Spring in Eureka Springs is one of the best times to visit. The hills begin to turn green again, the weather is comfortable for walking around town, and the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa is a great place to stay while exploring the area. It’s the time of year when people start getting outside again, whether that means wandering downtown, hiking nearby trails, or spending a few hours on a bike.
Discovering Eureka Springs
A walk through the historic streets is one of the easiest ways to spend an afternoon. Early spring brings fresh air and the first signs of new growth around town. Some people spend their time browsing shops and galleries, others simply wander the hills and stairways that make Eureka Springs so distinctive. It’s less about checking things off a list and more about enjoying the atmosphere of the town.
Get Outside
Eureka Springs has more trail access than most small towns of its size. The Magnolia Trail runs from the hotel grounds down to downtown, passing Crescent Spring along the way. For a longer stretch on foot, Lake Leatherwood City Park sits just west of town with over 25 miles of maintained trails for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Mountain biking is a big draw here. Lake Leatherwood handles most of the traffic, with cross-country routes, a beginner-friendly loop around the lake, and a gravity trail system with seven downhill runs for more experienced riders. Marble Flats adds another option, with flowing single-track that works well in spring conditions. Routes range from easy in-town rides to the multi-mile Passion Play trail system being built on nearly 700 acres east of downtown.
For hiking, the Black Bass Lake loop is a flat, easy one-mile trail peppered with redbuds and wildflowers that hits its stride right around spring. The Kings River Overlook Trail is a 1.5-mile hike with panoramic views of the river valley, and Pigeon Roost Trail at Hobbs State Park offers a 4.3-mile loop through hardwood forests and limestone bluffs.
Wineries and Craft Beer
Keels Creek Winery has been producing award-winning wines from 100% Arkansas-grown grapes since 2006, with a tasting room and art gallery located right in the heart of downtown. Railway Winery sits about eight miles north of town off Highway 187 near the Beaver Bridge, with a scenic deck and patio overlooking the vineyard and a selection that runs from dry reds to fruit wines. Lovell Estate is another local option, housed in a restored 1891 property in Eureka Springs.
For craft beer, Eureka Springs Brewery sits east of town with nine rotating taps, a disc golf course, and plenty of outdoor space. Gotahold Brewing, about a mile and a half west on Highway 62, is an award-winning spot run by a master brewer with 30 years of experience, with a one-acre beer forest out back, live music, and tacos from an on-site food truck. Both breweries are BYOF-friendly and have built reputations as easy, relaxed hangouts.
Experiences at the Crescent Hotel
Back at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, there are plenty of ways to spend time on the property. The New Moon Spa & Salon offers massages, facials, and other treatments for anyone looking to relax for a while. Just outside, the heated pool stays open year-round and is a quiet spot for a swim or a few minutes in the sun.
Inside the hotel, the Governor’s Bar hosts beer tastings, wine tastings, and mixology classes. Some evenings include trivia or bingo, which usually draws a lively crowd of guests. Breakfast is served each morning in the Crystal Dining Room, a traditional start to the day before heading out to explore.
The hotel grounds are worth wandering on their own. A short path leads off the property to Grotto Spring, tucked into the wooded hillside just below. Yoga and soundbath sessions are offered for guests who want a slower start to the morning. For something more active, the Frisco Sporting Club has yard games and outdoor activities. Head up to Top of the Crest, the hotel’s rooftop bar with open-air seating, drinks, and views across the Ozarks as the sun goes down. Skybar Gourmet Pizza, just across the hall on the fourth floor, serves handcrafted pizzas and cold drinks from a balcony that looks out over the surrounding hills.
Planning Your Stay
A visit to the Crescent Hotel can be as full or as quiet as you want it to be. Spend part of the day on the trails or hitting a winery, then head back up the hill for a spa appointment, a walk through the park, or a swim in the heated pool. Later in the evening, grab dinner in town or settle in at the Governor’s Bar.
Spring is simply a good time to be here. The hills are green again, the weather is comfortable, and Eureka Springs feels easy to settle into for a few days.
Ready for a spring escape? Book a Premium Room for only $149 and receive a $25 resort credit. This offer is valid Sunday – Thursday, from April 1st to April 30th, 2026. It’s an ideal opportunity for a midweek visit to enjoy the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa.