked along the boulevard in the historic district and enjoyed some fine quasi-Bohemian culture. Now it's time to get a little deeper into what makes Eureka Springs tick. TICK! Be sure and get some insect repellant in case you venture too far off the path ... But, if you're feeling energetic, pick up a copy of "Six Scenic Walking Tours in Eureka Springs" and immerse yourself in the city itself. Our many springs and parks, walking trails and miles of limestone retaining walls all are a treasure to explore.

Or if your prefer, hop on one of the historic tram tours that depart on the hour from the Visitor Center on Highway 62 West and enjoy a narrated, open-air ride through our amazing and enchanting architectural sights that are the rich history of Eureka Springs. But before your departure, take time to see the free 15-minute video "The Way We Were" offered in the air-conditioned, comfortable theater at the Chamber of Commerce, located adjacent to the transit office. With a thorough overview of the beginnings of Eureka Springs, you'll have a more meaningful experience.

Then, catch a trolley -- you'll still have time to explore the shops and restaurants of Highway 62 East. Pine Mountain Village, Gaskins Switch, and the Amish Connection all offer great opportunities to take something special or memorable back home. Historic North Main Street (Highway 23 North), between the Auditorium and the train depot, has many great places to find that perfect gift, find some fabulous handmade paper, have a special piece of art framed and get a hand-tossed pizza.

Day 4

You wake up from your restful night and suddenly you realize time is just flying by! Time to tackle a major excursion. Pea Ridge National Military Park, Buffalo National River, Ozark Folk Center ...Take your pick, any one of these make a perfect daytrip from Eureka Springs. What can we say about the great outdoors that surround beautiful Eureka Springs ... hiking, biking, paddle, saddle ... It's the best of the Ozark's entertainment! Prepare yourself; go slowly and - above all! - Don't try to do everything!

But the little town itself has plenty to offer in the way of attractions. Abundant Memories Heritage Village offers the spirit of 1776 - a look back at America's past. There are 25 historical buildings, mega-filled with artifacts and antiques from the Civil War and other eras. Or the beautiful Rosalie Tour Home offers "special-TEA" events. You can bring your camera and try on the vintage clothes pretending to be the Victorian men and women who leisurely strolled the grounds. Quigley's Castle is the Ozarks' Strangest Dwelling with a butterfly, fossil, crystal and arrowhead collection beyond belief. Be sure to see the perennial garden with over 400 varieties of flowers. And speaking of flowers, Covenant Gardens is the only Biblical-based garden in the mid-South. Whichever you choose, this day is "history!"

Day 5

Today might just be a good one to establish some 'links' with Eureka Springs. No ... not on the Internet. On the area golf courses! And you'll bring out your 'inner Tiger Woods' on some fun links in this neck of the woods. First up is to select from one of the many available in the area. Kings River, Holiday Island, Pinnacle ... just call 888-855-7823 for golf information.

If your family or group includes non-golfers, a wonderful alternative is a visit to the Turpentine Creek, a sprawling wildlife habitat that is an animal shelter for wild cats that have been rescued and now make their home in this lovely refuge that seems worlds away from their native African savannahs. Blue Spring Heritage Center offers Native American artifacts and native flora is abundant surrounding the 38-million gallons a day spring. This was a sacred place for many on the Trail of Tears.

A great place to wrap up your final day in Eureka Springs is at War Eagle Mill, Arkansas' only water-powered gristmill. Have lunch at the Bean Palace restaurant and pick up some last-minute souvenirs at their charming store and enjoy sightseeing along the loop that takes you from Beaver Town and the "Little Golden Gate" bridge around to beautiful Beaver Lake and over the dam, past the 1600-acres Lake Leatherwood City Park, then say to yourself, 'Know what? I'm going to miss this place.'