Eureka Springs: Downtown Walking Tour & Underground Stories

Summary

Victorian streets, secret tunnels, and wild tales in downtown Eureka Springs

You’ll walk crooked streets with a local guide who knows every odd corner of downtown Eureka Springs. Taste mineral air at historic springs, slip into underground passages where legends were made, hear wild tales of outlaws and healers, and pause among Victorian homes that feel frozen in time. Expect laughter, surprise—and maybe a little mud on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I almost missed the start of our downtown Eureka Springs walking tour because I got distracted by a dog wearing sunglasses outside the Basin Park Hotel. Our guide, Marsha (who’s lived here forever), just grinned and waved me over — “You’ll see we’re all a little weird here.” She wasn’t kidding. The first thing you notice is how nothing in this town sits straight; the sidewalks tilt, the buildings lean, and even the air smells like moss and old stone after last night’s rain. We started out by peeking at one of the original springs — it’s smaller than I expected but there’s this faint mineral tang in the air that makes you want to cup your hands and taste it.

Marsha had a way of weaving stories so you felt like you’d met these people — outlaws, healers, Carrie Nation smashing bottles (I tried to say her name right but tripped over it; Marsha didn’t mind). At one point we ducked down some steps that looked more like a secret passage than a street. It was cool and damp underfoot, and she pointed out where bank robbers once made their getaway — apparently the first car robbery in Arkansas happened right here. Someone in our group asked about ghosts and Marsha just winked. The main keyword for this tour is definitely “underground,” both literally and with all these half-buried stories.

We wandered past mosaics splashed across brick walls, through alleys that smelled faintly of coffee and wet leaves. The Victorian houses up in the “silk stocking” neighborhood looked almost too perfect — I kept expecting someone in a top hat to step out onto a porch. There was this moment near the Carnegie Library where everything went quiet except for crows overhead; I still think about that hush sometimes. If you’re looking for a day trip to Eureka Springs with real texture — not just pretty facades — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Eureka Springs history and landmarks

• Discover underground Eureka Springs secrets
• Learn about healing waters and Indian springs
• Hear stories of colorful historic characters
• Walk above Park to original Basin Park Spring
• See current Basin Park Spring location
• Visit Flatiron Building and learn its history
• Hear about first vehicle bank robbery
• Learn about three fires and Prohibition Era
• Descend secret steps and hear Carrie Nation story
• Walk along former Mud Street (Main Street)
• Learn about two underground systems
• Visit Underground Center in Basin Spring Bath House
• Hear Bill Doolin arrest story
• Walk in only underground storefront in downtown

Top questions

How long does the Eureka Springs walking tour last?

The guided downtown walking tour lasts approximately 70 minutes.

Is there an underground part on this Eureka Springs tour?

Yes, you’ll visit underground areas including an old storefront beneath Main Street.

Are dogs allowed on the Eureka Springs walking tour?

Yes, dogs are welcome on this tour through downtown Eureka Springs.

Does this day trip include visiting historic springs?

You’ll see several iconic springs including Basin Park Spring during the walk.

Is lunch included on the Eureka Springs walking tour?

No meals are included; it’s focused on history and local stories.

Do I need special shoes for this tour?

Good walking shoes are recommended due to uneven sidewalks and steps.

Will we learn about local legends or famous people?

The guide shares stories about figures like Carrie Nation and notorious bank robbers.

What’s included

Your 70-minute experience includes a researched historical walk through downtown Eureka Springs with a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll visit four historic springs, explore unique underground spaces beneath Main Street—including an old storefront—and stroll past public art, Victorian architecture, grand hotels, murals, mosaics, and even the Carnegie Public Library before finishing back at Basin Park. Service animals are welcome too.