| Copyright 2008 by Dale Cox All rights reserved. |
The Historic Springs of Eureka Springs
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The Springs of Eureka Springs, Arkansas
| Crescent Spring - Eureka Springs This spring, at the base of the mountain topped by the historic Crescent Hotel, is one of the most picturesque in Eureka Springs. |
As you might expect, the city of Eureka Springs takes its name from
springs that flow from the mountainsides surrounding the Arkansas
landmark.
Long before tourists began coming here, at least sixty-two springs
flowed from the Ozarks hillsides at the site of Eureka Springs. They
played a vital part in the modern development of the community, as
many people during the 19th century believed that the mineral
waters held curative properties.
The presence of so many springs and their unusual high quality
prompted developers to build a resort community, where visitors
came to "take the waters." They drank the pure mountain water and
soaked in spas, several of which still stand.
Of the original sixty-two springs, more than one dozen have been
restored and can still be seen. Probably the most famous of these is
Basin Spring. Located at the heart of Eureka Springs, Basin Spring
is surrounded by a beautiful little park that is a center of life and
activity in the community.
Another favorite is Crescent Spring, on Spring Street. Covered by a
restored Victorian gazebo, the spring is surrounded by beautiful
landscaping. A stone staircase leads up the mountainside to a trail
connecting it with the historic Crescent Hotel.
Nearby Grotto Spring, also on Spring Street, is so named because it
flows from a fascinating mountainside cave.
The springs are scattered all through the Eureka Springs valley. A
number can be seen along Spring Street, one of the main avenues
of the downtown area. Two are located on Magnetic Road, which
leads from downtown up Magnetic Mountain to the grounds of the
Great Passion Play. Four more can be found on Douglas and Steele
Streets on East Mountain. One of these is the Carrie Nation Spring,
named for the well-known anti-liquor crusader who lived nearby.
Small signs can be found directing visitors to the various springs, so
just watch for them and you will have no trouble. One note, though,
the water flowing from the springs is no longer considered safe to
drink.
springs that flow from the mountainsides surrounding the Arkansas
landmark.
Long before tourists began coming here, at least sixty-two springs
flowed from the Ozarks hillsides at the site of Eureka Springs. They
played a vital part in the modern development of the community, as
many people during the 19th century believed that the mineral
waters held curative properties.
The presence of so many springs and their unusual high quality
prompted developers to build a resort community, where visitors
came to "take the waters." They drank the pure mountain water and
soaked in spas, several of which still stand.
Of the original sixty-two springs, more than one dozen have been
restored and can still be seen. Probably the most famous of these is
Basin Spring. Located at the heart of Eureka Springs, Basin Spring
is surrounded by a beautiful little park that is a center of life and
activity in the community.
Another favorite is Crescent Spring, on Spring Street. Covered by a
restored Victorian gazebo, the spring is surrounded by beautiful
landscaping. A stone staircase leads up the mountainside to a trail
connecting it with the historic Crescent Hotel.
Nearby Grotto Spring, also on Spring Street, is so named because it
flows from a fascinating mountainside cave.
The springs are scattered all through the Eureka Springs valley. A
number can be seen along Spring Street, one of the main avenues
of the downtown area. Two are located on Magnetic Road, which
leads from downtown up Magnetic Mountain to the grounds of the
Great Passion Play. Four more can be found on Douglas and Steele
Streets on East Mountain. One of these is the Carrie Nation Spring,
named for the well-known anti-liquor crusader who lived nearby.
Small signs can be found directing visitors to the various springs, so
just watch for them and you will have no trouble. One note, though,
the water flowing from the springs is no longer considered safe to
drink.
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| Grotto Spring - Eureka Springs Taking its name from the unique cave from which it flows, Grotto Spring is one of many that can be seen along Spring Street in Eureka Springs. |
| Magnetic Spring - Eureka Springs Flowing from the side of Magnetic Mountain, site of the Great Passion Play and the Christ of the Ozarks, Magnetic Spring is surrounded by a small park. |