This Arkansas Lakeside Village Feels Like It Belongs in Europe

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, known as the "Little Switzerland of the Ozarks” due to its mountainous terrain and artsy Old-World influences, is a quirky town in the South that feels like a slice of Europe nestled in the Ozark Mountains and adjacent to Beaver Lake. Boasting entertainment including (but certainly not limited to) jazzy live music, art, haunted hotels, Victorian architecture, antique shops, and unique food, it's as if you're embarking on a European vacation without international travel. Eureka Springs combines a Victorian sense of elegance with a modern, fun spirit and plenty of things to do for all ages and interests. 

This town feels like taking a step back in time to a more traditional era. In fact, the entire downtown district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the largest collection of unspoiled Victorian architecture in the central United States.

Things to do in Town

Eureka Springs is known as a "stair-step town," which means its houses are stacked one behind the other on 20 steep hills, as if the buildings are nestled into the European countryside. Eureka Springs even has its own Flatiron Building (one of the most photographed spots in the state!). The winding streets and layout of Eureka Springs, following the natural curves of the hillsides, evoke a sense of strolling through an old European village. 

The "spa culture" of the town, including the town's history as a spa destination featuring mineral springs and bathhouses, creates a relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere as if you’re in a European spa town. People were initially drawn to the Eureka Springs area in the late 1800s, being pulled to the healing powers of the 60-plus natural springs. Today, there are a dozen spa facilities situated in and around downtown—and you can also enjoy one of the spas in the local, historic hotels. 

Another unique attraction in town which highlights the area’s Old World-inspired influence (and is also used as a wedding venue) is the Thorncrown Chapel. It's nestled in the middle of the forest and the Ozark Mountains, surrounded by trees and feeling like a church straight out of a fairytale. Standing tall as a 48-foot structure featuring more than 400 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass with views of the greenery, this picturesque chapel was designed by renowned Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones. It has garnered several architectural awards and is quite a beauty to admire.

Those who seek to bask in the glory of the Great Outdoors can spend time embarking on one of Eureka Springs’ fresh air outdoor adventure opportunities. Two rivers and three lakes surround the town, meaning seemingly unlimited destinations for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding, among other pursuits. There are also two golf courses within easy distance of historic downtown, and a 1,610-acre park in town, reminiscent of a European oasis city, called Lake Leatherwood City Park. Alternatively, art aficionados will enjoy visiting the Museum of Eureka Springs Art, which features over 150 artists and 400 works of art.

Where to eat and drink

Dine at McGarity’s Restaurant & Saloon to feel like you’re eating in an Irish pub. And Jack Rabbett’s Whisky Bar, which is located on the first floor of the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, feels like a cozy pub in the UK, serving as a spot to hang out with tasty bites, pool tables, big-screen TVs, and handcrafted cocktails. Don’t miss their signature Jack Rabbett’s Whisky.

Where to Sleep

Spend the night in a selection of unique accommodations, which include treehouses, haunted hotels like the beautiful Crescent and Palace Hotel & Bath House (the most haunted hotel in America), and even hobbit caves. The Basin Park Hotel, situated in the heart of downtown, is located at “the spring where it all began” and features a full-service restaurant, spa, and even offers history tours. And Speakeasy Stone Cottage @ 55 Center is a centrally located stone cottage in the heart of downtown, offering a view of the historic downtown architecture from its screened-in patio. This spot is within walking distance to awesome dining and shopping options, and the design details make it feel straight out of a European daydream. 

Discover other (non-seasonal themed) Swiss-style adventures to explore in Eurkeka Springs, such as wine caves and haunted hotels. Whether it's "wine and spirits" or "hauntings and spirits," Eurkea Springs delivers on thrilling activities to try. And if you want to explore the area in an exceptionally unique way, learn about how to get around this quaint city by streetcar.