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Eureka Springs, Arkansas
ACTIVITIES
Historic Interest
Wildlife Park
Music & Theatre
Religious SiteBEST
for
KIDS
BEST
for
KIDS
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Eureka, as locals call it, is perhaps the most unique and most stunning Ozark Mountain escape. Not only does this Victorian village possess Old World charm, it is set against a dramatic background, the Ozark Mountains. What's more, Eureka Springs boasts an artsy community and is home to a variety of art and music fests. So why take the kids? This romantic destination, host to hundreds of weddings weekly, isn't just for honeymooners.
The Crescent Hotel, a Eureka landmark, is one of America's top ten haunted hotels. The hilly streets are fun to scale aboard a trolley. Turpentine Creek, a big cat sanctuary, is great place to see tigers, lions, leopards and cougars and find out why these large felines don't make good pets. The Great Passion Play has a variety of Christian-themed exhibits as well as a towering statue of Jesus known as the Christ of the Ozarks. (Of note, the play has seen better days.) Beaver Lake is a great place to hike, fish, camp and boat. Many of the small inns and hotels in Eureka Springs have a relaxed atmosphere.Copyright © Rhonda Crone. All rights reserved. Rhonda Crone is a freelance writer who lives in the Ozarks with two kids, a husband, a Welsh Corgie and a dwarf bunny. After finishing her journalism degree and starting her family six years ago, Rhonda has been blogging and writing for local magazines and various websites. She writes about anything that interests her, from wine to wellness to parenting, but her main love is travel writing, despite her intense fear of flying.
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Getting There
Eureka Springs, AR is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains and is situated midway - 45 miles or 72 km - between Bentonville, AR and Branson, MO in northwest Arkansas. The nearest airports are in Harrison, AR (Harrison Airport), Bentonville, AR (NWA Regional Airport), Branson, MO (Branson Airport) and Springfield, MO (Springfield-Branson National Airport). All are under 100 miles (160 km) from Eureka. The nearest Amtrak stations are in Kansas City, St. Louis and Little Rock, Arkansas. Greyhound doesn't stop in Eureka Springs. Car travel is the only way to reach this historic town.
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Getting Around
While downtown Eureka is easily navigated, there are few things to consider when traveling with kids. Parking in Eureka can be tricky as the few paid public lots are often a hike. The hilly streets of Eureka Springs can quickly tire young legs. A trolley ride up the steepest slopes is fun way to reach the top.
- Map of Eureka Springs
- EurekaSprings.com
- Eureka Trolley
- Eureka Springs Transit System
When to Travel
There are four mild seasons in northwest Arkansas. Summer is warm but rarely hot; winter temperatures seldom fall below freezing. The average high in Eureka Springs is 71°F; the average low is 46°F. The peak season in Eureka Springs is March to October. Fall (October) is the most colorful season. The May Festival of the Arts and Blues Festival in early June may be Eureka's best-known events but they aren't the only. A variety of art and music festivals are held throughout the year.
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Health & Safety
Arkansas law requires that children 5 years and younger and less than 60 pounds (23 kg) travel in a properly restrained child safety seat. Children aged 6 - 15 or more than 60 pounds must buckle up.
- Child Restraint Laws
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Things to Keep in Mind
While Eureka offers family-friendly activities like the Great Passion Play and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, it is considered a romantic getaway and many of the restaurants and live music performances are tailored to adults. Bring along a sitter if you'd like an adult night out for dinner, drinks and live music.
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Travel Trivia
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