Winter has become the new travel season. As Northwest Arkansas and surrounding cities grow, regional visitors who seek a nearby geta- way continue to find Eureka Springs. From live music and seasonal festivals to outdoor adventure, wellness, and unique attractions, the town remains active and welcoming throughout the colder months.
OUtdoor fun
For outdoor enthusiasts, winter is prime time at Lake Leatherwood City Park. Cooler temperatures make hiking and mountain biking more comfortable, and the park’s nationally recognized trail system offers options for all skill levels. Mountain bikers gravitate to the Lake Leatherwood Gravity Project (on the Oz Trails system) for flow and technical features, while hikers enjoy quieter paths with long Ozark views. A standout winter hike begins off Oil Springs Road, where a scenic trail leads to Black Bass Lake — an especially beautiful route in the winter months, with leaf-off views, peaceful water, and fewer people on the trail.
Lots to do downtown
Downtown, winter weekends are far from quiet. Live music continues at local venues, and signature events keep the calendar full. Eureka Springs Mardi Gras brings parades, costumes, and celebration in January and February, while the Ozark Mountain Music Festival draws music lovers for multiple days of performances starting January 15th.
Dining options
Dining is another reason visitors are pleasantly surprised. Many favorite restaurants remain open year-round, offering warm meals and lively atmospheres even in the off-season. Popular winter staples include Local Flavor Cafe, Mud Street Cafe and McGarity’s Restaurant & Irish Pub, where hearty fare and live music keep downtown energized.
Rest and Relax
Winter is also when Eureka Springs truly shines as a place to relax and recharge. A strong year-round wellness scene includes the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, the Palace Bath House and Spa 1905, all welcoming guests throughout the winter season. At the Crescent, visitors can book massages and spa treatments before soaking in the hotel’s signature hot pool, where steam rises into the cold Ozark air — a favorite winter ritual.
Make Memories
For travelers looking for memorable experiences beyond shopping and dining, winter opens the door to some of Eureka Springs’ most distinctive attractions. Ice skaters can enjoy a winter wonderland at the Crescent. Wildlife lovers make time to visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where rescued big cats can be seen year-round. For indoor fun, Escape Room 13 offers puzzle- solving challenges, while history buffs explore the Downtown & Underground Tour, revealing hidden passages and buried streets beneath the city.
THINGS THAT GO BOO IN THE NIGHT
Eureka Springs is also nationally known for its paranormal reputation, and winter is an ideal time to explore it. Nightly ghost tours operate at the Crescent and the Basin Park Hotel, along with guided city walking tours that blend history and legend. Winter also brings immersive experiences like the Crescent Lockdown and ESP Weekend, attracting paranormal enthusiasts from across the region.
Winter is wonderful in eureka springs With shops, restaurants, bars, spas, tours, and attractions open year-round—especially on weekends—Eureka Springs continues to show that winter isn’t an off-season. It’s simply another way to experience everything that makes this Ozark town a destination in every month of the year.
