We’ve talked about the small town of Eureka Springs several times, before but never as the coolest place in the south. We’ve discussed it as the small town most likely to show you some paranormal activity. We’ve even talked about how it’s the quirkiest little town in the Natural State. It’s been called one of the best small towns in America by Budget Travel. But what we haven’t discussed is how Eureka Springs became the coolest place in the South. Our task today is to look at what, exactly, makes the little Victorian town such a thriving destination city, and also one of the best small towns in Arkansas.

  1. The whole town is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Flickr/Neal Wellons When folks call Eureka Springs a “Victorian village,” they’re not wrong. Everything inside the city limits is on the national historic registry.

  1. Natural beauty surrounds Eureka Springs.

Flickr/meltedplastic Its location in the Ozarks makes Eureka Springs the perfect staging ground for trips out into nature.

  1. The town is a haven for the arts.

Flickr/Jacob Bolm Artists and musicians flock to Eureka, and they keep a thriving art scene alive.

  1. The hotels are some of the oldest and most impressive in the Natural State.

Flickr/Melanie The 1886 Crescent and the Basin Park Hotel are two of the oldest hotels around, and it’s said they’re both super haunted, too.

  1. The shops downtown are full of hidden treasures.

Flickr/Jack Gray Unique shops line the streets of downtown Eureka, and they’re totally full of things that will make you want to shop local.

  1. The foodie scene is seriously impressive.

Yelp/Devito’s of Eureka Springs Whether you want an old-fashioned pizza pie or some farm-to-table fare, you can find it all in Eureka Springs. That’s why foodies love the small town.

  1. Eureka Springs has a mind-boggling number of attractions.

Yelp/Paisley B. One thing is absolutely, undeniably true: you could spend a lot of time doing things in Eureka Springs and never have to visit the same attraction twice.

  1. You can find wild things there…

Flickr/PS OV ART Turpentine Creek is a big cat rescue, the largest of its kind in the world that is open to the public.

  1. …but you can also find man-made wonders.

Flickr/Randy Lane Thorncrown Chapel is the best example of a man-made wonder in Eureka Springs. It’s famous because it is so spectacularly beautiful.

  1. The town takes care of its tourists.

Flickr/John Carrel There’s even a trolley bus to run you from one end of town to the other because Eureka Springs cares about how its tourists feel when you’re in the city limits.

  1. It’s a romantic place to spend your time…

Yelp/5 Ojo Inn Bed & Breakfast You’re never going to find Eureka Springs lacking in wedding and anniversary packages at the gorgeous little bed and breakfasts around town.

  1. …but it’s family-friendly, too.

Flickr/Josh There are plenty of things for families to do there as well. Everyone is welcome in Eureka.

  1. You can never be sure what you might find there.

Flickr/Brad Holt Eureka’s reputation for eccentricity is certainly not overblown. You’re likely to find things that make you smile on every corner, simply because the town loves to surprise you.

  1. Eureka Springs has managed to remain a small town in size.

Flickr/rjones0856 Finally, Eureka Springs maintains its appeal by having a population that hovers around 2,000 people. Though you’re not likely to find the streets desolate during times of peak tourism, like the summer or the weekend, this small town isn’t totally overwhelmed with people.

For a list of Arkansas’ best-kept secrets, click here. To see one of the coolest attractions near Eureka Springs, check out this article.

Flickr/Neal Wellons

When folks call Eureka Springs a “Victorian village,” they’re not wrong. Everything inside the city limits is on the national historic registry.

Flickr/meltedplastic

Its location in the Ozarks makes Eureka Springs the perfect staging ground for trips out into nature.

Flickr/Jacob Bolm

Artists and musicians flock to Eureka, and they keep a thriving art scene alive.

Flickr/Melanie

The 1886 Crescent and the Basin Park Hotel are two of the oldest hotels around, and it’s said they’re both super haunted, too.

Flickr/Jack Gray

Unique shops line the streets of downtown Eureka, and they’re totally full of things that will make you want to shop local.

Yelp/Devito’s of Eureka Springs

Whether you want an old-fashioned pizza pie or some farm-to-table fare, you can find it all in Eureka Springs. That’s why foodies love the small town.

Yelp/Paisley B.

One thing is absolutely, undeniably true: you could spend a lot of time doing things in Eureka Springs and never have to visit the same attraction twice.

Flickr/PS OV ART

Turpentine Creek is a big cat rescue, the largest of its kind in the world that is open to the public.

Flickr/Randy Lane

Thorncrown Chapel is the best example of a man-made wonder in Eureka Springs. It’s famous because it is so spectacularly beautiful.

Flickr/John Carrel

There’s even a trolley bus to run you from one end of town to the other because Eureka Springs cares about how its tourists feel when you’re in the city limits.

Yelp/5 Ojo Inn Bed & Breakfast

You’re never going to find Eureka Springs lacking in wedding and anniversary packages at the gorgeous little bed and breakfasts around town.

Flickr/Josh

There are plenty of things for families to do there as well. Everyone is welcome in Eureka.

Flickr/Brad Holt

Eureka’s reputation for eccentricity is certainly not overblown. You’re likely to find things that make you smile on every corner, simply because the town loves to surprise you.

Flickr/rjones0856

Finally, Eureka Springs maintains its appeal by having a population that hovers around 2,000 people. Though you’re not likely to find the streets desolate during times of peak tourism, like the summer or the weekend, this small town isn’t totally overwhelmed with people.

So, what do you think? Is the small town of Eureka Springs one of the best small towns in Arkansas? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section! Or if you have another town that you think may rival this one, make sure to let us know.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Eureka Springs, AR, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Coolest Place In The South May 23, 2021 Marisa Roman What are the most charming small towns in Arkansas? Sometimes, it’s those rural spots that end up being some of the best small towns in Arkansas. Perhaps they haven’t gained much notoriety over the years, or maybe they’ve stayed under the radar - but that doesn’t mean you should ignore these towns. In fact, we have a list of some of the most charming small towns that rural Arkansas has to offer. Whether you’re spending the day exploring the Boston Mountains in the town of Mountainburg, or visiting the gateway to the Buffalo National River known as Jasper, these Arkansas towns are downright delightful. What is the most naturally beautiful town in Arkansas? Arkansas is known for having some truly spectacular natural beauty throughout the state - just look at the small town of Eureka Springs! But if you really want to check out the most beautiful town in Arkansas, one that is bursting with nature and scenery, then head out to Mountain View. This town has been dubbed the Folk Music Capital of the World and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty thanks to the Ozark National Forest. What is the oldest town in Arkansas? Whether you’re exploring the coolest towns in Arkansas or the ones with the most history, you’ll likely have a memorable experience no matter what. The town of Batesville, Arkansas combines both of the aspects into one fascinating place. As the second-oldest municipality in the state, Batesville was first settled in 1810 and is still going strong! Even with a population of 10,000 residents, this small town is filled with fun things to see and do.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Coolest Place In The South

May 23, 2021

Marisa Roman

What are the most charming small towns in Arkansas? Sometimes, it’s those rural spots that end up being some of the best small towns in Arkansas. Perhaps they haven’t gained much notoriety over the years, or maybe they’ve stayed under the radar - but that doesn’t mean you should ignore these towns. In fact, we have a list of some of the most charming small towns that rural Arkansas has to offer. Whether you’re spending the day exploring the Boston Mountains in the town of Mountainburg, or visiting the gateway to the Buffalo National River known as Jasper, these Arkansas towns are downright delightful. What is the most naturally beautiful town in Arkansas? Arkansas is known for having some truly spectacular natural beauty throughout the state - just look at the small town of Eureka Springs! But if you really want to check out the most beautiful town in Arkansas, one that is bursting with nature and scenery, then head out to Mountain View. This town has been dubbed the Folk Music Capital of the World and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty thanks to the Ozark National Forest. What is the oldest town in Arkansas? Whether you’re exploring the coolest towns in Arkansas or the ones with the most history, you’ll likely have a memorable experience no matter what. The town of Batesville, Arkansas combines both of the aspects into one fascinating place. As the second-oldest municipality in the state, Batesville was first settled in 1810 and is still going strong! Even with a population of 10,000 residents, this small town is filled with fun things to see and do.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Sometimes, it’s those rural spots that end up being some of the best small towns in Arkansas. Perhaps they haven’t gained much notoriety over the years, or maybe they’ve stayed under the radar - but that doesn’t mean you should ignore these towns. In fact, we have a list of some of the most charming small towns that rural Arkansas has to offer. Whether you’re spending the day exploring the Boston Mountains in the town of Mountainburg, or visiting the gateway to the Buffalo National River known as Jasper, these Arkansas towns are downright delightful.

What is the most naturally beautiful town in Arkansas?

Arkansas is known for having some truly spectacular natural beauty throughout the state - just look at the small town of Eureka Springs! But if you really want to check out the most beautiful town in Arkansas, one that is bursting with nature and scenery, then head out to Mountain View. This town has been dubbed the Folk Music Capital of the World and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty thanks to the Ozark National Forest.

What is the oldest town in Arkansas?

Whether you’re exploring the coolest towns in Arkansas or the ones with the most history, you’ll likely have a memorable experience no matter what. The town of Batesville, Arkansas combines both of the aspects into one fascinating place. As the second-oldest municipality in the state, Batesville was first settled in 1810 and is still going strong! Even with a population of 10,000 residents, this small town is filled with fun things to see and do.