Did I plan an entire trip around something I saw on the internet (bunnies working retail)? Yup. Do I regret it? Not even a little bit. Would I do it again? Absolutely (but maybe in summer or fall).

Winter wasn’t bad, but we’d like to enjoy a bit more of the outdoors and have it a little less cold and dreary.

I had never heard of Eureka Springs before I went down a rabbit hole (pun intended) learning everything I could about this weird little Ozarks town on the border of Missouri and Arkansas, but Eureka Springs is teeming with things to do. It ended up being the perfect, dog-friendly stopover to break up our drive from Kansas City to Dallas. I highly recommend it for a quick weekend getaway in the Midwest.

Whether you’re into haunted hotels, underground speakeasies, or just want to make some new furry friends, here are the top things to do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Things to do in Eureka Springs

See the Eureka Springs Working Bunnies

East by West, a local tchotchke store has three “working” bunnies that take turns manning the counter to hand you your change, bag, credit card, and pen. Described as an exotic gift and clothing shop, it’s a genius gimmick to encourage you to buy something (as if I needed convincing), to see the live rabbits in action and support local. The bunnies were completely unbothered by our dog and Bruno was thrilled to meet a few furry co-workers. I don’t know if they’re world famous, but they’re definitely TikTok famous (on my feed anyway).

I’ve had a lot of weird animal experiences in my day (remember horse surfing?), but this is up definitely there.

Explore the Rest of Downtown Eureka Springs

One of the strangest examples of city planning I’ve ever seen, downtown Eureka Springs is a maze of twisty, turny, one-way streets that are quite literally built into the side of a cliff that feels more fairytale than urban development. According to Architectural Digest, it’s home to one of the largest collections of preserved Victorian architecture in the country and everywhere you turn there are independently owned boutiques (no chains or franchises in sight). Some of our favorites were Local Tub, where we made custom blended bath products (no appointment necessary), Blackie’s Backyard for cute pet accessories, and Silly Chile for gourmet seasonings and hot sauces.

Expect lots of stairs and a bit of altitude gain that had us huffing and puffing. Almost everywhere was dog-friendly, which we pawsitively appreciate. In fact, they’re ranked one of the top five most dog-friendly cities in the US.

Stay (or Visit) a Big Cat Sanctuary

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue is a rescue and rehab facility for big cats. It’s a true sanctuary so expect to view the animals from a distance (no touching or breeding). To date, they’ve helped over 500 animals in sketchy situations from roadside zoos to illegal owners (cough, cough Tiger King) and at any given time, have 100+ animals on site, primarily lions and tigers, but the servals, bobcats and cougars were my favorite. They offer a variety of programs to support their conservation efforts from open air tram tours to private caravans and coffee with the curator where you’ll learn about their backstories, habitats, and species (did you know ligers and tigon are different?). Staying overnight offers unique access to the facility including their nighttime caroling, lion roaring apparently being my new preferred white noise (the dog’s not so much).

Drink Wine in a Cave…or Explore an Underground Speakeasy

The Basin Park Hotel has a unique experience where you can taste wine in a listening room deep underground that feels like your own private concert. The cave sits below Jack Rabbetts Whisky Bar and can be accessed through the Rabbett Hole, a very narrow ladder that’s not for the claustrophobic. Formally a speakeasy carved into a limestone bluff, it was once an illegal gambling den during prohibition. Reservations are required and shows are only available on certain days so plan accordingly.

Tour the Most Haunted Hotel in America

Normally I’d scoff at a claim like that, but the Crescent Hotel has an especially weird backstory with a history that makes you go hmmm. Formerly a girl’s college and a hospital run by a man with no medical license, a quack doc used the property for years which he marketed as a miracle cure center for cancer. No real treatments were ever administered before he was arrested and unfortunately, a number of the patients died. You can tour the hotel including the basement morgue where the specimen bottles and bodies were buried (macabre, I know). They have a number of known ghosts who regularly appear in specific areas, including a cat who haunts the property. There are also ghost tours of downtown Eureka Springs and midnight investigations…so pick your poison (not literally).

Fun Fact: the waiting list for certain rooms on Halloween is said to be up to four years long. And in case you were wondering, the only place I’ve ever really believed in ghosts was at the Stanley Hotel in Colorado where the Shining was filmed.

Catch a Magic Show at Intrigue Theatre

Part magic, part mystery, part illusion, part comedy, the Intrigue Theatre is a Saturday night entertainment favorite. Audience interaction is key in sleight of hand so expect a fun evening in a 120-year-old Gothic church led by the acclaimed husband-and-wife team, whose performances have appeared on Penn & Teller, America’s Got Talent, Masters of Illusion, and the world-renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Enjoy the Ozark Outdoors Above and Below Ground

Eureka Springs is surrounded by two rivers and three lakes for land and watery fun like kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. Roaring River State Park and Fish Hatchery just across the border in Missouri is a cool spot for anglers and hikers that’s regularly stocked with trout.

Lake Leatherwood City Park is a popular hiking and mountain biking spot with some of the best cycling trails in the Midwest. Looking for an adrenaline rush? Hit up Ozark Mountain Ziplines or Eureka Springs Zipline to soar through the treetops. There are a number of caves to explore, Onyx Cave, Cosmic Cavern, War Eagle Cavern, and the Civil War Cave being some of the most unique. Blue Spring Heritage Center is also a beautiful outdoor garden, and for history buffs, an important stop on the Native American Trail of Tears.

Plan a Spaah Day in the Mystical Healing Waters

While the alleged healing properties of the springs originally drew people to the area, from my understanding, you can’t swim or bath in any of the 60+ natural springs anymore (nor would you want to as they’re not naturally heated like hot springs). That said, a handful of spas and relaxation facilities still offer pampered wellness packages. Palace Hotel & Bath House Spa is a historic landmark and the last remaining original bathhouse that’s been open since 1901. Spa1905 in the Basin Park Hotel and New Moon Spa in the Crescent Hotel also offer mineral baths, massages and soaks.

More Weird and Quirky Eureka Springs Attractions

Part art palace, part botanic garden, Quigley’s Castle is a mansion fever dream where the outdoors and indoors blend into one. Open seasonally March through November, you can tour the personal home’s unique design and collections. Thorncrown Chapel is the twin architectural marvel to where we almost got married in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Built of glass and wood, both were created by E. Fay Jones, a Frank Lloyd Wright protegee that was designed to blend into the natural elements. (Fun fact: there’s also one of his chapels in Fort Worth!). For another photogenic spot, climb the 100-foot Razorback Tower, formerly a fire lookout that’s now a scenic overview, for panoramic views over the Ozarks.

The Best Places to Eat in Eureka Springs AR

Arguably the best meal in town, Grotto Wood Fired Grill is a wine cave you can dine in that books up months in advance (we were lucky enough to call and get seats at the bar). The s’mores martini and wine-soaked mushrooms are musts and steaks are big enough to share. McGarity’s Restaurant and Saloon is a good spot to toss one back with traditional Irish dishes like Sheperd’s pie and fish and chips or just cheers with a beer. They feed those in need, no questions asked, which we love and fully support. Mud Street and Mud Street Annex a few doors down are great for a quick coffee or lunch bite downtown overlooking the creek. For a retro, kid friendly meal, Harold’s Diner is 70s themed and the Funnel Cake Factory, a sweet treat. Ermilio’s Italian Home Cooking is also one of the most beloved spots in town.

The Best Place to Stay in Eureka Springs

The most famous and conveniently located hotels in Eureka Springs are the Crescent Hotel and Basin Park (if you don’t mind a little haunting, both are known for paranormal activity). The New Orleans Hotel is also right in the heart of downtown and a fun nod to Bourbon Street (you know we’re fans). Eureka Springs also has a number of cabins if you want a remote woodsy escape and cute Victorian bed and breakfasts (many not listed on popular booking sites that you just have to know about).

For more unique accommodations, you can stay overnight at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in their treehouses, glamping tents or pet-friendly suites overlooking the big cat sanctuary and sleep easy knowing you’re supporting the mission.

Eureka Springs is weird. And that’s why you’ll love it.

It’s a little spooky, a little sweet, lot of stairs, and just enough strange to keep you curious. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a detour on a longer adventure, Eureka Springs delivers. Just remember to pack good shoes, a sense of humor, and maybe a carrot or two (kidding, don’t feed the animals).

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