Elegant Victorian bathhouses, health spas, and forty-seven streams of hot springs flowing down Hot Springs Mountain. Known as ‘America’s Spa’ Hot Springs National Park might be small, but it is most unique! How would you like to test the healing properties of these waters?
Where To Find It
50 miles south of Little Rock, Arkansas lies a horseshoe-shaped ridge – Hot Springs National Park. Nestled right in between Sugarloaf Mountain, Music Mountain, West, Hot Springs, and North Mountains. In the 1900s, Hot Springs was among the most visited health and wellness resorts in the United States. Since 1921 the springs and historic bathhouses have formed the heart of the national park. Today, you can soak in the thermal waters, drink spring water from the fountains, and hike the wooded sloops.
The most popular driving route to Hot Springs is US 270, 70, or AR 7.
There are plenty of meters and paid parking lots to choose from downtown. Or if you are lucky enough, grab a spot at the free parking garage located near the visitor center (128 Exchange Street)! Public transportation in the form of a bus or taxi is also available. If you are planning to fly here, the nearest airport is in Little Rock (LIT), about an hour’s drive from the national park.
It is the perfect stop for any Southern Road Trip. Other popular stops include Mammoth Cave National Park.
Where To Stay
Gulpha Gorge Campground is a gorgeous spot to spend the night in the outdoors at Hot Springs National Park.
Camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground costs $34 per night for all sites. All sites have full hookups: 30 and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections. Each campsite has a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water. There are restrooms, but no showers. Make sure you get your reservation!
There are also hotels located throughout Hot Springs. Some are right downtown within walking distance of the park, others are about a 10-minute drive to the visitor center (or parking garage). If you truly want the Hot Springs experience, check out Hotel Hale or the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa for an amazing stay!
Where To Eat
There are some delicious options within the Hot Springs to grab a bite to eat! Superior Bathhouse Brewery, Hotel Hale, and the Quapaw Bathhouse Cafe all offer opportunities for dining. There are many other places to eat close to the park and around the downtown area. The Pancake Shop is a great way to start the day. Offering a number of delicious breakfast items since 1940, this restaurant is a must! Be sure to get there early, as a line starts to form at 8 am!
Climate and Best Time To Go
Being in the heart of downtown Hot Springs, the National Park is surrounded by shops, diners, roads, and other attractions. It can slow down in the wintertime, but Spring and Fall are typically the best time to visit, as the weather is great for walking the town and enjoying the waters.
Spring has mild temperatures but keep in mind, it typically has the most rainfall.
Summer days can be hot and humid, with some days with temperatures in the high 90s.
Fall the temperatures can start to cool, but some rainfall does happen. This can be a wonderful time to visit as the overlooks can be bursting with fall foliage!
Winter can be windy and the temperatures can get as low as 15. You will want to keep to the bathhouses during this time.
Bucket List Activities
Spa Experiences:
Even though there are no soaking opportunities outdoors, Bathhouse Row does have two available facilities that offer the chance to relax in the thermal water. The thermal springs are piped directly into both of these bathhouses, offering users a true and authentic experience of the water.
Buckstaff Bathhouse – Originally opened in 1912, the Buckstaff is the only facility on the Row that has never fully closed since it first started offering baths
The Quapaw Bathhouse – The Quapaw Bathhouse offers modern-day spa services with amenities like thermal pools, private baths, and a steam cave.
Historical Sights:
Hot Springs National Park has a long history, beginning long before its designation as Hot Springs Reservation in 1832. American Indians came here for thousands of years to quarry novaculite (a rock type that consists of silica in the form of chert or flint) for their tools and weapons.
Bathhouse Row – The Bathhouse Row you see today consists of eight bathhouse buildings that were constructed between the years 1892 and 1923. This area was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.
Tour the museum in the Fordyce Visitor Center – tour the Fordyce at your own pace and see the splendor of the most luxurious bathhouse on the row. Reservations for individual visitors are not needed.
Outside Activities:
There is a network of hiking trails and beautiful mountain overlooks for those looking to escape the feeling of city life that is also a part of the Park.
Grand Promenade – Made a National Historic Landmark District, the Grand Promenade provides a picturesque place to stroll and enjoy the elegance of a bygone time.
Hot Springs Mountain Trail- Hot Springs Mountain Drive begins at the end of Fountain Street off Central Avenue downtown. Built as a carriage road in the 1880s, it has switchbacks that will take you to the top to a picnic area, the Pagoda overlook, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. You can continue on to North Mountain Loop and then back down to Fountain Street.
Instagram Worthy Spots
Although small, there are plenty of photo opportunities for your Instagram! Near the Display Spring are gorgeous steps leading down to the main street. This is my favorite place in the park for pictures! The bathhouses are another great place to capture a shot. The Ozark and Maurice Bathhouse are my favorites! The Arlington Lawn has a gazebo and the Hot Water Cascade which is the perfect backdrop for any photo!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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