We like to think of Eureka Springs as a little slice of doggie heaven — and our visitors have come to discover that, too. So, if you’re looking for a getaway where you can bring your pooch and know they’ll have the time of their lives, head toward our quirky ‘burg in the heart of the Ozarks. Your canine will get a thrill out of the hills and trails and woods in and around town, so you can expect him or her to end up dog-tired at the end of the day.

Dogster magazine twice named Eureka Springs one of the Top 5 most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. We also welcome cats and (some) other critters, too, but for this article we’ll focus on (Wo)man’s Best Friend. All told, it’s not a matter of where you can bring your dog in Eureka Springs, but where you can’t.

Here’s an overview of how to visit Eureka Springs with Fido in tow.

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Stay

Eureka Springs has lots of places to let sleeping dogs lie — hotels, motels and nearly 70 vacation rentals, according to bringfido.com. It may come as a bit of a surprise that the list includes three of the grand hotels in historic downtown: the Basin Park Hotel, Grand Central Hotel & Spa and 1886 Crescent Park Hotel, which has five acres of gardens and trails, ideal for taking your beloved pup on a stroll.

Quick tip: It’s a good idea to inquire about pet fees.

Play

Dogs have countless places to run, romp and rove in Eureka Springs. Our parks and trails allow dogs on leashes, providing a world of sights, sounds and smells. To lose the leash, visit Bark Park on the northern end of downtown. Part of the Harmon Park complex, Bark Park is a vast, hilly space full of paths, woods, boulders and patches of green grass. Oh, and benches for humans.

Here’s a fun little side trip: Dogs ride free on the Eureka Springs and Northern Arkansas Railway, a 1940s-era diesel locomotive that offers hour-long rides through the countryside. Note: pups can jump on the excursion train but not the lunch or dinner trains.

Eat and Drink

Most (if not all) of the restaurants with outdoor seating accommodate leashed dogs — and you don’t even have to buy them their own meals. At B-Side Cafe, the menu includes a “pupcuterie board,” which includes locally made dog treats and the end pieces of various cheeses and meats. Proceeds go to the Good Shepherd Humane Society. Here’s a partial list of eateries and drinkeries that welcome dogs: Local Flavor Cafe, Eureka Grill, Eureka Live, Gotahold Brewing, Brews, Eureka Springs Brewery, The New Delhi Cafe, Amigo’s, Main Street Cafe, and Nyx. Heck, you can even bring your dog to the Cathouse Lounge.

Shop & Stroll

Most of the shops along the winding streets of downtown allow dogs to come in and nose around. There are exceptions, so please ask at the door. If your pooch has been particularly good, stop by Blackie’s Backyard, which sells fun gifts and treats for dogs and dog lovers. It’s an ideal way to end a wonderful dog-friendly trip.
 

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Top Image: @mando_breaux