Looking for something to do in Eureka Springs? Take a stroll along one of the most popular tree lined streets in town… The Boulevard. A prominent residential area since the 1800’s, Spring Street is arguably one of the prettiest streets in Eureka Springs. It is no mistake that some of the most photographed buildings are on this street.
Directions:
By car, Spring Street can be reached from the parking lot of the Crescent Hotel by taking the first turn to the right (Ellis Grade) as you leave. Follow the road as it winds down past the Eureka Springs Parks cabin and around past the Dairy Hollow Writers Colony on the left. Follow this road past Grotto Spring. The Rosalie and the Floyd House are both on the right hand side of the road. Many other beautiful victorian houses are on both sides of the street.
By foot, from the Cottages at the Crescent (Marked D on the Downtown Eureka Springs digital map page 3), follow the footpath at the end of Prospect St. (past the cottages and curving slightly to the right) to the street below. Take the road to the right and follow through the residential neighborhood. See map or pick up a printed version at the Crescent Hotel Concierge Desk and the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Many of the buildings on this street have important historical connections to Eureka Springs development in the late 19th century.
Rosalie House
Built in 1889, Rosalie has been featured in Architectural Digest, Southern Living Magazine and more. The home features Eastlake and Steamboat Gothic architectural elements and was built by J.W. Hill who owned Crescent Livery and the Eureka Transfer Company and eventually the Hill Telephone Company.
Kerens House
R.C. Kerens was a railroad man and a U.S. Ambassador. As a member of the Eureka Springs Improvement Company, he helped to bring the railroad to Eureka Springs as well as build the Crescent Hotel, St. Elizabeth’s Church, and the Carnegie Library.
Tatman House
This house belonged to the first woman doctor in Arkansas, Pearl Hale-Tatman. She eventually married Dr. Albert Tatman and built “Cozy Corners” where they lived the rest of their life. The Tatman house is now a Bed and Breakfast.
Floyd House
Built in 1892, this home was built by Dr. R.F. Floyd who brought the first automobile to Eureka Springs streets.
Carnegie Public Library
Designed by renowned St. Louis architect, George Helmuth, the library opened in 1912. Originally, the stairs of the library formed a base for a gazebo that functioned as a footpath leading to the Crescent Hotel. This is one of only two remaining Carnegie Libraries in Arkansas. Unexpectedly, the street level door is not an entrance (see where this door leads). Flanked by the gorgeous park and historic gazebo of Crescent Spring, Carnegie Library is a perfect place for a picnic lunch or quiet time with a good book.
Even though this neighborhood looks like a movie set, please remember that these places are year round homes to regular folks. Quiet admiration and photos taken from public access areas only are appreciated.