What Lies Beneath This Arkansas Town May Surprise You

Eureka Springs, Arkansas is one of the most charming towns in the northwestern part of the state and one of the most visited towns in the state but did you know the entire town is sitting on stilts?

What Lies Beneath Eureka Springs?

You may have traveled to Eureka Springs many times walking down the winding streets in the downtown area never knowing what lies beneath this charming little town.

According to FOX49, several centuries ago when heavy rain occurred it would flood the area because there weren't many trees to hold back the raging water. During that time the townfolks decided to use wooden beams that were 12-14 inches wide to help raise the entire town including the streets, buildings, and sidewalks that now sit atop the original underground tunnel system. That system still resides today filtering water underneath the town.

Underground Tour

Visitors can take a very interesting walking tour that teaches the history of the underground tunnels that were built in the 1890s. The mobsters used the tunnels as a getaway during the 1920s and it's believed outlaw Jesse James even used the tunnels as a hideout

Spring Street, Main Street, Mud Street to Leatherwood Creek are just parts of the city that are affected by the underground tunnel system. Several years a tunnel collapsed underneath a Main Street parking lot causing a gaping hole about 20 feet deep thankfully no one was hurt.

People travel from all over the world to see this very unique town that features historical limestone buildings surrounded by Victorian-style bed and breakfast inns throughout the stunning Ozark mountain region.

Eureka Springs Top 10 Travel Destinations in the World

The culture and the people who live here are diverse which makes it one of the best places to visit. But just remember the next time you're in Eureka Springs what lies beneath your feet is just a part of what makes this town so unique.

For more information on Eureka Springs please visit their website.