day trip suggestions for activities

We are planning a day trip to Eureka on a Friday in December. We will have people ranging from 18 to 75 in our group of 6. Any ideas for sightseeing, activities or restaurants would be appreciated.

day trip suggestions for activities

My first suggestion is that you go to www.eurekasprings.org and request a free visitors guide. that will give you a hard copy for reference.

Here are a few of the many many things you can do/see while in ES:

Belle of the Ozarks, Beaver Lake Cruises – Relax and view over 60 miles of scenic shoreline as the Captain delights you with a narration on the area’s history. See an ancient Indian burial ground, the submerged homestead and cruise around a 200 acre game preserve island; thrill to the sight of deer swimming, migrating birds and many lake activities. Watch for bald eagles when the foliage turns brilliant colors in the fall. For more information, call (479) 253-6200.

Thorncrown Chapel – This beautiful glass chapel with amazing architecture opened its doors in the summer of 1980. Since then, the chapel has been visited by nearly two million people from all over the United States and the world. Brochures are available at most lodging destinations. For more information, call (479) 253-7401 or (479) 253-7109.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – Turpentine Creek is one of the few USDA licensed facilities for large carnivores in the U.S. They rescue neglected or unwanted “Big Cats” and provide them with a safe home in a caring environment. For more information, check out www.tigers.tc.

Christ of the Ozarks Statue – 750,000 visitors journey to visit this seven-story memorial to Christ annually. Overlooking the Ozarks and Eureka Springs, the landmark is seen for miles and lighted for nighttime viewing. Located at The Great Passion Play grounds.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Church – In Ripley’s “Believe It or Not”. The only church you enter through the bell tower. Just off Historic Loop on Crescent Drive. While there stop in the cresent and take a self guided tour around the Hotel and its beautiful grounds. Or take a carriage ride with Southern Pride Carriage Tours located at the Cresent Hotel.

Eureka Springs Historical Museum – See the colorful past of this unique town and the people who lived here. A fascinating collection of papers, photographs, mementos, official documents, home furnishings, and other artifacts. Located at 95 South Main Street.

Stop in and see the bunnies at Caroline%26#39;s Collectables- Caroline%26#39;s is a gift shop at Gaskin%26#39;s Switch. There is a bunny who sits on the counter and hands you your change. Gaskins Switch is the little shopping area across the street from Pizza Hut on 62.

Of course you could spend the entire day right downtown visiting the unique one of a kind shops that ES is known for. Sit in Basin Park and people watch.

Trail of Lights

Monday, November 19th, 2007 - Monday, December 31st, 2007

Both Eureka Springs and Berryville will be participating in the Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism%26#39;s 2007 ';Trail of Lights.';

Restaurants: Just to name a few of the outstanding dining options.

Gaskin%26#39;s Cabin Steakhouse

Dine in the historic 1864 home of John Gaskins. Famous prime rib and 21 day aged steaks, seafood and chicken. With generous portions and a romantic setting, Gaskin%26#39;s Cabin Steakhouse is a wonderful choice for any occasion

Grand Taverne at Grand Central Hotel

Rogues Manor at Sweet Spring

Ermillos or Devitos for Italian

Cafe Soleil- Eureka Springs%26#39; Cafe Soleil offers simple, elegant dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Our menu features a fusion of International and contemporary American cuisine along with a surprisingly diverse selection of vegetarian offerings.

Local Flavor-Country breakfast, omelettes, vegetarian specials, pasta, salads- breakfast %26amp; lunch-

Hope this helps you and your family plan a wonderful day in Eureka Springs.

day trip suggestions for activities

Thanks so much for the great ideas! I have already requested the guide and am printing out your posting to take with me.

Thanks again!

So glad I could help...if you get a chance post back with a trip report when you return, you may be able to help out someone else in the future.

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