EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. — One prominent magazine found on store shelves and in checkout lanes across the United States has named a “vacation destination” in the Ozarks as one of this year’s “Best Mountain Towns.”

The magazine and online publication, Southern Living, named Eureka Springs, Arkansas as one of 2022’s Best Mountain Towns of the South.

The unique city, which is no more than a two hour drive from Joplin, is listed on Southern Living’s website as number 5 of 15 towns in the south that the publication voted as one of “The South’s Best Mountain Towns 2022.”

“The mountains are etched into every fiber of life in Eureka Springs and one of the best parts of this natural playground is that you can tailor your visit to be as adventurous or relaxing as you wish,” said Madison Dawson, Director of Tourism for the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission.

The Southern Living publication had the following to say about Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and why the town was chosen as one of their “best.”

“The historic downtown area is the calling card of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a mountain town nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Beaver Lake. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so take time to marvel at the architecture, then explore the works by local artisans in the town’s eclectic shops and boutiques.”

Southern Living Editors

Some fun facts about the small Arkansas mountain town, listed by the Eureka Springs Tourism office, include:

  • Eureka Springs has more than 60 natural springs, the reason visitors first came in the
    19th century. More than a dozen of these springs have been restored and can be
    visited today.
  • Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs ranks as the fourth most significant American
    architectural structure behind the Sears Tower, the Empire State Building, and the
    Chrysler Building.
  • The only city in America whose entire historic downtown is listed on the National
    Register of Historic Places.
  • According to local folklore, Jesse James and his gang hid in the caves around Eureka
    Springs.