Nestled in the middle of northwest Arkansas’ oak-and-cedar-studded Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a town unlike any other in the state. Its grand Victorians and Italianate buildings make quite the first impression. The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, with old stone buildings now housing boutiques, galleries, museums, and restaurants. Eureka Springs has been referred to as both the Magic City and the Stairstep Town for its winding streets, which surround the natural springs that give the town its name. You can wander past several springs, including Harding Spring and Grotto Spring, or explore the history of their healing powers at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. With the Ozarks at the town’s doorstep, there are also plenty of outdoor activities on offer. The forested hills and clear rivers and lakes are popular for trout fishing, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. The ground underfoot is also a big attraction, with a network of caves and caverns ready to explore.

The best times to visit Eureka Springs are between April and June or September and October. The climate is most pleasant during spring, when the weather is warm but not yet hot and humid. With wild flowers beginning to bloom, this is a great season to book one of the area’s cabins and take a hike or visit a local park. Eureka Springs is also charming in the fall, with bright foliage and crisp mountain air. Summer’s hot days may not be ideal for some, but they’re perfect for water activities at Beaver Lake, such as kayaking, fishing, swimming, and pontoon boating. When the cold hits, the crowds thin out, making winter a mellow time to visit for indoor activities like browsing the museum and shops.

Ozark Natural Science Center

The Ozark Natural Science Center turns Arkansas’ diverse mountains into an outdoor classroom. Naturalist-led hikes demystify the local geology and botany as you explore the area’s creeks, meadows, and limestone bluffs. Guided night treks allow you to experience the forest beneath the stars. The center is also a great place to learn about the Native American history of the region.

Thorncrown Chapel

Tucked in the Ozark woodlands, this modern chapel soars 48 feet into the hickory canopy. Some 425 windows — over 6,000 square feet of glass — bring in panoramic views of the outdoors. The chapel was designed by a local architect who coined the style Ozark Gothic.

Eureka Springs Historic District

The Ozarks have always been a source of inspiration, and that’s still evident in the Eureka Springs Historic District, where historic hotels and colorful Victorian homes helped the area earn a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the ideal quarter for an afternoon stroll, gawking at the preserved turn-of-the-century Queen Anne and Romanesque buildings.