Forest Springs Resort: A Boutique Eureka Springs Getaway

Disclosure: My stay at Forest Springs Resort was hosted and complimentary as part of a collaboration. All opinions are my own. I only share places I’d genuinely recommend to my readers.

What Is Forest Springs Resort?

If you’ve been looking for a real Eureka Springs weekend getaway, not just a place to sleep, but an actual destination, Forest Springs Resort is worth knowing about. Tucked into ten wooded acres just five minutes from downtown Eureka Springs, this boutique property sits right in that sweet spot between “go do all the things” and “stay on the grounds and do absolutely nothing.” Both are completely valid options here.

Forest Springs was formerly the Traveler’s Inn, and it’s been thoughtfully reimagined into what they call a boutique forest micro resort. It’s not a massive hotel and that’s entirely the point. The property is small enough to feel personal, but polished enough that you’re not roughing it. The rooms are well appointed and beautifully decorated. A Nordic sauna and cold plunge, a pool surrounded by forest, a fireside lounge, and walking trails across ten Ozark acres, it all adds up to a getaway that actually feels like one.

Eureka Springs itself has been drawing visitors since the 1880s, when people came from across the country for the area’s mineral springs. It’s one of America’s earliest wellness destinations, and Forest Springs leans into that history in a natural way. If you’re building out your ArkLaTex weekend getaway list, this one deserves a spot on it.

Looking for more ideas? Check out my Weekend Getaways in the ArkLaTex guide.)

The rooms and grounds.

One of the things that makes Forest Springs interesting from a lodging standpoint is that the rooms aren’t cookie-cutter. Because the property was originally the Traveler’s Inn, each room carries its own character from the original architecture, a little worn-in history built right in. The team has been transparent about this: it’s not a new build, and they’re not trying to make it look like one. What they’ve done is clean it up, redesign it carefully, and let the bones of the place be part of the charm. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with wonderful amenities.

Room types currently include:

Forest King: sleeps 2, king bed, private deck. This is the pick if you want to wake up to trees and have your own outdoor space. Forest views and a private deck are exactly what they sound like.

Air King: sleeps 2, king bed, garden view. A solid option for couples who want the king bed without the private deck.

Double Queen (with fireplace): sleeps 2–4, two queen beds, and a fireplace. The fireplace makes this one stand out, especially for a fall or winter trip or for two people who want a little extra room.

Double Queen: sleeps 2–4, two queen beds. Available in multiple configurations. Good option if you’re traveling with a friend, a teen, or just want the extra space.

We stayed in a king bed room, and it was a great setup, comfortable, quiet, and surrounded by trees. Room features may include walk-in or rainfall showers, forest views, and private decks or outdoor seating, which vary by room type, so it’s worth checking the current listing when you book. Our room had a rainfall shower and was on the second floor. Our room had a rain head shower, plush (large) towels, and comfy bedding.

Note – the rooms on the second floor are not ADA accessible, and sauna and cold plunge are not either.

Beyond the rooms, the grounds are genuinely worth spending time on. You’ve got ten acres of Ozark forest, spring creeks running through the property, outdoor fire pits set up most evenings, and picnic tables with room to spread out. It’s the kind of place where a slow morning walk before breakfast actually sounds appealing.

Wellness amenities: cold plunge, Nordic spa, and pool.

This is where Forest Springs earns the “resort” part of its name. The wellness offerings here go well beyond a standard hotel gym situation.

The Nordic Sauna and Cold Plunge: This is the anchor of the wellness experience at Forest Springs. The sauna is a mirrored Nordic sauna, and the cold plunge is right there alongside it. Both are open to guests throughout their stay, no reservations required. If you’ve ever wanted to try a hot-cold wellness routine without committing to a full spa day, this is a great low-pressure way to do it. The view from the sauna into the woods is incredibly peaceful. There are also private hammock areas that are the perfect spot to just relax. Plus, a soon to be finished pickleball court.

The Pool: The outdoor pool is heated and set among the trees, which is a nicer experience than it might sound on paper. A forest-surrounded pool in the Ozarks hits differently than a rooftop pool in a city.

Red Light Therapy: Available on request as a newer addition to the property. Confirm availability when you book if it’s on your list.

Forest Trails: Ten acres of Ozark forest means there are actual walking trails on the property. The property also has spring creeks running through it, which adds to the whole “away from it all” feel. If you’re a trail person, you’ll want to add some of the surrounding Ozark hikes to your itinerary too — check out my ArkLaTex hiking guide for packing tips before you head out.

One clarification worth noting: Forest Springs is a wellness-forward property but not a traditional day spa. They don’t currently offer massage services on-site, so if a massage is on your must-have list, you’d want to book that separately in town.

The fire pit area.

Forest Springs has a fireside lounge on the property. It’s the kind of spot where you play a board game, have a drink, and don’t look at your phone for a while. There’s also occasional live music on the grounds, low-key, a duo by the fire, under the lights. Check their events calendar for what’s scheduled during your stay. Confirm current food and drink availability when you book, especially if you’re counting on the lounge for evening plans. The fire is always ready in the late afternoon and it’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring all day. Plus, it’s perfect for making s’mores.

Practical information.

Address: 2044 E Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Phone: (479) 239-8978, available daily 9am–8pm CT
Email: hello@forestspringsresort.com

Forest Springs is about five minutes by car from downtown Eureka Springs. It’s close enough that you can easily head into town for dinner, live music, and the galleries, then come back to the pool and the sauna. You’re not isolated from town; you’re just removed from the noise of it, which is a nice distinction. The resort is incredibly peaceful, and you don’t hear the road noise in the sauna/spa area.

From Texarkana: Eureka Springs is roughly 5 hours from Texarkana. A bit longer, but very doable, drive that takes you through some beautiful northwest Arkansas scenery. This is well within range of a Friday-to-Sunday ArkLaTex weekend getaway.

The trolley: The Eureka Springs Trolley stops right out front at Forest Springs, which is worth knowing. Eureka Springs has notoriously limited (and confusing) parking downtown, especially on weekends, so being able to hop the trolley in and out is a genuine convenience and one less thing to stress about.

Parking: Included with your stay.

Rates and booking.

Rates at Forest Springs are booked directly through their website at forestspringsresort.com and vary by date, season, and room type, so you’ll want to check live pricing for your specific dates. For a boutique property with this level of amenities: sauna, cold plunge, pool, forest trails, dog-friendly, trolley access, and five minutes from one of Arkansas’s most beloved towns, the value proposition is strong compared to similar wellness-forward properties elsewhere in the region.

Dog policy.

Forest Springs is one of the few boutique Ozark properties that is genuinely, fully dog-friendly — and by that I mean no pet fee (ever), no breed restrictions, and dogs of all sizes welcome. Your pup gets a welcome treat at check-in, towels for muddy paws, and recommendations for nearby trails and pet-friendly spots. The grounds and forest trails make it a particularly good fit if you have a dog who does better with room to move around.

A few things to know: dogs are welcome in rooms and outdoors but not in the dining/lounge area, the pool, or the spa. Let them know you’re bringing a dog at booking. Dogs only, no cats or other pets. If your dog is a non-negotiable travel companion, this one is a genuine yes.

Where to eat near Forest Springs.

Downtown Eureka Springs has no shortage of great places to eat, and the five-minute drive means you can head in for dinner and still be back on the grounds in time to catch the fire pit. Here are two spots I’d recommend based on my own visit:

The Grotto: A solid dinner pick in downtown Eureka Springs. Great atmosphere, good food, and very much in the spirit of what makes this town fun to explore. It has a cave and natural spring inside too!

Local Flavor: Exactly what the name promises. A great local spot that’s worth seeking out when you’re in town. It’s a great spot for lunch and their salads are fantastic.

McGarity’s Irish Pub: A great place to eat and enjoy the fun atmosphere. It’s right up the street from Forest Springs, bonus, they have gluten free options.

Eureka Springs also has a full downtown worth wandering, with over 100 shops and galleries, live music venues, and some of the most interesting Victorian architecture in Arkansas. It’s a National Historic District, and the streetscapes alone are worth a stroll. The trolley makes it easy to explore without worrying about parking.

Who is Forest Springs for?

Forest Springs Resort positions itself for couples looking for a real reset, anniversary trips, romantic getaways, solo retreats. That’s where it shines most naturally, and the sauna-cold plunge-pool combination really does lend itself to that slow, intentional kind of trip. The boutique hotel Eureka Springs experience it offers is genuinely hard to find elsewhere in the region.

That said, it works well for other combinations too. The Double Queen with Fireplace is a great setup for a girlfriends’ trip or a mother-daughter weekend and we found it worked beautifully for exactly that. It’s also well-suited for a solo traveler who wants somewhere to decompress without being bored, because the town is right there when you want it.

It’s a good fit if you: want a boutique hotel experience with real wellness amenities in Eureka Springs, are traveling as a couple or small group, want to bring your dog, or are looking for a retreat-style stay that doesn’t require going fully off-grid.

It’s probably not the right pick if you: need a full-service restaurant on-site for every meal, are bringing young children who need kid-specific amenities, or want a large resort-scale property with a big pool scene.

FAQ About Forest Springs Resort.

A few more things to know about Forest Springs Resort.

Is Forest Springs Resort in downtown Eureka Springs?

It’s about five minutes from downtown, right on the edge of town with ten acres of forest around it, but close enough to walk or trolley in.

Does Forest Springs allow dogs?

Yes, dogs are welcome at no extra charge, with no breed or size restrictions. Let them know you’re bringing a dog when you book.

Does Forest Springs have a pool?

Yes, a heated outdoor pool surrounded by forest.

Does Forest Springs have a sauna?

Yes, a Nordic mirrored sauna and cold plunge, available to guests throughout their stay.

Is Forest Springs good for couples?

It’s built for it. Romantic and wellness-forward, with the right kind of quiet. Great for anniversaries or a simple weekend reset.

Is Forest Springs good for a girls’ trip or mother-daughter trip?

Yes, the double queen or double queen with the fireplace is a particularly great setup for two friends or a mother-daughter duo. It’s marketed for couples but works beautifully for other combinations too.

How far is Eureka Springs from Texarkana?

About 5 hours, a very doable drive for an ArkLaTex weekend getaway.

How do I book Forest Springs Resort?

Book directly at forestspringsresort.com or call (479) 239-8978.

More getaway ideas.

Looking for more? Here are more ideas for getaways within driving distance of the ArkLaTex.

• Romantic holiday getaway in Hot Springs.
• Great day trips from Texarkana.
• Full digital guide – Weekend Getaways in the ArkLaTex – including 10 cities!