Hot Springs is known for the natural hot springs that come through the ground. A century ago, bathhouses were built for people to take advantage of healthy water. The original bathhouses are still standing, but only two of them are working spas. The land that the bathhouses occupy is now a National Park. One of the bathhouses is the National Park Visitor’s Center and Office. Another was converted into a restaurant called Superior Brewhouse, which makes its craft beers with natural spring water. One bathhouse was converted into an upscale boutique hotel. The price per night is hefty, but you can bypass the spas and soak in the hot spring water that is piped into the hotel in the privacy of your room. Another one of the bathhouses is an art gallery.
Wealthy tourists used to flock to the area to relax at the spas and take in the beautiful surroundings. It was well-known that some of those tourists were gangsters. It was also a popular location for professional baseball players, movie stars and politicians.
Nowadays, tourists still flock to the area for the same reasons; however, there are many activities and restaurants in the area for families to enjoy. Below are some ideas to help plan a trip to the Hot Springs area:
AdventureWorks Hot Springs – Close to downtown Hot Springs, AdventureWorks offers ziplining through the beautiful forestry of Arkansas. Not only does AdventureWorks offer ziplining experiences for those wanting to experience a good time, but they also offer team-building experiences and other specialized packages, such as Valentine’s tours, Haunted Forest tours and more.
Anthony Chapel – Anthony Chapel is a garden oasis near Lake Hamilton where people can go to experience peace and tranquility and its unique architecture. Built with wood, glass and stone, the chapel is a beautiful venue for weddings and other special occasions. Part of the Garvin Woodland Gardens, the chapel seats 160 people. The vaulted ceilings and glass walls provide the illusion of being outdoors in the surrounding forest.
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo – Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo offers fun for adults and children alike. The main attraction is their extensive alligator experiences, allowing visitors to hold baby alligators, feed alligators and watch alligator feeding events. The petting zoo includes goats, raccoons, sheep, deer, parakeets, mountain lions, monkeys, wolves and more. Visitors have the opportunity to socialize and feed some of the animals in the petting zoo.
Bathhouse Row – Bathhouse Row consists of eight bathhouses as part of the National Park system. The buildings were built between 1802 and 1923.
- Lamar Bathhouse – A store is located in the Lamar Bathhouse building where you can buy products made from hot spring water, bath products, postcards and national park souvenirs.
- Buckstaff Bathhouse – The Buckstaff is a Victorian-style structure housing a working spa, offering a traditional spa and bathing experience, including a mineral bath whirlpool, a soak in the natural hot spring water, hot towel wrap, sauna closet experience, sitz bath, cold shower and massage for $80. Due to Covid restrictions, reservations are recommended. Before Covid, walk-ins were acceptable, so check their website for the suggested procedure.
- Ozark Bathhouse – Displays art from the National Park’s Artist in Residence program.
- Quawpaw Bathhouse -The Quawpaw is a working spa offering private bathing experiences and services. The Quawpaw has public pools in which customers can experience the water piped in from the hot springs for $20 per person. Each pool is heated at varying temperatures.
- Fordyce Bathhouse – Out of the eight bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, the Fordyce is the largest. The Fordyce went out of business as a bathhouse in 1962 but was restored in 1989 to house a museum. The Fordyce is the central visitor’s center for Bathhouse Row. As Bathhouse Row is part of the National Park, park rangers are available to assist you and answer questions. The lobby is appointed with marble and stained glass. Visitors can tour the dressing rooms, music room, staterooms and gymnasium.
- Maurice Bathhouse – The only bathhouse on Bathhouse Row that is not currently occupied.
- Hale Bathhouse – This bathhouse is now a boutique hotel. The hotel has only nine suites for guests. Each suite has a large soaking tub in which they can enjoy the hot, natural spring water for which Hot Springs is famous. On the first floor of the Hale is a lovely restaurant, called Eden, where guests and the public can enjoy a nice meal. Suite rates start at a hefty $280/night, but because you have a soaking tub in the room, you can save money on soaking experiences at other bathhouses.
- Superior Bathhouse – A small craft brewery and restaurant residing in one of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. The brewery uses spring water to make its craft beer.
Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat – Embark on a 15-mile cruise on the Belle of Hot Springs to view the sights along Lake Hamilton in the Ouachita Mountains as the Captain reveals points of interest along the way. The Belle makes sightseeing, special events and private party voyages. A sightseeing ticket requires reservations for a 2-hour tour, costing $60 per person.
Charlton Recreation Center – For a more rustic getaway, the Charlton Recreation Center offers campsites and activities to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can swim in Walnut Creek in which a dam and bathhouse were built in the 1930s. You do not have to rent a campsite in order to enjoy a picnic, hiking, or fishing. Charlton Recreation Center is a short 20 miles from Hot Springs.
Crater of Diamonds State Park – Located near Murfreesborough, visitors to Crater of Diamonds State Park can search for gemstones, minerals and rocks in a 37-acre designated area. You can rent tools from the park or bring your own to search for treasures. The best part is that you can keep what you find no matter what it is. The park’s visitor center shares tips about searching for stones as well as exhibits about geology and the history of the area. You can also reserve a campsite to stay on the property. Walking trails and picnic areas are also available to visitors.
Fun Trackers Family Fun Park – Bring the kids to let out some steam on the go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf and arcade games. Join in the fun with some laser tag.
Galaxy Connection – Are you a Sci-Fi or superhero fan? Visit the Galaxy Connection Museum, which exhibits Star Wars and superhero memorabilia.
The Gangster Museum – Hot Springs was known as a hotbed of gangster activity in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Gambling and the moonshining business, along with the luxury of the spas in town, attracted tourists looking for relaxation. Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Ralph Nitti, and many other notorious gangsters frequented Hot Springs. You can visit the Gangster Museum in downtown Hot Springs to witness the darker side of this resort town at the turn of the century.
Garvin Woodland Gardens – Maintained by the University of Arkansas, Garvin Woodland Gardens is a botanical garden in the Ouachita Mountains featuring the floral and fauna of the region.
The Grande Promenade – While you are exploring downtown Hot Springs or waiting for your spa appointment, visit the Grande Promenade directly behind Bathhouse Row. Access the trail in several locations, but the main entrance is situated in the middle of Bathhouse Row and accessed by some dramatic stone steps. The brick trail runs parallel to Central Avenue and offers views of the downtown area from above. Other trails branch off the Grande Promenade and go up the mountain.
Hot Springs Baseball Trail – Pick up a brochure from the Hot Springs Visitor Center on Bathhouse Row to use as your guide to the Hot Springs Baseball Trail. Download the app to get an oral history at each stop. Learn about how baseball was an important part of the Hot Springs community back in the day.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower – Hot Springs Mountain Tower has two observation decks that visitors can reach via elevator to view the surrounding Ouachita Mountains and the entire Hot Springs National Park area. Hike one of the many trails behind Bathhouse Row and the surrounding area or take a scenic drive up the mountain.
Hot Springs Northwoods Trails – Bring your mountain bikes to experience some of the best mountain biking trails in Arkansas. Hot Springs Northwoods Trails consist of 26 miles of mountain biking trails for different skill levels.
Josephine Tussaud’s Wax Museum – This collection of wax figures in Seven Magical Worlds” includes the ordinary to the extremely creepy. The museum specializes in some of the gangster characters and activities that occurred in Hot Springs during the time of its heyday.
Lake Catherine State Park – Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Lake Catherine offers a full-service marina, fully-equipped cabins and guided horseback rides. Playgrounds and picnic areas are available in the area. Trails lead to a waterfall on the property.
Lake Hamilton – Lake Hamilton is one of the most popular lakes in Arkansas. Visitors can enjoy fishing, recreational boating, swimming, skiing, jet skiing, and more. The Garvin Woodland Gardens and the Belle of Hot Springs are located along this lake.
Lake Ouachita State Park – Lake Ouachita is the largest lake in Arkansas. Camping, hiking and water activities abound for visitors. Fully equipped kitchens are available for rent. The historic Three Sisters’ Springs is located in the park with a visitor’s center and gift shop
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park – Fun for the whole family with water attractions, thrill rides, family rides and kid rides at a theme park and water park combo.
Maxwell Blade Theater of Magic – Two mesmerizing hours of large-scale illusions and magic, comedy and live music.
Mid-America Science Museum – Stimulate interest in science with exhibits and programs at the Mid-America Science Museum.
Mountain Valley Spring Water Museum and Visitor Center – Directly across the street from Bathhouse Row, this historic building is a part store and part museum. Mountain Valley Spring Water sells a variety of bottled water made from the famous hot springs in the area.
National Park Aquarium – A smaller aquarium with 60 exhibits of fish, frogs and other creatures located in downtown Hot Springs.
National Park Duck Tours – Take a dip in Lake Hamilton in a boat. Or is it a car? It’s both! Learn about the gangsters that frequented the spa town of Hot Springs back in the day and drive into Lake Hamilton for a spin around the lake without leaving the car boat.
Oaklawn Racing and Gaming – Live horse racing from January to April in the season with off-track betting, casino and brand new hotel.
Pirate’s Cove Golf – A miniature golf course with a pirate theme. Two 18-hole golf courses with a full-size pirate ship, cave and waterfall.
Pocket Community Theater – Take in a stage play at this small theater. Check the website for shows and showtimes.
Shopping Downtown – As you visit the spas in downtown Hot Springs, plan to make some time to visit some of the shops and stores in the area. Antique stores, souvenir shops, specialty foods, gifts and other boutique shops line the street for a lovely shopping experience.
Tiny Town – An interactive model railroad built over many years with trains, lights and other moving parts. Come see what is added year after year.
