Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a small town in Carroll County, USA. It is located in the Ozark Mountains in the northwest of the state of Arkansas. Highlands and proximity is the main reason, why this place is also known as the little Switzerland of America. Its unique location makes it an ideal tourist destination. The old shopping area of the city is the main tourist attraction. The city's promontory streets and beautifully preserved Victorian buildings are also the most beloved tourist destinations. One of the most interesting fact about this city is that, there is no traffic.
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
Arkansas is a state in the southern United States. The city of Eureka Springs is lost among him. It is an extraordinary place with extraordinary sights both in the historic center of the city and in the picturesque surrounding countryside. You can safely walk through the historical museum or, on the contrary, choose a risky underground excursion through one of the caves. My sister, who lives in Arkansas, told me about the most important sights of the city.
Crown of Thorns Chapel
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
The Crown of Thorns Chapel is a beautiful glass church located in the Ozark Mountains. It looks like it came from the future or was built by elves. Designed in 1980 by E. Fay Johnson, the church is almost entirely made entirely of local materials. Due to the special structure of the nave, it seems as if the building has no walls at all. But in reality, the building is simply teeming with glass: there are 425 of them. The glazing required more than 550 square meters of transparent material. Due to its unique design, the chapel was designated a National Historic Site in 2000. She has also won numerous architectural awards. Today the church receives visitors from all over the world. Also, services, weddings, christenings are regularly held here. Some also say they regularly see time travelers in the chapel, but no one has yet been able to prove this.
Downtown Eureka Springs
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
Eureka Springs may be a small city with no traffic lights, but there are many incredible places in its center. The winding streets are filled with charming shops, great restaurants and bars. If you love to eat, shop, explore and discover new places, then Eureka Springs Center is the place for you. The nightlife is also unmatched. There are bars for all tastes - relaxed, loud and fun, quiet and cozy. Whatever your mood, you can find your perfect cocktail and dinner in the city center. Eureka Springs is conveniently accessible by open tram-trolleybus or taxi.
Great Passionate Play
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
The Great Passionate Play is a reenactment of the last week of Jesus' life, which lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes with a break. Placed in an open-air amphitheater with 4,000 seats with light and sound effects, live animals and 170 actors, it makes a stunning impression.
Since 1968, the play has been seen by over 8 million visitors from all over the world. The three-story outdoor amphitheater, the size of two football fields, and the events that unfold there will help to better explore the culture and history of the people of the ancient Middle East.
Turpentine Creek Reserve
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is home to injured and neglected big cats - tigers, lions, leopards and cougars - from across the state. Here, on an area of 456 acres, they receive the necessary rehabilitation and care. And visitors can enjoy watching beautiful and graceful animals. Activities include guided tours, self-guided visits, an animal behavior management program and a variety of educational lectures for children and adults. By appointment, you can see and watch the work of the reserve from the inside.
Blue Spring Heritage Center
The Blue Spring Heritage Center is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for a reason. The 33-acre tourist attraction contains the largest spring, which is nestled among forests, meadows, and rare deciduous trees. The spring pours 38 million gallons into the trout-filled lagoon daily. This sight is definitely worth seeing!
Park Hotel Basin Spring Park
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
Built in 1905, this hotel is centrally located in the Eureka Springs entertainment district. This historic building welcomes holidaymakers with relaxation and excellent views of the city. Most tourists visiting Eureka Springs include it in their itinerary. There are benches in the park for relaxation. There are also several starting points for major city tours. Other entertainment options include small fairs and artist exhibitions. Even if you don't want to stay at the hotel itself, there is plenty to do here.
Quigley Castle
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
In fact, this is not exactly a castle - rather, it resembles an old manor. The family home was built in 1943. Surrounded by perennial gardens, lily ponds, secluded benches, it looks very attractive. The house is open to the public: on the ground floor you can see butterflies, fossils, crystals, arrowheads.
Inside the castle, there are also full-sized tropical plants and trees growing straight from the dirt floor. The owner of the house, Eliza Quigley, loved her garden very much and wanted a piece of it even inside the building.
North Arkansas Railroad Company
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
The Historic Depot, founded in 1883, was one of the first in the United States. Train lovers will find many interesting things here, for example a 1940 diesel locomotive, authentic furniture, a restaurant car with a menu from the last century. On the sightseeing train, which travels just under 5 miles, you can see the restored railway. The depot has a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and snacks.
Onyx Cave
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
Onyx is a small cave located about 6 miles east of Eureka Springs. It was first opened to the public in 1893. Inside, it is filled with mesmerizing forms: stalagmites, stalactites and other formations made of colored stone. Actually, it was thanks to him that the cave got its name.
Walks in the open air
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| Eureka Springs Arkansas |
Eureka Springs is full of parks, hiking trails, and simply beautiful places. Here you can go for a bike ride, hike, boat or canoe. There are several hotels nearby, and there are hiking trails on Lake Leatherwood. Other famous sites in Eureka Springs include the National Park, the Buffalo River and the underground caves. Whichever attraction you choose, you will surely enjoy this quiet but beautiful town.