Eureka Springs Arkansas
Eureka Springs History
Eureka Springs, Arkansas has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years. Legends of several tribes spoke of a Great Healing Spring in the mountains of what later became known as "Arkansas". Early visitors believed this spring to be Basin Spring itself, and the magical waters drew the afflicted in such numbers that Eureka Springs transformed from an isolated wilderness to a flourishing city in a few short months.
The City of Eureka Springs was founded and named on July 4, 1879. As word of Eureka's miraculous, healing waters began to spread, thousands of visitors flocked to the original encampment of tents and hastily built shanties. By late 1879, the estimated population of Eureka Springs reached 10,000 people and in 1881, the town was declared a "City of the First Class", the fourth largest city in Arkansas.
As modern medicine progressed the town population declined leaving behind amazing Victorian architecture that still exist today along with its cobblestone sidewalks. Today the population is 2200. Of the original 60 plus springs over a dozen can still be enjoyed today.
Currently, Eureka Springs offers days of enjoyment with generous choices of restaurants, antique stores, live theaters and day spas.
Home of The Great Passion Play, one can tour the Christ of the Ozarks, the Bible Museum and the Sacred Arts Gallery as well as the Holy Land Tour (with the only exact replica of the Tabernacle in the United States).
Visit the Thorncrown Chapel - 6th on the architectural list in the United States. Nightclubs and pubs are abundant for those enjoying the nightlife along with lots of live music.
Arkansas’s Best Vacation Spot for the Outdoor Nature Lovers
While enjoying Eureka Springs West, you can experience beautiful Beaver Lake with all the water activities such as boating, swimming, scuba diving and paddling boarding. Flowing out of the lake is the famous White River that offers canoeing, kayaking and amazing trout fishing! Or, visit Blue Spring Heritage Center with its beautiful gardens and the Blue Spring that produces 38 million gallons of water a day that directly feeds the river.
Visit the largest wildlife refuge, Turpentine Creek, that is home to over 100 rescued lions and tigers. Additionally, the area offers Zip lining, horseback riding, scuba diving, tour Beaver Lake on the Belle of the Ozarks or experience hiking at Lake Leatherwood with over fifty-three miles of trails. War Eagle Caverns on Beaver Lake offers a cavern tour, panning for gems and a tree maze. And don’t miss the annual XTERRA Off Road Triathlon and Trail Run.
