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Pet Friendly Things to Do in Eureka Springs

Feeling a little wanderlust? Curious about the little corner of the world called Eureka Springs? If the itch to travel includes searching out things to do with your dog as an essential part of the fun, you’ve come to the right place. And discovering things to do with your dog in Eureka Springs may be just the hidden getaway you’re searching for.

photo red goldendoodle dog sitting on deck overlooking Ozark mountains

The best pet-friendly things to do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

In our family, the ideal escape includes unscheduled days to explore beautiful scenery, outdoor dog-friendly experiences, unique shops, and great local restaurants. All made more fun with our red Goldendoodle dog named Chloe along with us. We gravitate to little out-of-the-way places or at least places away from the crowds. Maybe you do too.

Satisfying your wanderlust

That’s why Eureka Springs, Arkansas has been a three-time getaway for our family—furry family members included. There are plenty of pet-friendly things to do in Eureka Springs. Plus, the area has a unique blend of historic charm, outdoor recreation, beautiful views, unique shops, and pet-friendly restaurants to explore.

photo view of the white river from a dog-friendly cabin in eureka springs

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

If you’re feeling a little wanderlust, here are some ideas for pet-friendly things to do in Eureka Springs including where to stay, where to eat, and what to explore. But before we get started on our dog-friendly itinerary, you may be interested to know more about this little town tucked away in the hills of Arkansas. So we’ll fill you in…

About Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Located in Northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a small mountain town surrounded by nature—rivers, lakes, and the Ozark Mountains. (Also, as its name suggests, there are natural springs that flow throughout the town.) There is an eclectic charm to the historic downtown area that has an abundance of artistic shops, Victorian architecture, and dog-friendly patio restaurants. In fact, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus, if you and your dog enjoy hiking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and other outdoor experiences, there are nearby lakes and rivers including the White River, Beaver Lake, Lake Leatherwood, and Kings River.

photo red goldendoodle dog in front of the damn in eureka springs area
Beaver Dam is located 9 miles from Eureka Springs.

How to get to Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is a 45-minute drive from Branson, Missouri, 50-minute drive from Rogers, Arkansas, just under four hours from Kansas City, Missouri, and just under five hours from St. Louis, Missouri. (Roadtripping? You could explore both Eureka Springs and KC. Here is our companion post, 17 Best Things to Do with Your Dog in Kansas City.) For an idea of how to get to Eureka Springs from your starting point, take a peek at this map:

It’s worth mentioning that once you’ve arrived in the area, the Eureka Springs Trolley is a great mode of transportation. The trolley offers several stops in the downtown area as well as at other points of interest. However, it does not allow pets.

Hints for a happier trip by Happy-Go-Doodle: Because of its winding roads and mountainside streets, be prepared for your electronic mapping devices to get confused. Try to avoid driving into the Eureka Springs downtown area at night. While the curvy roads and hills are picturesque during the day, at night the roads swirl through town like spaghetti swirls around a fork. Also, if you or your dog are prone to carsickness due to hills and curves, have a plan in place before you go.

Where to stay with your dog in Eureka Springs

photo red goldendoodle dog sitting outside of cabin in eureka springs arkansas area
Chloe enjoys cabin life at Can-U-Canoe Riverview Cabins.

We’ve found that cabins are a great dog-friendly lodging option for us. Most of the cabins where we’ve stayed have ample outdoor space for leashed dog walks and simply for enjoying the outdoors. We’ve stayed at two cabins in the Eureka Springs area: Can-U-Canoe Riverview Cabins and Sugar Ridge Resort Cabins. Both offer beautiful views and both places welcomed Chloe as family.

photo of red goldendoodle dog sitting outside

Two Eureka Springs cabins that are pet-friendly and have beautiful views

On our most recent adventure to Eureka Springs, we made Can-U-Canoe Riverview Cabins our home away from home. We stayed in “The Fishing Moose” cabin that overlooks the White River. If you enjoy peacefulness, private decks and living areas with great views, an outdoor hot tub, and beds that are luxuriously comfortable, this could be your bliss.

photo sign outside of a dog-friendly cabin
It’s true. You can hear roosters crowing (faintly) from your deck.
photo of red goldendoodle dog looking out at the view of the ozark mountains
Chloe enjoyed sniffing the mountain air and looking at the view of the White River from the deck on our cabin.
photo of the white river in the ozark mountains of the eureka springs area
The view from the upper deck of The Fishing Moose cabin at Can-U-Canoe Riverview Cabins at Eureka Springs.

Sugar Ridge Resort

We’ve also made Sugar Ridge Resort our home away from home. The private cabins, which sit on top of a mountain ridge and overlook Beaver Lake, have incredible views from every space—deck, living room, and bedroom. Dogs are welcomed, and we enjoyed taking Chloe out for leashed walks. Plus, our cabin had a hanging porch swing on the deck. Bliss.

photo of the view of beaver lake from dog-friendly cabins in arkansas
The view of Beaver Lake from the porch swing at Sugar Ridge Resort.
photo of red goldendoodle dog sitting on deck of dog-friendly cabins in eureka springs arkansas
Chloe sat on the deck of the cabin at Sugar Ridge Resort. In addition to great views, she could do her favorite thing…watch for squirrels.

Typically, there is an additional pet fee when staying in dog-friendly cabins. If you’re considering renting a cabin, we recommend a quick phone call to get specific details about additional pet fees, limitations on the size of dog that’s allowed to stay, and any other guidelines or rules.

Other dog-friendly places to stay in Eureka Springs

While we haven’t had a chance to try out other pet-friendly places in the Eureka Springs area, according to BringFido.com there are over 46 dog-friendly resorts, hotels, and cabins. You can find information about pet-friendly lodging at Bring Fido: Pet-Friendly Eureka Springs.

Where to eat: Dog-friendly Eureka Springs restaurants

If you enjoy going out to eat and taking your dog along with you, there are several dog-friendly restaurants in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. A couple of our favorites include dinner at Local Flavor in Eureka Springs’ downtown historic district and lunch at Eureka Grill.

Local Flavor Cafe in downtown Eureka Springs

photo of red goldendoodle dog in front of dog-friendly local flavor cafe in downtown eureka springs
Local Flavor Cafe’s dog-friendly patio is set
under a canopy of trees and twinkle lights.

Local Flavor Cafe’s dog-friendly patio is tucked among the trees and a canopy of twinkle lights. The server brought Chloe a water bowl and Chloe made herself at home by my chair. Local Flavor Cafe’s menu is eclectic and creative!

Eureka Springs Grill in downtown Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs Grill made Chloe feel at home as we sat at a table under the trees with a patio umbrella for extra shade. Chloe appreciated the water bowl the server gave her and we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. The salmon ceasar salad with a pat of herb-butter is my personal favorite.

photo of salmon caesar salad from the eureka grill in downtown eureka springs
You can sit outside on the patio with your dog at Eureka Grill. The ceasar salmon salad is my favorite. I ordered it on two of our trips. The herb butter…mmmm.

Things to do: Dog-friendly adventures in Eureka Springs and the historic downtown area

Historic downtown Eureka Springs, with its Victorian architecture and winding roads, feels like a step back in time. (I hope the tinted photos in this blog post help convey the charm.)

photo of historic downtown eureka springs
Historic downtown Eureka Springs

There’s a unique mix of boutiques, bath and body shops, antique stores, bakeries and coffee shops, classic touristy souvenir shops, and art galleries.

photo of dog sculpture sitting in a shop window in downtown eureka springs store
If you’re window shopping with your dog in Eureka Springs, you may run across some dog-friendly art.

If you have a limited amount of time, here are a couple of shopping recommendations.

The Bathhouse Soapery and Caldarium is one of our favorite shops in downtown Eureka Springs. The charming “apothecary boutique” offers hand-blended bath and body soaps, lotions, and more. Not far away, you can grab a hot or iced coffee at Eureka Daily Roast for another treat.

photo of two coffees sitting on table and gift bag from the bathhouse boutique in eureka springs
After shopping at The Bathhouse, grab a coffee at Eureka Daily Roast.

We’ve talked about indulgences for you, but what about for your dog? That’s where Blackie’s Backyard gift store comes in. The pet store has a great mix of dog-friendly supplies, dog treats, and unique gifts for both dogs and humans. And, from chatting with the owners, it’s easy to see just how much they love dogs as family.

photo of blackie's backyard gift store in eureka springs
Need a souvenir or dog treats? Blackie’s Backyard has great gifts and pet supplies for dogs and dog lovers.

Eureka Springs Dog-Friendly Trails

After a day exploring the Eureka Springs downtown area, you and your dog may be ready for some outdoor adventures near the water. Here are some of the dog-friendly activities that we discovered.

Lake Leatherwood

Lake Leatherwood has 25 miles of hiking around a spring-fed lake. We took the Beacham Trail that circles around the lake and passes over the Lake Leatherwood dam. The nature trail stays fairly close to the lake and has varied terrain. It was an easy hike for our pack—both human and canine.

photo of a wooden sign that says beacham trail
Lake Leatherwood Trail.
photo of red goldendoodle dog on a trail at lake leatherwood in arkansas
The Beacham Trail at Lake Leatherwood has varied terrain.
photo of a dam that crosses over lake leatherwood
The dam crosses over Lake Leatherwood and the trail circles around the lake.
photo of a nature trail
The trail offers some shade and some sun.

Canoeing and paddleboarding in Eureka Springs

Ready to get on the water? Bring your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard along. If you don’t own outdoor watercraft, you can always rent it from an outdoor outfitter while you’re in the area.

We rented canoes and paddled down the White River in Eureka Springs. Chloe was our captain and guide dog.

photo of red goldendoodle dog wearing life vest and canoe
Canoeing along the river.
photo of river in arkansas

Helpful hint from Happy-Go-Doodle: Check the weather radar before you go and watch for pop-up storms. You don’t want to get caught in a thunderstorm on the river…for your own safety and for the safety of your dog.

Take time to enjoy the view

photo of dog sitting on a porch swing looking at beaver lake in arkansas
Whose fuzzy head is that? Yes, our fluffy Muppet dog was happy to sit on the porch swing at the cabin and enjoy the views of Beaver Lake…and keep an eye out for squirrels too.

Finally, after exploring Eureka Springs, you and your dog may be ready for a little R&R. Dog-friendly getaways are a great time to just enjoy the view and hang out with your furry friend. Our canine companions are great reminders of the importance of living in the moment and enjoying the little things.

Whether you’re looking out at the view from a porch swing in Eureka Springs or looking up at the stars from the porch at your own home, life is always better with a dog by your side.

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What’s your favorite thing to do with your dog?

Please comment below. We’d love to hear.

Maria

Thursday 19th of September 2019

Would love to accommodate you and your pupper at Lake Forest Luxury Log Cabins. We are in the Beaver Lake area of Eureka Springs! We even provide an orthopedic pet bed, food & water bowl, and pup blanket for your furbaby to use for their pupcation. Check us out the next time your in town! 479-363-9991 www.lakeforestcabinsresort.com

HappyGoDoodle

Saturday 28th of September 2019

Bow-Wow! You really know how to make puppers feel special. We'll definitely check you out! Thanks for loving pets and making them at home away from home. Tail wags and take care!

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