Arkansas Highway 23: Missouri to Eureka Springs

Join us as we travel 11 scenic miles south along Arkansas Highway 23, beginning at the Missouri state line and ending in the heart of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This drive marks the northernmost stretch of Highway 23 in Arkansas, and although it’s one of the shorter segments in terms of mileage, it certainly delivers when it comes to character, curves, and charm. Starting at the state line near Eagle Rock, Missouri, the route immediately enters the rugged Ozark terrain, signaling the kind of winding, wooded road adventure that Highway 23 is known for.

From the outset, Highway 23 cuts through densely forested hills and ridges, descending steadily into the picturesque town of Holiday Island. This planned resort community on the shores of Table Rock Lake is just barely off the highway, but it’s worth noting for travelers seeking lakeside lodging or golf course views. Although our route doesn’t follow the lakefront directly, the natural surroundings here hint at how close we are to the water. Near Holiday Island, we swing west briefly—one of the few deviations from our mostly southbound path—before rejoining our southern course at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 187. AR-187 is a scenic road in its own right, leading west to Beaver Lake and the one-lane Beaver Suspension Bridge, a quirky local attraction that makes a great side trip if you’ve got time.

Continuing south, the road narrows and the curves tighten as we approach Eureka Springs. This historic mountain town, built into the hillsides, emerges from the trees in dramatic fashion. Known for its preserved Victorian architecture and winding streets, Eureka Springs is unlike any other city in Arkansas. Highway 23 dives straight into downtown, becoming Main Street for a short stretch. Along the way, you’ll pass boutique hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, and shops nestled against the rocky bluffs. This portion of the route is incredibly photogenic and, depending on the time of year, you might be greeted by vibrant fall foliage or blooming dogwoods. The video concludes at the junction with U.S. Highway 62, one of the town’s major crossroads and a gateway to even more Ozark adventures.

This stretch of AR-23 is ideal for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks alongside the cultural richness of one of Arkansas’s most iconic small towns. Whether you’re continuing south toward Withrow Springs State Park and the Pig Trail Scenic Byway or ending your drive in Eureka Springs for a weekend getaway, this leg of Highway 23 is a memorable journey in its own right.