Our five fun facts about Hot Springs National Park reveal a world where ancient waters, quirky history, and roaring twenties swagger collide to create one of the most unique destinations in America.
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, this park isn’t just about hiking trails or scenic views—it’s a place where 4,000-year-old water bubbles to the surface, presidents and gangsters once mingled, and the healing power of nature takes center stage. Hot Springs offers an adventure unlike any other, whether you’re soaking in the thermal waters or uncovering its vibrant past!
Podcast Episode Overview
We’re heading back to Hot Springs National Park for a deep dive into its fascinating personality and rich history!
We’re so excited to share this episode because we’ve uncovered both the heart of Hot Springs and its undeniable swagger! This park has so much personality, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The unbelievably cool origin story of the water at Hot Springs
- How this unique area became a national park
- The ingenious system designed to cool down the thermal waters
- The shocking number of baths taken in 1946 alone
- Al Capone’s surprising connection to this park
We hope this episode helps you see Hot Springs through a whole new lens—when you dig just a little deeper, there’s so much more to discover!
Now it’s your turn! Are you planning a trip to Hot Springs? Are you more interested in the heart of it and soaking in the healing waters, or are you more drawn to its history and swagger? Head over to the Dirt in My Shoes Facebook or Instagram page to share your thoughts—we can’t wait to hear from you!
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:
1: The water at Hot Springs National Park has been there for over 4,000 years
When you fill your bottle with a Hot Springs water spigot, you’re drinking rainwater that fell over 4,000 years ago! Before resurfacing, the water travels up to 8,000 feet below the Earth’s surface, seeping through a network of cracks and fractures in the ancient rocks of the Ouachita Mountains. Along the way, it heats up (to an average temperature of 143°F) and absorbs beneficial minerals. It’s like nature’s ultimate slow-cooked recipe for refreshment!
Every day, 700,000 gallons of this ancient water reaches the Earth’s surface, ready to be sipped or soaked in. And unlike the sulfuric springs of Yellowstone National Park, Hot Springs water is odor-free and drinkable!
There are 47 springs across two and a half acres of land focused around the City of Hot Springs and the national park.
2. Hot Springs Reservation was the first federally protected land in the United States
Hot Springs National Park has a unique claim to fame—it was America’s first federally protected land before the National Park Service was even a thought!
Forty years before Yellowstone became the first official national park, President Andrew Jackson signed legislation in 1832 to protect Hot Springs as a “special reservation.” This makes it the oldest parkland managed by the federal government, even though it wasn’t officially designated as a national park until 1921.
When explorers were sent out to explore what would become the state of Arkansas when the Louisiana Purchase was completed, they found the thermal hot springs, and a bustling town quickly popped up around them. The natural springs found in Hot Springs were a rarity to the general public in the early 1800s to late 1800s. Hot water coming straight from a tap was a luxury and was seen as a medical treatment for many different ailments.
It’s no wonder the U.S. government eventually designated Hot Springs as the 18th national park in the country.
3. The plumbing in the historic bathhouses was innovative for its time
The first bathhouses in Hot Springs relied on an incredible plumbing system that revolutionized how people used thermal mineral water. After a devastating fire in 1878, the park got a complete makeover. Engineers created a sophisticated system of reservoirs that could store up to 868,000 gallons of thermal water.
Unlike other geothermal systems, Hot Springs water isn’t heated by magma but by the earth’s natural geothermal gradient. By the time it resurfaces, it’s rich with minerals but far too hot for a bath. To solve this, early bathhouses, including the Buckstaff Bathhouse, used heat exchangers to cool the water while preserving its natural properties. Even today, the cold taps in the bathhouses are part of the thermal system, ensuring that every bath uses authentic hot spring water.
Strolling along Bathhouse Row, it’s easy to imagine the innovative design that once made these baths a world-class experience.
4. One million baths were taken in Hot Springs National Park in 1946
In 1946, over one million baths were taken in Hot Springs National Park! People came from all over the country to Central Arkansas to experience the healing properties of the thermal waters. Doctors prescribed these baths for everything from arthritis to respiratory problems, and for many, the waters were a lifeline.
What’s even more incredible? The government built free bathhouses so that even people who couldn’t afford a luxury soak could benefit from the waters. Hot Springs truly lived up to its name as a place of healing and restoration. Hot Springs became a quintessential American spa as its ancient thermal springs gained national notoriety.
5. In 1960, Hot Springs was the site of the largest illegal gambling operation
Beyond its healing waters, Hot Springs became a hotspot of culture and entertainment during the Roaring Twenties. Jazz music, art galleries, and even gangsters like Al Capone brought swagger to the area. The Arlington Hotel was a favorite hangout for Al Capone and his entourage, with stories of bodyguards carrying Tommy guns in golf bags.
Hot Springs was also a hub for baseball greats like Babe Ruth, who visited for spring training. The Baseball Trail around town showcases landmarks where players trained and relaxed after games.
Today, visitors can explore the Grand Promenade, West Mountain Drive, and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower to experience the same park’s landscape that made this town so iconic. Whether you’re here for the natural landscapes, the history, or the vibe of the 1920s, Hot Springs offers something unforgettable.
From the serene beauty of Gulpha Gorge Campground to the therapeutic luxury of the Quapaw Bathhouse, Hot Springs National Park is full of surprises. Whether you’re hiking the north mountain trails, enjoying the natural hot springs, or learning about the town’s fascinating past, this national historic landmark district is one of America’s most unique natural wonders.
So, what will it be—the healing waters or the swagger of the 1920s? Share your thoughts with us!
Links mentioned in this podcast episode:
- Hot Springs National Park
- Thermal Springs at Hot Springs National Park
- The History of Hot Springs National Park
- The Arlington Hotel
- Hot Springs Baseball Trail
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