Vacation Rentals in Eureka Springs

A period vacation rental

The town's wood-clad cottages date from the Victorian period and often have quirky layouts with entrances on different streets. Sympathetically restored and maintained, these cottages might be historic but are guaranteed to have all the modern self-catering amenities you want, including fully-equipped kitchens. They vary in size from one-bedroom cottages perfect for a romantic getaway to houses large enough to take a family or group of friends.

A rustic cabin in the Ozark Mountains

Pick a quiet log cabin in the beautiful surroundings of the Ozark Mountains and you will have the area's cold springs along with stunning flora and fauna on your doorstep. Enjoy an evening drink from the comfort of your porch as nocturnal animals come to visit. Many of these mountain cabins have log-burning stoves turning them into year-round honeymoon retreats.

A quaint mountain town

Eureka Springs is a tiny resort town in Carroll County Arkansas with a distinctively European look dating from the Victorian period. Dotted among the wood-clad houses are an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants. The town nestles in the stunning Ozark Mountains and is near the shores of the impressive Beaver Lake. In the town itself, houses and buildings spread along Leatherwood Creek and climb up the steep sides of the valley. Eureka Springs lies on Route 62 which meanders along a mountain ridge into town as well as being on Arkansas Highway 23 which runs to the Missouri State Line.

Eureka Springs - a snapshot frozen in time

All of Eureka Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places and is unique in the USA. It sprang up almost overnight in 1879 and within a year had over 10,000 residents attracted by the hundreds of cold springs in the area, thought to have therapeutic qualities. The boom period was short-lived and Eureka Springs was left as a collection of houses isolated in the Ozark wilderness. Today, hundreds of these Victorian homes still stand, ranging from ornate mansions to tiny one-room cottages.

A destination for country lovers

As well as the mountains, the town is near three lakes and two rivers making it the ideal base for outdoor activities. Hike in dense woods or the protected bird areas of Black Bass Lake and Lake Leatherwood, fish for bass and trout in Table Rock Lake and White River or take to the water in rafts and kayaks.

A destination for car enthusiasts

Every weekend, the town sees gatherings of cars and motorcycles of all vintages. Street artists and musicians turn these gatherings into lively events while car festivals and parades are regular occurrences in the Eureka Springs calendar.

A wedding destination

It is no surprise that with its historic and romantic architecture, Eureka Springs has become a popular wedding destination. Built in 1889, The Rosalie is one of the town's prettiest buildings and features a Steamboat Gothic design. It is now a licensed wedding venue. Once the ceremony is over, a quaint cottage or romantic cabin are perfect for honeymoons.

1. Christ of the Ozarks

Created by Emmett Sullivan who worked on Mount Rushmore, this monumental sculpture of Jesus was erected on top of Magnetic Mountain in 1966. It stands 65.5 feet or 20 meters tall and can be seen from the town.

2. Take a historic train ride

The railroad reached Eureka Springs in the late 19th-century and operated until 1946. Today, the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway is a heritage route that takes you on a scenic steam train journey.

3. Admire the big cats

The Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is just a short drive south of Eureka Springs and is a licensed sanctuary for big cats. You can view tigers, lions, leopards, and other cats along with rescued native animals as they enjoy their spacious grassy enclosures.

4. The sylvan Thorncrown Chapel

Built in 1980 by E. Fay Jones, a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, this chapel appears to grow out of its forest setting. The glass exterior showcases a stunningly simple wooden interior.

5. The Blue Spring Heritage Center This tranquil and historic garden features woodlands and meadows with native plants and hardwood trees. There is also a trout-filled lake.

The weather in Eureka Springs

This part of the Ozark Mountains has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and winters that are generally mild with very little snowfall.

The Great Passion Play

Every Easter the town sees performances of The Great Passion Play. This takes place in an outdoor amphitheatre that seats over 4,000 people making it the largest-attended outdoor drama in America. A cast of nearly 200 actors and dozens of live animals take part.

Opera in the Ozarks

Every summer three operas are performed in Eureka Springs, providing a showcase for artists at the beginning of their opera career. The performances take place out of doors at Inspiration Point. This is at the summit of Rock Candy Mountain giving audiences spectacular views of White River and Beaver Lake.