Best Eureka Springs Day Trips: Explore the Ozarks

Eureka Springs, Arkansas is really more than just a spot to hang your hat; you know, it’s almost a jumping-off point for tons of awesome adventures. It’s sort of like the hub of a wheel, is that you get me? From this cute, quirky town, you can take off in practically any direction and run smack into some super cool stuff to see and do. Seriously. We’re talking scenic drives that’ll make your jaw drop, historic places loaded with stories, and so many pretty spots in nature that it’s almost crazy. And the best part? They’re all doable in just one day. That said, let’s talk about five of my favorites, right? They give you a good mix of what the Ozarks have to offer. Ready? Let’s get to it!

1. Beaver Lake: Lakeside Fun and Natural Beauty

Okay, so first up is Beaver Lake. Actually, Beaver Lake is maybe an easy peasy drive from Eureka Springs, and let me tell you, it’s so very worth it. Just imagine a lake sprawling out over 28,000 acres, right? With nearly 500 miles of shoreline! You could explore for days. You could do stuff such as, get out on the water, is that you rent a boat, or you could even bring your own, is that okay? Or go fishing; they’ve got every sort of fish here. Largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie. And it’s nearly very easy. No experience? No sweat, really. You can find charters and guides to sort of help you. Very fun, I do have to say.

But here’s the thing. If you’re someone who likes to stay on land, don’t worry! I mean, they have like hiking trails winding all around the lake, right? You’ll find trails that’ll take you along the shoreline and up into the hills, is that so? And get this – plenty of spots for a picnic with views that are more or less picture-perfect, right? The crystal water sparkling in the sunlight and thick forests all around. It’s almost therapeutic. So too it’s almost peaceful, you know? Especially if you’re burned out and need to get away from all the noise for a bit, which a lot of you guys do.

Plus, it’s almost like it’s got a bit of history, too! Right? The dam that created Beaver Lake, right?, it, really, this one started back in the ’60s. If you were around then, that is neat. So in some respects it has, like, changed the face of the area, actually. It sort of, really, boosted tourism and has just given local folks and people traveling through so many reasons to kick back and enjoy themselves. All in all, Beaver Lake? That might be the winner.

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2. Branson, Missouri: Entertainment and Family Fun

So then, how about a hop, skip, and a jump up to Branson, Missouri, that’s right! If you’re up for a day trip that’s a bit more energetic, it is so this is it. And it really isn’t all that far; it’s almost just around an hour from Eureka Springs. Now, I might not call Branson a peaceful paradise. But Branson has tons of different kinds of shows, from music and dance to magic and comedy. I do love it. And whatever you’re into, you’ll probably find a show that floats your boat, right?

You might go see world-famous performers, family-friendly acts, or homages. You will. It’s almost very much a smorgasbord of entertainment, and you can buy tickets ahead of time. I might suggest doing so; I want you to ensure you snag a seat at the shows you really want to see. You will see.

And I think Branson goes way past just the stage, too, which I guess is a good thing. I guess. Silver Dollar City is pretty fun, too. Want thrilling rides? Maybe you like water attractions? It’s very fun, in a way. You know? In the evening, the park just sort of lights up, like the rides glitter against the night. Good times, anyway. If amusement parks are so not your jam, check out the museums and theme parks, and, heck, even outlet malls where you can get a great deal. Branson, Missouri has everything to get you covered.

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3. Buffalo National River: Hiking, Canoeing, and Scenic Views

Third, really, we’ve got Buffalo National River. Here is a bit of a nature treat, actually. This destination protects one of the few remaining rivers that hasn’t been dammed in the United States, is that, so I mean it when I call it special. Really.

About an hour and a half’s drive south of Eureka Springs, and that way you’ll open your eyes to super stunning views. A very amazing option would be to paddle your way down the river in a kayak or canoe; just see all the forest land sliding on by as you gently push yourself along, all at a calm kind of speed, I would say. If you didn’t tote your own gear, just like your boat, it, in short, is really almost zero trouble getting something to rent.

Do you want to see some scenery while not, maybe, necessarily doing that paddling? If so, very, that is fine! You can have some very nice hiking that really gets to give you killer views, for certain. Put on boots that can handle dirt; make sure to travel to places like the Lost Valley Trail. It is very pretty, as a matter of fact! Do some hiking and then maybe stop at a waterfall along the way!

Also, this part of Arkansas almost sort of is crammed with historical attractions, too. You will catch, just sort of in glimpses, spots from ages gone by. Or, as a matter of fact, take photos of buildings that were there way, way back when!

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4. Bentonville: Art, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Ready to go northwest of Eureka Springs? You may want to then go to Bentonville, the jumping off point to many things that you have never had any kind of association with previously. First? We could spend a bit chatting about Crystal Bridges. That place displays things done by U.S. artists! No sweat, that is true!

Are you hungry, yet? Me too! That isn’t to mean to get ahead of myself, but just talking food almost sort of does me that way. It can be so easy and actually almost extremely neat to wander here and eat food! You can taste what every joint puts out to try to be unique in the food sector of Bentonville! Or, frankly, just pop on down to some random coffee cafe shop to catch that kick to the head from that java that some people call coffee.

I want you to maybe sort of keep your eye out in town! It can be extremely great to visit! You should just catch and feel the vibes, so you might want to watch people enjoying time doing Bentonville-like stuff. And do remember the many times Bentonville almost sort of had its own personality that came up over time. That would be a cool thought, no?

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5. Scenic Highway 7: A Picturesque Drive Through the Ozarks

How about doing just a super lovely drive down Scenic Highway 7 for our last place on our day-trip place suggestions? Highway 7 really, in a way, starts in Harrison that just sort of goes south to the heart of Arkansas! I believe you might love what shows to you in the forests and hills! Be cautious though; be watching what is on that street because, you know, that stuff could show on you like a rock! I just had to bring that to your notice just because I care a little.

Do you dig scenic overlooks? Maybe there will come some places from which you could almost, just to be at peace, just sit and wonder what is happening while feeling almost nothing! And so what does the forests even do?

Want stuff to see? There are a bunch of stops right as you motor yourself down Highway 7. These destinations hold super amazing old stories or points that can sort of let us into what the nature looks like in Arkansas. That should almost give you a very exciting drive from what I am catching in terms of what you look to do!

Remember that some towns, just towns like Jasper and Ponca, can be those cool small stops for the folks just flying on by! Just grab snacks in these small, never known places so that you have food that isn’t boring!

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