Arkansas - Eureka Springs is Refreshing Step Back in Victorian Time
80Queen Anne Mansion in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas is one of the most unique towns one could ever hope to find. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located in the northwest part of Arkansas and is situated amidst the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Eureka Springs offers a refreshing step back into time.
My mother and I visited Eureka Springs a number of years ago and only spent two nights there. If we were to go back, I would certainly allow many more days in which to take in more of the attractions and allow time to soak up the ambiance of this area.
Victorian styled houses, from the tiniest of cabins to larger mansions predominate by way of the type of buildings that are there to be seen. Many of these were built before 1900 and some of them are open for tours.
Most of the public buildings were rebuilt years ago using native limestone after earlier fires destroyed them.
(c) Peggy Woods - All Rights Reserved
Eureka Springs, Arkansas scenery
Real photos of Eureka Springs artistically enhanced with computer art colors...Nice!
Thorncrown Chapel interior
The town's population is small ( around 2,000 + or - ) but tourism swells the numbers of people enjoying the sites at any given time.
There are a great number of lodgings that can accommodate travelers and these vary from cute little bed and breakfast inns to motor lodges to the large and historic and haunted Crescent Hotel where spirits can keep one company.
Trolleys are offered to move people through various parts of the town and transportation is accessible from almost every lodging site and other designated areas.
One is encouraged to make use of these trolleys which are color coded, depending upon which area one wishes to see. They run, on average, about every 30 minutes and can be boarded at a number of stops throughout the town.
There are few parking spots in this town and the streets loop around the historic buildings with a number of circuitous U, V and S twists and turns. Believe it or not, there is not one perpendicular street crossing!
The speed limit through town is 10 and 15 miles per hour in many places.
Considering that these buildings were originally constructed during horse and buggy days and automobiles were not yet in existence, it reminded me of some of the European villages that I have visited where the buildings and roads are more pedestrian friendly and automobiles simply have to cope with the more narrow spaces.
Naturally occurring fresh mineral water springs are located in Eureka Springs and in the early days some people attributed these waters with having curative powers. As the word spread, more and more people sought these so-called cures and an industry developed.
The railroad could bring health seekers and vacationers to Eureka Springs, and the elegant bathhouses and hotels took care of their needs. The trolleys, also in existence in those days, moved people from one location to the next.
The band shell in the town park provided a venue for musical entertainment.
Much of this remains today as it was in those earlier days.
One can relax and enjoy mineral baths, sauna treatments and massages.
In this historic town, one will not find any chain stores .
Shopping can be an adventure and a pleasure. Among the treasures to be found are more than 20 art galleries among other unique stores.
There are a great number of museums in Eureka Springs. Included among others are the following:
Gay Nineties Button and Doll Museum
Hammond Museum of Bells
Bible Museum near The Great Passion Play
Harp's Doll Museum
Miles Musical Museum
There are other sites in and around Eureka Springs that are worth a visit.
Christ of the Ozarks and The Great Passion Play brings in thousands of visitors annually.
Thorncrown Chapel is well worth a visit! I have expanded on this subject in another hub. My mother and I loved the serene setting of the glass and steel enclosed building set into the midst of a wooded area.
We also visited the Natural Bridge which was a subject of a Ripley's "Believe it or not" column. Pivot Rock, another one of Ripley's points of interest can be found in the same area. The top of the rock is 15 times as large at the top as the base upon which it rests.
Visiting Thorncrown Chapel as well as Natural Bridge and Pivot Rock lead us into the wooded settings of the beautiful Ozarks which surround Eureka Springs.
There are nearby lakes which offer aquatic activities such as swimming, boating and fishing.
My mother and I chose to stay at the Swiss Village Inn while in Eureka Springs which is a little outside the downtown area. We were very happy with the amenities. One evening we chose to dine at Cafe Luigi which an ad stated was "Recommended by National Geographic Traveler." Delicious Italian cuisine is their specialty. We dined while seated at their outdoor patio fully enjoying the experience.
We were kept busy with only two days to be spent in this lovely and charming area.
If I was back there right now, I would sign up for "The Works" at the Palace Hotel and Bath House. We toured the facility but did not have the time to devote to being pampered as we had more sightseeing we wanted to do. I kept the list of their rates and services and in the year 1995, the year of our visit, this is what $59.00 would have purchased:
Whirlpool mineral bath in a claw-footed tub (All baths are drained and sanitized after each use)
Eucalyptus steam treatment in a wood barrel used at the turn of the century
Clay mask treatment
1 hour Swedish massage given by a state licensed therapist
Ah........doesn't this sound heavenly?
Eureka Springs offers a definite step back into the time of another slower paced era where one can be refreshed by nature, the mineral waters, pampering at the spas and so much more.
Photos taken in the town of Eureka Springs while aboard the Trolley
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Victorian houses
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Victorian style houses
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The historic Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs - One of the most haunted hotels in the United States
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Crescent Hotel is haunted...
Haunted Crescent Hotel
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Ripley's Believe it or Not - Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge outside of Eureka Springs
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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Arkansas
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Have you ever visited Eureka Springs?
See results without votingEureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas - - Arkansas Photos ~ Scenic Byway ~ What to See in Arkansas
Scenic 7 Byway in Arkansas has one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S. See photos & videos of some of this terrain. - Arkansas - Thorncrown Chapel - An AIA top 10 building - 20th century
Other sites in Arkansas by Peggy W...
- Arkansas Photos for Rock Hounds ~ Folk Art House ~ Quigleys Castle
Quigley's Castle is definitely outside of the norm regarding architecture and decor. See photos & descriptions of this unique home & garden + video. - Arkansas State Park ~ Lake Resort with Marina and More
A fantastic lake resort in south central Arkansas with so much to see & do. See photos & videos of this family friendly place. - Arkansas - National Park - Hot Springs - Lasting Warmth and Charm
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Hi Ruchira,
If you like small towns that have preserved much of the past, you will LOVE Eureka Springs! It is so very charming and quaint. Thanks for your comment.
One day I will visit your part of the world.
I enjoyed reading this hub. Your pictures are great.
Hi Peggy,
I have not been to this part of the country. But, would like to in the near future and would love to visit this town 'cause small cities have preserved their culture and their sanctity in many ways. Would love to get a taste of it....cheers!
Thanks for such an informative hub. loved reading about it
Hello moonlake,
Nice that you have also visited Eureka Springs. Your family certainly lives in a beautiful part of Arkansas! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Hello sarovai,
Glad that you liked learning about Eureka Springs, Arkansas. People have been going to places like this for years due to the healthful waters. The great abundance of Victorian homes also makes this a visual feast for the eyes. Thanks for your comment.
Hi dahoglund,
One of the things that I would have loved to indulge while in Eureka Springs was one of their baths and massages but we did not have the time to spare. If I ever return, it is on my agenda! Nice to know that you and Rose would like a place like this. It is truly quaint, scenic and has much to offer tourists as well as the towns-people living there. Thanks for your comment and votes.
I've been there and it is pretty. I have family in North West Arkansas. Enjoyed your hub.
Mineral springs has the curative medicines. Because naturally it contains sulphur, which is mostly used as medicine , either in one or other form. Thank u for sharing about the Eureka springs, Arkansas.
This is my kind of place to visit. Love things like band concerts in the park and the band shells. Museums look interesting. Rose would take up residence in a doll museum, I think.We were in the Ozarks just before the Clinton administration as I was supposed to be transferred to Huntsville,AL. We had car trouble going to Huntsville and turned back toward home but drove through the Ozarks. The Huntsville thing was cancelled by Clinton.
The Passion Play reminds me of a friend who went to see one in the Black Hills. He came back complaining that it was some sort of religious thing.Not a church going type.
voted up and across,except for funny.
Hello Art 4 Life,
You are fortunate to live about 35 minutes away from Eureka Springs, Arkansas. What a beautiful part of the country...muchless unique town. As you say, Eureka Springs is a "truly magical place..." Thanks for the visit and comment from someone who knows about this place intimately.
I live about 35 minutes away from Eureka Springs, it's one of my favorite places to go...I love to sit in the park and people watch...you described it beautifully...it is a truly magical place...
Hi Mike,
Thanks for checking out my hub about Eureka Springs and leaving a comment. It truly is a special place.
I was briefly there once. It is indeed a beautiful place, and I have some nice photographs from my time there. Thanks for posting.
Hi Tom,
Glad you liked this one, Tom. Will look forward to reading more of yours. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Glad that you looked at my hub. THANKS! The hub on Eureka Springs Arkansas is great. LOL Tom
Hello Hammerj,
We all cannot live in such a place...wouldn't be room for all of us, alas! However...nice to know that they exist and that we can visit them in person or with photos. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Wow this is wonderful..i really like it...how i wish to have a place like this...
Hi frogyfish,
My mother and I have always enjoyed each other's company when on vacation together. She would no longer be able to do all that walking so am happy that we did it while she could. We have our memories!
Thanks for the comment and hope you get to go back to Eureka Springs as you wish. I would enjoy a re-visit as well.
I was there briefly a long time ago and have always wanted to go back. You have tempted me well! Beautiful scenery, homes, and your mom looks like a fun vacationer too!
Hi kiwi91,
I am happy to let fellow hubbers know if links are not functioning and would hope they do the same for me.
As to Arkansas, we were traveling to meet a friend and used this as an excuse to see what we could while passing through the state. We were really surprised at the great beauty of the State of Arkansas. So.....just sharing some insights with the rest of you who may not know of these sights and things to experience while there. Our experiences were nothing more than an introduction as to the wonders of the state and it's offerings.
I would never have thought of Arkansas much of a travel destination, but between the Hot Springs and interesting small towns like these, I'd definitely reconsider. Great photos that you've added to the hub, they really add to it.
(BTW, thanks for letting me know about the disabled Youtube video, I just changed it).
Hi Jeff,
Maybe this will be the encouragement you need! Thanks for leaving a comment.
Thanks for showing me an area I've "been meaning to visit" for about thiry years... still haven't. I've been nearly everywhere in the Missouri Ozarks, and some in Arkansas, but not the hot springs. Maybe sometime...
Hi James, Happy to be able to introduce Eureka Springs to you. We also liked Hot Springs. Your home must really be something!!! Would be fun to live in something that historic. Thanks for your comment.
WOW! What a unique place! I spent a few days in Hot Springs recently—my first ever visit there—and I was so enthralled I seriously thought about moving there. My next trip to Arkansas will definitely include Eureka Springs. I live in a Victorian house—the oldest house in Orlando, built in 1882. Thank you for this fine visit.
Hi Rochelle, Aren't road trips fun! We made several road trips with my parents and I have memories...but in every case, I would love to re-visit as an adult. Would undoubtedly see things in a different light. Your memories of Eureka Springs are unique and memorable in their own way. Next time I look at a salad with loads of cherry tomatoes, I'll be thinking of you. LOL
I visited Eureka Springs in 1960- I was on a cross-country road trip with my parents and we stopped to visit an old neighbor who had a motel and antique shop there.
I really don't remember the town, but we did stop at a lovely Catholic church in the woods, and we ate at a resturant that looked like a log cabin. I remember the salad. It was piled so high with cherry tomatoes that it looked like a dessert. Thanks for all of the photos.
Hi JamaGenee,
OK Pete.....if you are reading....here is another confirmation for you regarding Eureka Springs being worth a visit. Thanks JamaGenee!
Pete Maida - Eureka Springs is definitely *not* a tourist trap!
Peggy, I only wish my daughter and I could've stayed longer. Charming! We were there because a "friend" who grew up in the Ozarks told Ol' Flatlander here it was the shortest route to Daughter's college in Conway (AR). For a mountain goat maybe... But if I ever go there again, I'll never leave. Did I mention how charming it is??? Definitely a trip back in time!
Hi Lee Ann,
Am sure you could also tell Pete that Eureka Springs is DEFINITELY worth a visit. We loved it and would like to go back someday if our travels ever take us to that part of the country again. Thanks for the comment.
Hi Pete,
This one is not a typical tourist trap. Really unusual and as stated, no chain stores. Oh sure........you'd be able to buy Eureka Springs t-shirts and postcards in some shops, but for the most part, the buildings that are open offer unique things, many handmade by artisans in the area, for example.
My mother and I stuck to seeing the more natural things.......toured the town seeing the buildings with the most unusual streets.....via the trolley.......getting on and off at will. We also went out into the adjacent countryside looking at Thorncrown Chapel and Natural Bridge and Pivot Rock. The natural surroundings are spectacular!
I know what you mean about most places that really ARE tourist traps being over-run with stores that sell cheap items indistinguishable from every other place of interest.
This one differs!
Hi Ethel,
I believe they have more Victorian houses in Eureka Springs than anyplace else...all in one limited location. You would love it there since you like seeing this type of housing. Yes........I thought the title fit..........a step back in time. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Melody,
Glad you liked this.
Hello kiran, Isn't traveling via the Internet fun? Like you, I have definitely found places that I would like to visit in other parts of the world. If you come this direction, you will either be on a year + long journey...or have some serious decisions to make as to which part of the country to visit. Our National Parks alone would keep you busy for a long time.
Great article on one of my favorite places!
The tourist traps have the same common theme. They have some kind of special attraction surrounded by streets of tourist shops. I've seen them in Blowing Rock, NC, Red Ridge, PA, and Carmel, CA and after you get beyond the attraction it is hard to tell them apart.
I love those Victorian American houses, This looks such a charming place. A step back in time. What an unusual place and perfect for a great hub
Another great adventure, Peggy, thanks a lot.
Lovely place, i am dying to visit all those places you write about....Thanks a lot for all these interesting and useful information :)
Hi Candie, One could be a perpetual traveler and not see everything that there is to see. Glad that you liked this "tour" and thanks for the comment.
This is a beautiful town!! There are way too many places I've never been in this country and maybe someday I'll get to a few of them, this being one! Thank you for taking us on a tour!
Peggy W Hub Author 5 days ago
Hi Vinaya,
Thanks for your comment and enjoy your trip to the USA whenever you come. Eureka Springs will undoubtedly look the same long into the future. That is part of its charm.