After a family camping trip to Roaring River State Park ended in a flood evacuation, my wife and son and I found ourselves in Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the day in search of toddler-friendly activities before our long trip back to Oklahoma. Following breakfast at Sugar and Crumbs Cafe, we made our way to Razorback Tower to check out the view.
A Forestry Tower Turned Tourist Attraction
Razorback Tower is one of two former Arkansas Forestry Service fire lookout towers along US-62 on the mountaintop above Eureka Springs, both built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. For most of the twentieth century, towers like these were how the state spotted wildfires — staffed by watchmen scanning the ridgelines for smoke. As aerial surveillance made ground-based lookouts obsolete, most were abandoned or demolished. Fewer than twenty-five of the original 173 Arkansas forestry towers are still standing. Razorback is one of them, repurposed decades ago for the tourist trade and now a tradition in Eureka Springs for over 40 years.
There’s a watchtower in Roaring River where we were camping that you have to hike several miles to get to. It’s usually a staple of our trips there, but we had to miss out this year due to the flooding. Putting a different watchtower in our metaphorical passports seemed like a fun alternative and we were surprised to see this one was more than double the height of its Roaring River counterpart.
The tower stands 100 feet tall. Admission is one dollar, paid via a coin-operated turnstile at the base — there’s a dollar changer on site if you need it. At the top there’s a coin-operated telescope for getting a closer look at the surrounding Ozark hills.
The Climb
It was a little bit nerve-wracking for both my wife and I, but Jordan didn’t seem to mind. I’m also not sure if he was impressed either. Either way, by the time we completed the climb we were ready to get back down as quickly as possible after snapping a few photos.
The staircase is steep and open-steel, which creates the impression there’s not much holding you up even though the structure itself is sturdy and well-maintained. The guardrails are high enough that it feels safe even if heights aren’t your thing — but that open framework has a way of reminding you exactly how high up you are whether you want to be reminded or not.
The Gift Shop
At the base of the tower is the Razorback Gift Shop, carrying jewelry, colored glass, home décor, and other novelty items. It’s also the home of a herd of friendly cats eager to meet strangers — reason enough to stop in on your way back down.
Directions to Razorback Tower
Razorback Tower is located along US-62 on the west side of the mountaintop above Eureka Springs, just before the road descends toward Thorncrown Chapel and Leatherwood Park. From downtown Eureka Springs, head south on Main Street approximately 2 miles to US-62, then turn west. The tower will be on your left in just a few miles, past Pivot Rock Road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Razorback Tower
How much does it cost to climb Razorback Tower?
Admission is one dollar, paid via a coin-operated turnstile at the base of the tower. A dollar changer is available on site.
Is Razorback Tower safe to climb?
The tower is sturdy and well-maintained. The guardrails at the top are high enough to feel secure even for those with a mild fear of heights, though the open steel construction does make you aware of the elevation.
How tall is Razorback Tower?
The tower stands 100 feet tall — substantially taller than the typical two-story forestry lookout you might encounter at state parks in the region.
What are the hours for Razorback Tower?
Razorback Tower is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
