Find Your Free in Eureka Springs

Quaint, soulful, and full of hidden surprises, Eureka Springs welcomes visitors with open arms, shaping itself to fit the interests of every explorer, no matter how niche. Freedom is the heart of the city, and its beat prompts the question: what are you free to be? From venturing into the incredible Ozark outdoors to soaking up the local culture to finding the perfect experience for two to share, the answer to that question is entirely individual. Here, you’re invited to find your free.

Free to Be Adventurous

Some of the best Eureka Springs activities happen outside.

The natural beauty of this mountain town provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventure, from winding streets to towering hills. Whether you’re drawn to air, earth, or water, it’s easy to find your free in Eureka’s backyard.

Try Ziplining, Eureka Style

Honor your adventurous spirit with the exhilaration of free-falling. Visit Ozark Mountain Ziplines or Eureka Springs Zipline, where experts will guide you through your canopy tour on some of the largest, longest lines in the area. Get a bird’s eye view from above the trees, then take a little hike through deep, hilly forests.

Discover Bike Trails in Eureka Springs

Mountain bikers know the trail never stops calling, and it’s calling you to Eureka Springs. Take your pick from seven trails around picturesque Lake Leatherwood, and get your adrenaline pumping on a sharp, craggy downhill ride. Then check out The Great Passion Play park’s cleverly named 18 miles of trails for biking at all skill levels, from a beginner’s Genesis to an intermediate Holy Roller.

 

Explore Blue Spring Heritage Center

Enjoy the sacred waters that give the city its name. Blue Spring is the region’s largest, with a vibrant hue that makes it picture-perfect. The historical structures and lush greenery that make up the Blue Spring Heritage Center are well worth a wander on a pretty day, combining striking landscapes with local history.

Master Your Cast by Fishing in Eureka Springs

Bordered by beautiful waterways, the two rivers and three lakes surrounding Eureka Springs make for a fisherman’s paradise. Those who love to fly fish are free to find themselves on the White River, where they can take advantage of varied, accessible depths to tailor the experience, or fish for smallmouth bass on the Kings River. Cast your line on Beaver or Table Rock Lake for a shot at crappie, catfish, and more. Take in the sights on hiking trails around the water, or reserve a campsite to rest for the night.

Free to Be Flavorful

Taste your way through Eureka Springs’ downtown restaurants.

Free your tastebuds and treat them to Eureka’s eclectic food scene. From fine, chef-curated dining to funky diner fare to health-focused body fuel, there is a tasty dish for everyone and every meal.

Le Stick Nouveau

A fascinating new beginning in Eureka meets a visionary executive chef to make Le Stick Nouveau (or “the new stick”) one of the city’s must-visit restaurants. Co-owned by Chef Donna Fontanello and husband Brandon Cox, the space is meticulously designed, and the food is so excellent that it has been honored by TripAdvisor in several categories (including being one of the top 10% restaurants worldwide for four years in a row). Their menu tends to follow a fun theme and change up now and then, and with dishes like grilled romaine cobb salad, duck wellington, and fig & champagne sorbet, you’ll want to check it out again and again.

Harold’s Diner, Soda Fountain & Farmacy

Brightly painted and unmistakable, Harold’s Diner serves up all your greasy spoon favorites with a twist. The owners of this eatery are devoted to their community, from organic, farmers market-fresh ingredients to the ministry-based outreach your donations support. With pancakes and fried potatoes in the morning or Outta Sight Smash Patties and sweet potato fries from the afternoon on, their menu is loaded with options for all ages, three meals a day.

So Good Kitchen

Founded by a chef who is as passionate about growing food as she is about cooking it, So Good Kitchen fuses farm-to-table cuisine with fresh takes on flavor to curate a distinctive menu. Focused on health-conscious takeout, you’ll find spicy Peruvian bowls, kombucha, avocado hummus toast, and more. Feel free to sleep in because So Good Kitchen serves breakfast all day long, and has an extensive Sunday brunch menu weekly from 10-2.

Free to Be Inspired

Feel the Cultural Soul of Eureka Springs

From the beat that moves our winding streets to the celebrations that take place in them, arts and culture in Eureka Springs take center stage. Our resident artists, visiting art lovers, and those seeking their own inspiration will find it in our city from corner to corner.

Drumming in the Park

In the heart of downtown Eureka, Basin Park serves as both a peaceful green space to enjoy the scenery and a venue for beautiful live tunes. When the weather gets warm, visit the park to hear a free performance by our local drumming troupe, led by the famous Angelo, and don’t be surprised if you’re free to move your feet. Got a drum of your own? Bring it along and join the fun!

May Festival of the Arts

Eureka is a haven for artists and muses all year long, but that is never more evident than during the springtime. May Festival of the Arts is a month-long ode to creativity, featuring gallery walks, Meet the Makers events, art shows, and live music everywhere. The party gets rolling (literally) with the ArtRageous Parade, a vibrant, float-filled, living exhibition.

Eureka Springs is Parade City

Speaking of parades, nobody does an all-hands-on-deck street bash like Eureka Springs. There is a parade to accompany nearly every holiday, from New Year’s Eve to St. Patrick’s Day and beyond. However, we don’t have to wait for a big day to celebrate. Our events calendar is sprinkled with parades highlighting the beauty of diversity and of the Porsche, steampunk innovation, zombie sightings, and more.

Free to Be Romantic

Find Yourself Where Love is All You Need

For a city whose warmth can be felt from the moment you enter, it’s no wonder couples see it as a prime destination for deepening their connection. Imagine the scent of flowers in the air accompanying hideaways that are as distinctive as the people enjoying them. From unique wedding venues to couples getaways, Eureka Springs is made to love, for love.

Thorncrown Chapel

Born of inspiration and a truly impressive architectural feat, Thorncrown Chapel perfectly encapsulates the spirituality, artistry, and romance that combine to make up Eureka’s aura. This little “chapel in the woods” is primarily made of stone and glass, providing incredible sunlight and unbelievable views of the surrounding hillside. For a serene and photo-ready celebration of your love, there’s nothing like a wedding at Thorncrown.

Treehouses, Train Cabooses, Hobbit Caves, and More!

For those who prefer a romantic getaway that’s anything but traditional, you’re free to think a little outside the box in Eureka when it comes to the one you love. Elevate the romance with a luxurious stay in a treehouse, treat yourselves to old-fashioned class in a converted train caboose, enjoy a Middle Earth experience in a cozy hobbit cave, or live it up like royalty in a magic castle.

La Grange Lavender Co.

Get out in nature and enjoy some glorious purple blooms at La Grange Lavender Co. This working farm is open to the public and features beautiful fields of lavender, as well as a cafe that brews delicious lavender-based creations and a shop full of curated bath and body items. Doubling as an event venue, the farm is the perfect spot for a romantic date, a wedding, or popping the question.

Now You’re Ready to Find Your Free

Eureka Springs awaits you with a warm welcome and the ability to freely indulge in whatever you seek. Now that you’re ready to find your free, plan a trip unlike any other to a destination like any other.