Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a small, surprisingly queer resort town nestled in the Ozark Mountains, near the Missouri border. The small town is home to dozens of queer-owned businesses, gorgeous Victorian architecture, delicious restaurants, incredible hikes and outdoor activities; and *drum roll please* a 30% queer population!
What really makes Eureka Springs stand out among the crowd, is its heart-centered reputation of being a true safe space within the Bible Belt, where residents and tourists come together and all coexist peacefully (for the most part), regardless of identity, background, or religious beliefs. It’s a truly come-as-you-are kind of place, which has been many years in the making!
While I was a bit nervous and reluctant to believe that a queer safe haven exists in the state of Arkansas, my spouse and I did a road trip from Chicago to Eureka Springs to see this famously queer small town for ourselves. I immediately fell in love. If you love small towns and gorgeous hikes, I highly recommend a gaycation to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
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Queer History of Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs started out in the late 70s and early 80s as a Victorian spa town, where wealthy society members traveled to experience the healing waters of the Ozark springs.
Local legends from several native tribes spoke of magical springs that were located within the Ozark mountains, where afflicted persons could be healed from their ailments and washed new. These rumors drew in travelers by the thousands, and Eureka Springs quickly transformed from an isolated mountain wilderness to a flourishing town in only a few short months. By the end of 1879, Eureka Springs had an estimated 10,000 new residents.
Today, this small town of only 2,100 residents is a destination for over 1.5 million tourists per year, ushering in an eclectic mix of tourists with open arms!
How did Eureka Springs Become a Popular Gaycation Spot and Community Safe Haven?
In the mid-1960s, with the countercultural revolution in full swing, Eureka Springs became a magnet for new residents, drawn by its scenic charm and affordable housing. It quickly morphed into a haven for creatives and free spirits, many of which embracing liberal political views and eager to find a place where they could live openly and safely among their community.
Several of the new residents were queer people, and their arrival marked the beginning of a transformative era for downtown Eureka Springs.
The influx of open-minded artists, nature lovers, and entrepreneurs revitalized the town. Victorian structures were restored, springs were reclaimed, and the town buzzed with new art galleries, bookstores, restaurants, and lively nightspots. This wave of innovation also saw the opening of Eureka Springs’ first queer-owned businesses, inspiring others in the LGBTQ+ community to join what was becoming the unofficial “gay capital of the Ozarks.”
In recent years, the LGBTQ+ community has continued to be a driving force behind Eureka Springs’ growth and development. The city’s reputation for acceptance and inclusion, along with its multitude of queer-owned businesses, entertainment venues, hotels, and annual queer celebrations, has become a cornerstone of the local economy.
In 2024, over 70% of businesses in Eureka Springs proudly market themselves to LGBTQ+ patrons, showcasing the city’s genuine friendliness and welcoming spirit to people from all walks of life.
Eureka Springs’ Christian Past and Present
In 1964, just as countercultural migrants were flocking to Eureka Springs, religious leader Gerald Smith arrived with plans for his future Christian congregation.
Smith wasted no time launching several building endeavors, which he named the ‘Sacred Projects.’ In 1966, he dedicated a towering 7-story statue of Jesus, known as Christ of the Ozarks, which still stands today as a recognizable landmark of Eureka Springs. In 1986, Smith founded the Great Passion Play, now known as the largest crucifixion reenactment in the United States.
Presently, the region’s strong Christian community still remains intact, with many conservative Christian churches bringing in numerous weekly attendees.
Eureka Springs hasn’t always been the harmonious place it is now. However, over the years, queer folks and conservative Christians have learned to *somewhat peacefully* coexist.
Cool Facts About Eureka Springs
- Eureka Springs hosts 4 annual Pride celebrations! Along with their Pride festival in June, the town also organizes 3 annual Diversity Weekends in the spring, summer, and fall months. Eureka Springs Pride and all Diversity weekends are free to the public.
- Eureka Springs is rumored to be the location of an earth vortex! Much like the famous vortexes in Sedona, Arizona; Eureka Springs has been long rumored to be home to its own energy-charged vortex site, due to its location on top of a vast quartz crystal deposit. Many travelers who have visited locations with vortex energies have reported feelings of relaxation, increased creativity, inspiration, light body tingling, and rejuvenation.
- Eureka Springs is home to more than 400 working artists and is located in the heart of the Arkansas Art Trail. The town is known for its artistic culture and has dozens of fine art galleries throughout the downtown district. Eureka Springs even hosts a month-long celebration each May where residents come together to celebrate all things art related!
- The Pig Trail, located about 1.5 hours outside of Eureka Springs, was recently voted one of the top 10 motorcycle rides in North America. With its hundreds of miles of winding roads, lush forests, and rolling hills, the area around Eureka Springs has become known as a hotspot for motorcycle enthusiasts. The town itself is a popular stop for bikers, welcoming riders to cruise in, take a break, and soak up the local charm.
- The Eureka Springs region is home to an array of unique caves. There are some that you can explore, tour, dine in, and even sleep in! The Grotto Cave on upper Spring Street is one of the most popular, but there’s also a Civil War cave located in downtown Eureka Springs, along with many others within a short distance.
Best Time to Visit Eureka Springs
The ‘gayest small town in America’ is packed with fun activities in any season, from year-round festivals to summer outdoor attractions and winter gallery tours. Here are a few seasonal highlights to help make the most of your time in Eureka Springs, no matter when you visit.
Summer
In the warm summer months, visitors can explore lush parks, take scenic hikes through areas such as Kings River Overlook, enjoy other outdoor activities like tubing down Buffalo National River or biking through Lake Leatherwood Park. The summer months also bring a host of festivals and events including the Fat Tire Festival for mountain bike enthusiasts, Eureka Springs Pride festival, and the Summer Diversity Weekend.
Winter
The winter months in Eureka Springs transforms into a charming Christmas village. It’s the perfect time for wandering through the local art galleries, shops, and witnessing holiday decorations. The town is less crowded during the winter season, which provides visitors ample opportunity to experience the local charms without the peak-season tourist crowds. Grab a cozy breakfast at Three Bird Cafe, enjoy a spa day or couples massage at Spa1905, or visit in January to catch the Ozark Mountain Music Festival!
Tip: Be sure to check the store hours before your trip, as some shops and businesses will close during the town’s off-season.
Spring
The mild weather in the spring is ideal for exploring Eureka Springs’ colorful streets and scenic trails while the region is in full bloom! Spring visitors can also plan to experience the May Festival of the Arts, Eureka Springs Blues Party, or the Spring Diversity Weekend.
Fall
In the fall, the Ozark mountains are ablaze with bright autumn colors, making Eureka Springs a hot spot for autumn leaf peepers! Fall visitors can look forward to the Ozark Folk Festival, October’s Zombie Crawl and Parade, and the Fall Diversity Weekend.
Where to Stay in Eureka Springs
- The Wanderoo Lodge & Gravel Bar (queer-owned resort with an outdoor pool and popular bar & restaurant)
- Treehouse Cottages (romantic, treehouse lodgings with a heart-shaped pool)
- Crescent Hotel & Spa (known as America’s most haunted hotel!)
- Basin Park Hotel (LGBTQ+ friendly, full-service hotel)
Best Restaurants in Eureka Springs
- Three Bird Cafe (lesbian-owned brunch cafe)
- B-Side Cafe (lesbian-owned lunch spot with vegan options and outdoor seating)
- Le Stick Nouveau (New Orleans-inspired fine dining)
- Nibbles Eatery (gay-owned cafe with gourmet salads, sandwiches, and desserts)
- Mud Street Cafe (cozy brunch & lunch spot )
- Grotto (wood-grilled American fare & wine in a cave-like setting)
Gay Things to Do
- Take a photo with the iconic rainbow staircase ( 16 N Main St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632)
- Go hiking at Beaver Lake
- Treat yourself to a spa day or couples massage at Spa1905
- Shop through Eureka Springs 50+ queer-owned businesses
- Grab a cocktail at one of Eureka Springs’ many gay bars
- Sign up for Lez Camp, a 4-day lesbian summer camp that’s held in July
Queer-Owned Businesses
Bars & Nightlife
- Eureka Live Underground (vibrant gay club venue)
- The Rowdy Beaver Den (laidback bar & American-fare eatery)
- Missy’s White Rabbit Lounge (eclectic lounge & cocktail bar)
Restaurants
- Nibbles Eatery (salads, sandwiches, & desserts)
- Three Bird Cafe (lesbian-owned brunch cafe)
- B-Side Cafe (lesbian-owned lunch spot with vegan options and outdoor seating)
Hotels & Resorts
- Pond Mountain Lodge & Resort (lesbian-owned bed & breakfast)
- Wanderoo Lodge & Gravel Bar (queer-owned resort with a pool & bar)
Retail stores
- Fresh Harvest (infused Olive oils & fine aged balsamic)
Creative spaces
- The Heart Division (boutique art gallery & gift shop)
Queer Events
- Spring Diversity Weekend (April 5th – 7th)
- Festival of the Arts | ArtRageous Parade (May 4th)
- Trans Fam Pride Weekend (May 31st – June 2nd)
- Eureka Springs Pride (June 6th – 9th)
- Lez Camp (July 25th – 29th)
- Summer Diversity Weekend (August 2nd – 4th)
- Fall Diversity Weekend (November 1st – 3rd )
Have you been to Eureka Springs? What are your top recommendations?
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