Everything You Need To Know About Hot Springs National Park

Tucked away in the heart of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park is one of those rare places where nature, history, and small-town charm all come together. Known as “The American Spa,” it has been drawing visitors seeking health and relaxation for centuries.

Today, it still feels like a place where you can slow down, breathe a little deeper, and let the warm waters work their magic.

History of Hot Springs

Long before it became a getaway for celebrities and ballplayers, the thermal springs of Hot Springs were sacred to Native American tribes. They believed the warm waters had healing powers and even agreed to keep the area peaceful, setting aside battles and conflicts.

Some believe Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto may have passed through in the 1500s, hearing rumors of the legendary waters.

Fast forward a few hundred years, and the world was catching on. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson set aside the land for protection, making it the first federally protected area in the United States.

That move came decades before Yellowstone was named the first national park. By the early 1900s, Hot Springs had earned a new reputation as America’s original resort town, packed with grand hotels, luxurious bathhouses, and visitors from all over the country.

In the early 20th century, Hot Springs was popular with Gangsters like Al Capone, who used the area as a favorite hangout, soaking in the baths and betting on horses at the Oaklawn racetrack.

It was also a spring training hub for major and minor league baseball teams, where players would work out, heal injuries, and enjoy the lively nightlife after a soak.

Hot Springs was a playground for the famous, the infamous, and everyone in between. That spirit still lingers today, in the historic bathhouses and old brick buildings that line the streets.

This early conservation effort laid the groundwork for the National Park Service. In 1921, Hot Springs was officially designated as a national park.

What to See and Do At Hot Springs National Park

1. Bathhouse Row:
Stroll down Central Avenue to witness eight historic bathhouses, each showcasing unique architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The bathhouses have been lovingly restored and reimagined for today’s visitors. Some, like the Fordyce Bathhouse, now serve as a museum and visitor center where you can explore what a day at the spa looked like during the early 1900s. The tiled soaking rooms, vintage gym equipment, and stained-glass skylights feel frozen in time.

Be sure to find out what time the rangers are offering tours to get the most out of your visit to the Fordyce Bathhouse. We met with Ranger, Cane West, and he was informative, and funny, and you should ask him to sing for you.

Other bathhouses have found new purposes. The Superior Bathhouse has been transformed into a craft brewery, the only one in the world to brew its beer using thermal spring water. It’s a fun and fitting twist on the town’s healing traditions.

Soon, the Hale Bathhouse will open as a children’s science museum, giving a new generation of visitors a chance to connect with the area’s fascinating natural history in an interactive way.

And for those who want the real deal, there’s the Buckstaff Bathhouse.

At Buckstaff Bathhouse, you can still experience the spa treatments almost exactly as guests did a hundred years ago. I tried it myself, and it truly felt like stepping into the past. From the moment you enter, everything about the experience is designed to preserve the historic rituals.

You start by soaking in a deep, porcelain tub filled with piping hot thermal water. An attendant times your soak and checks on you, just like they would have back in the early 1900s. Afterward, you are wrapped in steaming hot towels for a sort of cocoon-like body treatment, followed by a sitz bath, a needle shower, and an optional massage to complete the experience.

It’s not a flashy spa experience with cucumber water and scented oils. Instead, it feels genuine, old-fashioned, and deeply relaxing. You can almost imagine the baseball players, gangsters, and socialites of decades past going through the same routine, all in search of healing and renewal.

Buckstaff is one of the few places in the country where you can still get this kind of historic spa experience, and it’s worth making time for during your visit

2. Thermal Springs:
While direct bathing in the natural springs is prohibited, visitors can observe the steaming waters at various points throughout the park.

For a hands-on experience, visit the Buckstaff or Quapaw Bathhouses, which still offer traditional spa services using the thermal waters.

The public is also able to bring water bottles and fill them up from the springs for drinking water. Most residents in the area, use this as their source for drinking water.

3. Hot Springs Mountain Tower:
If you want to get a real feel for the beauty of Hot Springs and the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, make time for a visit to Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Rising 216 feet above the mountain, this observation tower offers jaw-dropping panoramic views that stretch for miles on a clear day.

At the top, you’ll find a spacious observation deck where you can take in sweeping views of the park, downtown Hot Springs, and the rolling hills beyond. Interpretive signs point out significant landmarks, so it’s a great spot to get your bearings or soak it all in with a camera in hand.

The tower is accessible in a couple of ways, depending on how adventurous you are feeling. If you are up for a little workout, several hiking trails, including parts of the North Mountain Trail and Hot Springs Mountain Trail, lead up to the base. It’s a bit of a climb but doable for most visitors, and you’ll be rewarded with peaceful forest scenery along the way.

If hiking isn’t in the cards, no worries. You can also drive up to the tower via Hot Springs Mountain Drive, a scenic, winding road lined with overlooks that are worth stopping at even before you reach the top. Parking is available right at the tower, making it a convenient addition to your day.

Once inside, an elevator whisks you up to the top (or you can climb the stairs if you’re feeling energetic). In addition to the outdoor deck, there’s a small gift shop and exhibits about the area’s geology, history, and the famous thermal waters that put Hot Springs on the map.

It’s one of those experiences that helps you appreciate just how special this little corner of Arkansas is. It’s especially stunning at sunset when the mountains seem to stretch endlessly into the golden light.

4. Hiking Trails:
One of the best ways to experience Hot Springs National Park is to lace up your walking shoes and hit the trails. With over 26 miles of trails winding through the forested hills, there’s something for everyone, whether you are looking for a quick nature break or a whole afternoon adventure.

If you’re looking for something easy and relaxing, there are several short trails right off Bathhouse Row that offer gentle elevation and beautiful views, with a minimal time commitment. The Hot Springs Mountain Trail and North Mountain Trail are both popular options, each giving you a taste of the park’s natural beauty while keeping things beginner-friendly.

For those who want to explore a little deeper, the Sunset Trail is the park’s longest and most challenging route, spanning over 10 miles through the park’s more rugged areas. Even if you don’t hike the entire thing, sections of it can be accessed from multiple points, allowing you to customize your hike based on your energy and time.

No matter which trail you choose, expect shaded paths, occasional wildlife sightings, and peaceful moments where all you can hear is the wind in the trees. Most trails are well-marked, and since the park is located right next to town, it’s easy to incorporate a little nature into your day without having to travel far.

Whether you are looking for a casual stroll or a heart-pumping trek, the trails at Hot Springs are the perfect reminder of why this little corner of Arkansas has been a retreat for generations.

5. Grand Promenade
If you are looking for a quiet break from sightseeing, the Grand Promenade is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Hot Springs at a gentler pace.

This wide, brick-paved path runs just behind Bathhouse Row and feels like a secret garden tucked away from the busier streets below. Shaded by towering trees and lined with stone walls and natural landscaping, it offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of town.

The stroll is about half a mile one way, making it easy for just about anyone to enjoy. Benches are scattered along the path if you want to sit and listen to the birds or take in the fresh air. Along the way, you will pass old springs, lush greenery, and quiet little pockets of nature that make you forget you are in the middle of a city.

The Grand Promenade is also a great spot to connect to other trails in the park if you feel like stretching your legs a little farther. Even just a slow wander along this historic walkway feels restorative. Whether you use it as a shortcut between attractions or treat it like its own destination, it is one of the most peaceful and underrated experiences in Hot Springs.

Getting There: Navigating to the Springs

By Car:
Hot Springs is approximately an hour’s drive (54 miles) southwest of Little Rock. Take Interstate 30 West toward Texarkana, then exit onto US 70 West, which leads directly into the city.

By Air:
The nearest major airport is in Little Rock. From there, rental cars are available for the drive to Hot Springs. Additionally, Hot Springs Memorial Field offers limited regional flights.

Parking:
Downtown Hot Springs provides ample parking, including the Transportation Plaza on Broadway, just two blocks south of Bathhouse Row.

Fee: There is no fee to enter the visitor center or go on hikes, but you will need to pay for and make reservations at Buckstaff if you want to have a bath treatment.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay in Little Rock

🍕 DeLuca’s Pizza

Renowned for its authentic New York-style brick oven pizzas, DeLuca’s is a local favorite. Handmade dough and fresh ingredients make it a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. ​

🌿 Garvan Woodland Gardens

Explore 210 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and the stunning Anthony Chapel. It’s a serene escape into nature’s beauty. ​

🎰 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

A historic venue offering live horse racing, a casino, and fine dining options. It’s a blend of tradition and modern entertainment.​

🍺 Superior Bathhouse Brewery

The only brewery in the U.S. located within a national park, it crafts beers using water from the park’s thermal springs. A unique spot to relax and enjoy a cold brew. ​

⛏️ Avant Mining – Fisher Mountain

Experience the thrill of mining your own quartz crystals at Avant Mining’s historic Fisher Mountain site. Open Tuesday through Sunday, it’s a hands-on adventure for all ages. ​

🏛️ The Gangster Museum of America

Dive into the intriguing history of Hot Springs during the 1920s-40s, exploring its connections to notorious gangsters. An educational and entertaining experience.​

🛍️ Central Avenue Shopping

Stroll along Central Avenue to discover a variety of boutiques, antique shops, and local eateries. It’s the heart of downtown Hot Springs.