Eureka Springs, AR Road Trips

1 The Great Passion Play. Outdoor play of Christ's Passion in 4100 seat amphitheater. Performances from the last Friday in April to the last Saturday in October. $23.50 Adults, $10 Children 6-11, Under 6 Free. 2 Christ of the Ozarks. Seven-story statue of Christ with outstretched arms. On the grounds of The Great Passion Play, it can be seen from the historic district of Eureka Springs. Open 24 hours a day and free of charge to visit. (updated Apr 2021) Historic District. This is also referred to as the loop. It includes the downtown area on Spring Street. The architecture is Victorian, and you get the impression you are in an artisan village. There are galleries, restaurants, gardens, healers, craft shops, street musicians, spas and nightclubs. 3 Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway. Heritage railway offering scenic train excursions. Be aware that the "excursion" trip is very short - no more than a couple of miles to a wye juncttion turn around and then back to the depot. 4 Thorncrown Chapel, 12968 Hwy 62 West (1.5 miles west of town; GPS may be unreliable.), ☏ +1 479 253-7401. 9AM–5PM daily Apr–Nov; 11AM–4PM daily Mar, Dec; closed Jan–Feb. May close early for special events. Airy (and air conditioned) glass and wood chapel designed by notable architect E. Fay Jones, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. Built in 1980 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places exceptionally early, in 2000. Non-denominational Christian services offered most Sundays. No smoking, food or drinks. Free (donations optional). (updated Apr 2021) Pivot Rock.

1 Onyx Cave, 338 Onyx Cave Ln (6 miles east of town), ☏ +1 479 253-9321. Oldest tour cave in Arkansas, and one of several in this region. Self-guided tours use short-range FM receiver. The Amethyst Angel Wings are a popular photo op. Comfortably cool year-round. Stairs in some sections. Call ahead if the weather is icy. (updated Apr 2021) 2 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, ☏ +1 479 253-5841. 7 miles south of Eureka Springs on Highway 23. 450 acre USDA licensed refuge for big cats. Open 9AM till dusk every day except Christmas. On-site bed & breakfast. 3 Promised Land Zoo, 32297 State Hwy 86, Eagle Rock (10 miles north of Eureka Springs on Hwy 23), ☏ +1 417 669-0088, [email protected]. 9AM–5PM daily. 120-acre safari-style zoo with over 500 animals from all over the world. Drive your own car through four miles of trails. Petting zoo and a free-flight area where you can feed parakeets. $23 per adult; discounts for kids and seniors. (updated Apr 2021) 4 Opera in the Ozarks (Inspiration Point Fine Arts Center), 16311 Hwy 62 West (seven miles west of Eureka Springs), ☏ +1 479 253-8595, [email protected]. Every summer, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Center hosts budding opera singers in three operas performed in repertoire. One of the most picturesque spots in the south central USA, Inspiration Point is a look-out site perched atop Rock Candy Mountain, between the beautiful White River Valley and Beaver Lake. $10–30 per person. (updated Apr 2021)

New Delhi Cafe, 2 North Main., Features American and Indian food. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. thenewdelhicafe.com +1 479 253-2525 Mud Street Cafe 22 G South Main Street, +1 479 253-6732. Great underground ambiance. Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking, 26 White Street, ☏ +1 479 253-8806. Wonderful Italian food located inside an old home on Eureka's Historic Loop. Excellent menu, wine list and wait staff. The Grand Taverne Restaurant & Lounge, 37 North Main Street, ☏ +1 479 253-6756, [email protected]. Casual, fine dining located on the lobby level of The Grand Central Hotel. American cuisine with French influence.

There are many places to stay here that will fit every budget and need, but it is advised to make reservations several weeks in advance because Eureka Spring is a very popular tourist location. Alpine Lodge, 2038 East Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-7175, fax: +1 479 253-5462, [email protected]. $42 - $120. The Lodge, 3031 E. Van Buren, ☏ +1 479-363-9700, toll-free: +1-800-533-9521, fax: +1 479 253-9182. $69. Edelweiss Inn, 2066 E. Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-7316, toll-free: +1-800-870-2529, fax: +1 479 253-7316, [email protected]. $39 - $79. Fisherman's Haven & Family Resort, 26277 Osprey Ln, Golden, ☏ +1 417 271-3599, [email protected]. Rates: $53 - $80 RV Rates: $15 Rooms have fully equipped kitchenettes with 2 full size beds, swimming pool, playground, boat & swimming dock, also have fully equipped RV spots available. Sherwood Court, 248 W Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-8920, toll-free: +1-800-268-6052, fax: +1 479 253-8920, [email protected]. $39 - $149. Statue Road Inn, 909 Passion Play Road, ☏ +1 479 253-9163, toll-free: +1-800-501-7666, fax: +1 479 253-6526, [email protected]. $39 - $99. Swiss Village Inn, 183 E. Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-9541, toll-free: +1-800-447-6525, fax: +1 479 253-4011. $39 - $109. Thurman's Lodge, 163 East Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-8689, toll-free: +1-800-892-2427, [email protected]. $38 - $125. Trails Inn, 2060 E. Van Buren, ☏ +1 479 253-9390, toll-free: +1-800-962-4691, fax: +1 479 253-9185, [email protected]. $39 - $104. Wagner Inn, 3064 E.

Driving - Eureka Springs in remotely located in the Ozarks and the best way to get there is drive. You can travel south from Springfield, Mo or Branson, Mo. on US 65 to US 62 and then west. It is about 1-1/2 hours from Springfield and about 45 minutes from Branson. Eureka Springs is at the crossroads of US 62 (east/west) and US 23 (north/south), both are two lane highways and have curves and hills. Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) 50 miles southwest (mountain miles - takes longer to drive in the Ozark hills) Tulsa International Airport (TUL) 160 miles west Springfield/Branson Regional Airport (SGF) 100 miles north

Because parking is limited, many tourists find it convenient to walk or take the trolley. Access to the downtown historic district is somewhat limited to individuals with disabilities. Sidewalks are rough native stone and often steep. Streets in the historic area are very narrow and the operators of large vehicles like RV's and one ton pickups will find manuvering through town to be a real challenge.