Unusual Things to do in Eureka Springs

Nestled in North Arkansas, Eureka Springs has its own story to tell. It is a historical town with Victorian buildings like the 1886 Crescent Hotel, Basin Park Hotel, and Palace Bath House. Furthermore, the city has a population of 2,194, as per 2023 census. It is spread across 6.90 sq. miles and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the US.

Also, did you know Eureka Springs has issued the marriage license for the same-sex couples? It is the first city in Arkansas to do so. What’s more, there is a gorgeous rainbow staircase in the North Main Street, symbolizing the Pride of the LGBTQIA+ community.

As its name suggests, this city has natural springs, one of the major tourist attractions. Some of them are believed to have healing properties. There are many restaurants, cafes, and bars to visit too. Aside from regular tourist activities, did you know there are unusual things to do in Eureka Springs?

Hmm, what could they be? Let’s learn about them in detail in this article.

Marvel at Glass-Enclosed Thorncrown Chapel

Location: 12968 Hwy 62 West, Eureka Springs
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

One hardly steps foot inside a chapel unless it’s for a wedding. Well, not anymore; Eureka Springs’ Thorncrown Chapel is open for travelers to visit daily without special occasions. You can wander around this marvelous 6,000 sq. ft. tall glass wooden structure and take beautiful pictures.

Thorncrown Chapel has 425 windows that are intricately carved and designed. This building’s beauty lies in its simplicity, which blends perfectly with its stone/wooden structure. Moreover, the Chapel has received many architectural awards and ranks among the top buildings of the 20th Century.

Visitors can even book the Chapel for their dream weddings. You can walk down the aisle on a stone path to reach the altar, which will be equally stunning. The natural surroundings will set the theme for your big day. If you want to know more, head over to see everything the place offers.

Get Spooked at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa

1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is a haunted tourist attraction. (Source: Crescent Hotel Facebook)

Location: 75 Prospect Avenue, Eureka Springs
Features: Crescent Ice Park, Spa, Tasty Dining Options, Luxurious Rooms
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official X

Did you know Eureka Springs has not one but multiple haunted places? There are ghost tour packages for visitors that will keep them on their toes all the time. You must visit the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, among many spooky destinations.

This iconic establishment was featured on Ghost Hunters and is hailed as America’s most haunted hotel. Sheesh, talk about creepiness. But what led the hotel to gain such a haunting reputation?

It all started after a worker named Michael fell to his death on the hotel’s fourth floor during its construction. That place later became the haunted Room 218. Moreover, a little girl also died after falling from the 4th floor shortly after.

Many years later, fraud doctor Norman Baker used the hotel building to lure people for miraculous cancer treatment. Under his care, many Cancer patients died whose remains were possibly scattered on the ground of several hotel rooms. Considering these many deaths, it is unsurprising to see Crescent Hotel dubbed the haunted establishment.

Are these tales true? One can only find that after staying in the hotel’s haunted room. Thankfully, these urban tales have not affected Crescent’s reputation; many visitors come here to experience horror. If you want to book a room, head over to Booking.com.

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Get Intrigued at Intrigue Theater

Location: 80 Mountain St, Eureka Springs
Showtime: 90 Minutes
Ticket Price: $29.95 – $49.95
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

A night out primarily involves clubbing or trying your luck on casinos. Let’s do something unusual by watching night shows at Intrigue Theater. It will be an entertaining night full of magic and wonder.

Run by magicians Sean-Paul Fay and Juliana Fay, the theater’s shows are magic-themed. However, it won’t be your regular illusions; the owners can confuse the audience with their captivating performances. The husband-wife duo nearly fooled legendary American musicians Penn and Teller.

Sean-Paul and Juliana keep their shows entertaining and humorous. They also engage with audiences, maintaining eye contact and smiling throughout the performance. If you want to turn your night into something magical, buy tickets for Intrigue Theater.

Find the Difference Between Beaver Lake and Beaver Bridge

Location: Ozark Mountains
Area: Spread Across 31,700 acres
Social Media: Official Website

You might have heard about the historic Beaver Bridge over the White River in Arkansas. It is a famous tourist destination that sees visitors flocking over to snap pictures from around the globe.

However, few have heard of Beaver Lake, which is only a few km from the historic bridge. Contrary to what many might think, the Beaver Bridge isn’t built over Beaver Lake. The latter is an artificial reservoir and flood control lake on the White River.

Beaver Lake supplies water to thousands of Arkansas citizens. Likewise, the Beaver Dam has prevented billions of pounds of damage since its creation. It is situated 14 km northwest of Eureka Springs.

Lush jungles, greeneries, shrubs, and natural caves surround this man-made lake. Visitors can go on nature walks, explore hidden areas, and discover new plant species in this place. It will be a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

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Admire Victorian Architecture at Castle Rogue’s Manor

Location: Beaver, Arkansas
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Visiting Eureka Springs is like stepping back into Victorian Times. The Victorian-style buildings add to the city’s charm and allow visitors to admire the architectural beauty of the 19th Century. Many are open for public tours, too.

However, hardly any other place beats Castle Rogue’s Manor. Smith Treuer built this gorgeous Victorian mansion for over two decades. He meticulously crafted and designed each part of this castle that spreads over 15,000 square feet.

This gigantic mansion returns visitors to the Renaissance with its Victorian architecture, craftsmanship, and design. It looks like one of those fairytale castles and is suitable for hosting fantasy-themed weddings. Additionally, you can have any sort of celebrations, galas, receptions, and reunions here.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours at the manor as well. The prices are $20 for adults and $10 for 15 and Under. Furthermore, Rogue’s Manor Restaurant and Lodging is at the premises to cater to your food and accommodation requirements. Then, what are you waiting for? Come and visit this marvelous establishment.

Find What’s at the End of the Rainbow Stairs

Location: North Main Street
Google Map
Things To Do: Take Photos, Count Used Colors, Know The History

Have you ever walked on a rainbow? You can do that here at the Eureka Springs. The rainbow staircase is a masterpiece that looks unrealistically real. You will feel like you are walking on the rainbow on these stairs.

This unusual tourist attraction is situated on North Main Street. Eureka Springs School Art Club’s Kennedy Cash and Kla Boardman designed the painted staircase. Doug Myerscough drafted the final result and created the gorgeous Boardman-Cash staircase.

Another beautiful nearby staircase looks like a waterfall flowing down a mountain. These staircases have become popular tourist destinations, inviting travelers to come and explore. You can take pictures and learn about the origin of the painting. Also, explore restaurants and cafes surrounding the area.

Check Out Bizarre Rock Formations at Pivot Rock Park

Location: 2281 Pivot Rock Rd, Eureka Springs
Opening Hours: Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM, Monday-Thursday: 10 AM – 5 PM, Friday-Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Geology often reminds me of The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper’s hatred towards the subject. He was against it for no reason and always voiced his dislike loud and clear. However, Cooper might have slightly altered his thoughts had he ever visited the Pivot Rock Park at Eureka Springs. Or maybe not.

Anyways, the park is a historic landmark that is spread across 99 acres. Its most attractive feature is the giant rock formation, which epitomizes natural wonder. This roadside attraction is in a bizarre shape whose origin traces back several centuries.

Initially, native settlers discovered this unique rock formation. Fast forward several decades, it has become one of the must-see natural attractions. Moreover, the park has even made it to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not five times. Talk about the popularity!

Visitors often opt for hiking and camping in Pivot Rock Park. Its serene environment and lush greeneries add to its charm. Additionally, the park’s natural trail and paved sidewalk make hiking easier and convenient.

Sleep a Night Away at Unusual Eureka Springs Establishments

If sleeping in a haunted hotel didn’t fulfill your quota for unusual things to do in Eureka Springs, try exploring this city’s unique lodges and bed & breakfasts. They have numerous establishments, each with distinctive features, that are worth visiting.

Enjoy a Peaceful Getaway at Treehouse Cottages

Location: 165 West Van Burren, Eureka Springs
Check Out: 11:30 AM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Treehouses often take people back to their childhoods. Some of you likely own one in your family home’s backyard or property. You’ve likely seen Treehouses in movies and cartoons, even if you didn’t.

You can make your treehouse living dream come true at The Original Treehouse Cottages. Their premises house seven treehouses, four at the Hidden Forest and three near the town. Each cottage has a barbeque grill, private porch, jacuzzi, kitchen, outdoor tub, and heated floors.

Visitors can relax at these small houses away from the busy city scenario. There are lots of exciting things to do as well. For instance, guests can go for bear mountain riding, cruise tours, sightseeing, train riding, and more. There is something for everyone.

Staying in treehouses must be on your to-do list of unusual things in Eureka Springs. We guarantee it will be an exciting experience.

Find a Better Treehouse at Enchanted Treehouses

Location: 70 Dogwood Ridge, Eureka Springs
Check-In And Check Out: 3 PM and 11 AM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

One can never have enough treehouses, so we are adding another one to our list. Enchanted Treehouses are for fairytale lovers who desire to experience their favorite character’s accommodation. This establishment has themed cottages based on favorite fairytale characters.

Enchanted Treehouses started their journey with Hansel & Gretel and Anastasia Treehouse. The former is a rustic cottage with a steep roof, a stone fireplace, and exposed beams. Its elegant style further allows guests to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, it is well-equipped with necessities like a stocked kitchen, jacuzzi, and cable TV.

For Snow White fans, there is a gorgeous treehouse with Snow White-themed interior and exterior designs. It also has a jacuzzi, fireplace, king-sized bed, and other facilities. Little Red, Rapunzel, and The Briar Rose Treehouse are other fairytale-themed cottages. You can have your pick from any of them.

Hogsveil Cottages: See What the Fuss is All About

Location: 3012 E Van Buren, Eureka Springs
Check Out: At 10 AM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

No lodging is better than Eureka Springs’s famous Hogsveil Cottages. It is also dubbed mystical cottage due to its Harry Potter and the unique village setting. The establishment’s elves staff are helpful and hospitable to the guests.

Mystic Cottages Of Hogsveil is the most sought-after cottage with a secret door. Talk about paying homage to Harry Potter! The hidden door opens to a jacuzzi and sauna for two. Furthermore, the lodge’s black and white decor makes it look aesthetically pleasing.

Visitors can also have their weddings at the Hogsveil Cottages. After the big day, they can even enjoy a sweet honeymoon in one of the little houses. All in all, this place should be on your must-visit list in Eureka Springs.

Compare Eureka Springs Tickets, Tours, and Activities

A trip to Eureka Springs will be full of surprises. The place is renowned for its mysticism, magic, and healing properties. Hence, it won’t take long until you encounter something quirky or unusual on the way. In the best way possible, too.

You will be fully satisfied by the end of your tour and look forward to the next visit. So, waste no time, pack up, and head to this beautiful city and unravel everything it offers.