Eureka Springs Extraordinary Vacation is Here
With its rolling hills, pristine rivers, and breathtaking scenery, the Ozarks are an ideal destination for folks looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life. With its beautiful nature trails, vibrant communities, and unique attractions, there’s something for everyone in the Ozarks. Eureka Springs is nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, and regardless if you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan of Eureka Springs and the Ozarks, there is something here for everyone to have an extraordinary vacation. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or a peaceful get-away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, here are a few tips to help you plan an extraordinary vacation.
Ozarks Extraordinary Caving Country
If exploring a cave seems thrilling, go no further. There are three beautiful caves within a reasonable drive from Eureka Springs. Cosmic Cavern has fantastic rock formations that will amaze you. This Cavern tour takes about an hour and 15 minutes and is very doable any time of day. Onyx Cave is the oldest touring cave in Arkansas, open to the public since 1893. Onyx Cave displays impressive formations and dazzling underground beauty. The guided tour is approximately 30 minutes and includes panning for gems or doing ax throwing. War Eagle Cavern provides guided cave tours for the general public. There is also a Wild Cavern Tour that includes two miles of narrow passages, however for adventure seekers you may enjoy the crawl and wiggle through two miles of tight passages.
Hit the Trail
If you like hiking, this is a must-visit destination. Hiking trails wind through the area and challenge hikers of skill levels. Pick your trail and head out for the day! If you are short on time, consider the one-mile leisure trail at Black Bass Lake. Black Bass Lake trail is conveniently located close to downtown and offers beautiful lake scenery with a relatively simple hike. If you want a longer trek or challenge, check out Lake Leatherwood City Park. This park has 25 miles of trails and varying skill levels, there is something here for the whole family. Visit the Great Passion Play for fun hiking, religious-themed trails tailored to meet the abilities of beginners, intermediates, and expert-level hikers. Click here for more detailed information.
Mountain Biking for Anyone
Eureka Springs offers fun biking trails for visitors of all skill levels. You can enjoy a leisurely bike ride through Eureka downtown or a ride on some of our more extensive park trails. Here you can uncover some of the best mountain biking in mid-America. The courses provide trails of various challenge levels, from beginner to intermediate. The hard-core bike enthusiasts can opt for the Lake Leatherwood Downhill Challenge, sporting jumps and drops. The Great Passion Play offers new trails with four beginners, seven intermediate, and six expert-level runs. All of the trails have religious-themed names.
Water Sports in the Ozarks
The great outdoors is always calling in Eureka Springs and the Ozarks. With over 3 million acres of public lands, including sparkling rivers and towering bluffs, basically there’s no shortage of places to explore. If fishing is your thing, you’ll find plenty of opportunity in the many lakes and streams. Beaver Lake, a man-made reservoir built on the White River, attracts visitors far and wide every year. It is a popular destination for fishing, diving, and water sports. With its jigsaw puzzle appearance, Beaver Lake has approximately 487 miles of shoreline formed by limestone and rock.
Lake Leatherwood Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers plenty of recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. In addition, those looking for great hiking and biking trails will discover over 25 miles of trails with terrains to suit everyone’s taste. Lake Leatherwood stocks a variety of fish and includes a paved boat ramp with a handicap-accessible launch.
Area Outfitters
You will find several outfitters and shops to assist you with equipment, gear, and services needed to head to the lake. A few include Kings River Outfitters, Float Eureka, Riverside Canoe Rentals, Holiday Island Marina, Trigger Gap Outfitters, and Beaver Dam Store.
Ziplining Fun
Venture into the wild blue yonder when you brave the ziplines west of Eureka Springs at the Ozark Mountain Ziplines. Soar through the air over the treetops at an altitude of 300 feet while you take in the fantastic Ozark scenery, including streams, treetops, and bluffs. You can choose Full or Half zipline tours that cover 2,500 or 800 feet, depending on your appetite for zipping and speed. Don’t be fooled; this is a family-friendly attraction worth checking out.
Vacation Accommodations and Dining
When planning your accommodations in Eureka Springs, you have various options—from cozy cabins to luxurious resorts. If you want a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, without doubt choose one of many vacation rentals in the heart of the Ozarks, like Tall Pines Inn!
Eureka Spring offers various accommodation options depending on your type of trip. You can find luxury resorts, rustic cabins, cozy cottages, and luxury hotels, i.e. The Crescent Hotel. Many of these accommodations have spectacular views of nature that make up this breathtaking region. Tall Pines Inn is an excellent rustic cabin accommodation with the perfect mix of nature and modern amenities.
When it comes time to eat during your trip, you won’t be disappointed by what’s on offer, moreover local cuisine in Eureka Springs is award-winning. Eureka Springs restaurants specialize in everything from classic Americana dishes to fancy gourmet meals. Above all be sure to sample local favorites such as catfish fillets and hush puppies! Eureka Springs embodies everything that makes the Ozarks magic; stunning natural beauty, abundant recreation, luxurious accommodations, and delicious dining options.
Lets Sum Up Your Vacation in the Ozarks
The Ozarks offer something for everyone, whether looking for an outdoor adventure or relaxation. Take in your fill of unique attractions and delicious local cuisine! Furthermore, you’ll want to come back again and again to experience everything, because there is more to see than one can experience in a single visit! A trip to Eureka Springs and the Ozarks promises a fantastic adventure. With its abundance of outdoor activities and breathtaking views, it truly has something for everyone. So start planning your trip today —you won’t regret it!