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1. Bathhouse Row
Imagine a time when the sidewalks were teeming with wealthy visitors in Edwardian attire, all coming to take a bath in the healing waters! Take a stroll through the heart of historic Hot Springs to learn about and admire these ornately decorated buildings.
What You Need to Know
The current buildings that stand on Bathhouse Row were built between 1892 and 1923, though many were built to replace structures that were much older.
Stop in at the Fordyce Bathhouse first — it now serves as the park’s Visitor Center. You can take a self-guided tour through all three levels of the bathhouse to see what a bath experience in Hot Springs was like! Special bathing and medical equipment, an exercise gym, and beautiful stained glass decorations are all on display.
Beyond that, the other bathhouses are now used for various purposes. A few that may interest you:
— The Quapaw and Buckstaff Bathhouses are open for bathing in the healing waters
— The Lamar Bathhouse is the park’s gift shop
— The Superior Bathhouse is now a brewery
Getting Here
Bathhouse Row is located along Central Avenue in historic Hot Springs. Free parking can be found in a large parking garage on Exchange Street, just a block away from the bathhouses.
2. Take a Bath
Ready for a completely unique experience? Try out the tubs! Head to the bathhouse and enjoy a relaxing soak in a large, traditional bathtub full of Hot Springs’ famous thermal water.
What You Need to Know
Two bathhouses on Bathhouse Row are open for bathing, the Quapaw and the Buckstaff. The Quapaw is a more modern spa-like bathhouse, while the Buckstaff offers a more traditional experience. So which one is better?
Buckstaff! For your first time in Hot Springs, definitely try out Buckstaff. This bathhouse has been continuously operating since 1912…and, to be honest, not much has changed. It’s unlike anything you will experience anywhere else!
Your adventure begins in the changing room, where you will disrobe and be wrapped in a sheet or towel. You will then meet your bath attendant, who will help you into your private bath. After a soak in the tub, you will then be moved to the sitz bath, the steam room, the cooling table, and then the needle shower.
The whole process takes about 1.5 hours and is a fun and unique way to enjoy the thermal water, just as visitors did 100 years ago!
Getting Here
From the free parking garage on Exchange Street, walk east on the large sidewalk (next to the fountain) toward Bathhouse Row. Cross Central Avenue at the crosswalk and look for Buckstaff Bathhouse on your right.
3. Hot Water Cascade
Watch the thermal water picturesquely flow out of the mountain at a scorching 143 degrees! Standing at the base of this cascade is a great way to fully appreciate the journey of Hot Springs’ special water.
What You Need to Know
The thermal water at Hot Springs is thought to be rainwater that fell 4,000 years ago, heated deep in the earth’s crust, and then returned to the surface along a fault line (where Bathhouse Row now stands).
The Hot Water Cascade is a fabulous way to see the water making its natural exit from within the earth! If you’re interested in seeing any of the park’s other 47 hot springs, walk up the hill along the trail next to the cascade. At the top of the hill, you’ll reach the Grand Promenade. From here, you can take a short walk along the mountainside to view additional hot springs.
Be aware that swimming is not allowed in the pool near the cascade.
Getting Here
From the free parking garage on Exchange Street, walk east on the large sidewalk (next to the fountain) toward Bathhouse Row. Cross Central Avenue at the crosswalk, then turn left and walk along Bathhouse Row. After passing all of the bathhouses, the sidewalk will split. Go right here and follow the path toward the gazebo. The cascade is located just beyond the gazebo, up against the mountain.
4. Hot Springs Mountain
Get a birds-eye view of the charming Arkansas forests and peaks! This scenic drive travels between the trees to several beautiful overlooks and hiking trails high above the city.
What You Need to Know
Pick a clear day (if you can!) to make this drive so you can fully enjoy the views. At the top of the mountain, you’ll find several viewpoints that can be seen with just a short walk…but if you want a total 360-degree vista, head to the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
After completing the one-way scenic drive to the top, you can choose to extend your drive by adding the North Mountain Loop. This loop is short but offers additional views and hiking trails.
Getting Here
From Bathhouse Row, drive north on Central Avenue. Turn right onto Fountain Street (just after passing all the bathhouses) and follow the road for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Hot Springs Mountain Drive and follow the road for approximately 1 mile to the top to reach the viewpoints and tower.
5. Drink the Water
No trip to Hot Springs is complete without sampling the famous water! Fill a jug, drink a cup, or grab a rootbeer to find out why people travel far and wide to drink water from this park.
What You Need to Know
The National Park Service does not claim that this water is healing or curative, but they do test it to make sure that it’s safe! You’ll find several large, modern fountains around the park that are perfect for filling large jugs or bottles.
Every once in a while, the park rangers hold a “tea party.” You can meet them at a jug fountain, fill your cup with hot water, and drink tea while chatting with them. If you can’t make it to the scheduled event, take your own mug to the fountain and make some tea or hot chocolate!
Another fun option for sampling the water is to stop in at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located on Bathhouse Row. This brewery is the only one in the world that uses thermal spring water in their beer and rootbeer!
Getting Here
To find a spring that is safe to drink from, take a look at this link. You can find both hot and cold springs around town.
To get to the Superior Bathhouse Brewery from the free parking garage on Exchange Street, walk east on the large sidewalk (next to the fountain) toward Bathhouse Row. Cross Central Avenue at the crosswalk, then turn left and walk along Bathhouse Row. Superior is located at the very north end of Bathhouse Row.
There you have it…..5 unique things you can’t miss on your first visit to Hot Springs National Park. Happy trails!!
Hello!
My daughter (21) and I (60) are planning a January roadtrip from Michigan heading toward Santa Fe. January is a tricky time for a roadtrip. Would you say is still a good time to visit Hot Springs?
Thanks!
Jodi
Hot Springs will be cold, but the bathhouses are open year-round, so yeah, you could totally stop there and soak!
Hi! We are planning to visit Hot Springs National Park, as well as Crater of Diamonds State Park while we are out there. When would you say would be the best times of year to take this trip, as far as weather and crowds? We homeschool so our dates are flexible.
I personally love that area in the fall!
Ash, nice info about Hot Springs NP. We are going there in May 2024. Is there a way to obtain the official NP paper trail maps of the national park trails before we leave while planning our NP visits? Or can they be obtained electronically and I can print my own?
It varies per park…sometimes they put their paper maps online for you to print out beforehand. But if not, you just have to pick them up when you get to the park. There are a few maps you can look at for Hot Springs here: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/trails.htm
Hi Ash,
Thank you so much for this information! We didn’t even know about Hot Springs NP until we were driving by recently on another trip and now after reading your info, we are wanting to go back that way and visit the park! I have purchased your itinerairies for Acadia (I found you right before that trip and you made our trip fantastic!) and Smokey Mountains (this on is on the list for this spring).
I tell everyone I meet on my travels about your fantastic information! I can’t thank you enough!!
When would you recommend is the best time of year to visit Hot Springs? we are thinking of early March of this year? and how much time do you think we need to do your 5 top suggestions and do some hiking. We will be camping.
March would be great! Because this park right in the middle of a town, things pretty much stay open year-round. The park visitor center is going to be closed through February this year, so if their project gets delayed, you might not be able to get in there in early March. But otherwise, I’d give yourself 2 days to visit a bathhouse and do some hiking!
Thank you for this great guide, Ash! Can you recommend a hiking trail for me and my sister. We are both in our mid-late 60s but in good shape for a hike that is a moderate level of difficulty. We’re also interested in whatever trails are most scenic and can be completed in a half day or a couple of hours!
Many thanks!
Hey Kate! I’d suggest Goat Rock or Hot Springs Mountain!
I’m headed there next week. Mostly to see the eclipse. I am perhaps most excited to go to Garvan Woodland Gardens which holds the Anthony Chapel. There are three of these style chapels in Arkansas and I plan on seeing all of them for their incredible architecture. They melt right into the woods and I can’t think of a more beautiful homage to nature and our spirit. For what it’s worth, I’m not religious, Mother Nature is who I pray to and these buildings are inspiring to look at online, can’t wait to see them first-hand.
That sounds amazing!
LOVE the idea of bringing mugs and hot chocolate/tea to make with the spring water! Thanks!
I wish I could take credit for the idea, but the rangers came up with that one. It is such a fun way to experience the water! Have a great time!
My husband and I are wanting to visit Yellowstone and Teton. We were thinking of April or May. Would love to use your itineraries but need to decide dates first. Could you advise if April or May would be doable? We would mainly be a scenic visit. We would like to stay in Jackson Hole for 5 days to accomplish this visit.
Hey Beth, you’ll find that info here >> The Best Time to Visit Yellowstone National Park