Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxation, often called “America’s Spa.” Established in 1832, it’s one of the oldest federally protected areas in the U.S., renowned for its naturally heated thermal springs. The park, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, offers visitors a chance to experience the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, where people have come for centuries to “take the waters” for health and rejuvenation. Beyond the bathhouses, the park boasts scenic trails, lush landscapes, and captivating views, making it perfect for hikers and those seeking relaxation. Hot Springs National Park is a fascinating mix of urban and natural elements, with the town of Hot Springs nestled right within its boundaries. Whether you’re there to soak in the thermal pools or explore the diverse trails, this park promises a refreshing escape into nature and history.
We stopped for a few nights in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on our way south to Big Bend National Park. There is plenty to do while visiting Hot Springs National Park with kids. Here, we will share some of the things we did while visiting so that you and your family can enjoy Hot Springs.
Hot Springs National Park Location
This great National Park is located in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is an easy drive of about an hour southwest of Little Rock.
To get to the National Park from Little Rock, take I-30 towards Dallas. From there, take Exit 111 or Highway 70 toward Hot Springs (there is a big sign). Highway 70 takes you right into town.
Once in Hot Springs, you cannot miss the National Park and Bath House Row.
About Hot Springs National Park
- The city of Hot Springs was known in the early 20th century as the home to Major League Baseball spring training, illegal gambling, speakeasies during the Prohibition era, and gangsters such as Al Capone and 42nd President Bill Clinton.
- On March 4, 1921, Hot Springs National Park was made the 18th Park under the National Park System.
- The Park gets its name from the naturally heated spring waters in the area. In this area, the water flows out of the ground at an average temperature of 143 °F, producing almost one million gallons daily.
- The park includes portions of downtown Hot Springs, making it one of the most accessible national parks. It also includes numerous hiking trails and camping areas.
- Hot Springs is best known for Bathhouse Row. This area contains the grandest collection of bathhouses of its kind in North America
Walk Along Bath House Row
Bathhouse Row is a great place to walk and enjoy the beautiful architecture of the bathhouse buildings.
Bathhouse Row consists of eight bathhouse buildings. These buildings were constructed between the years 1892 and 1923. In addition, the area, along with the Grand Promenade, is a National Historic Landmark District.
The National Park protects eight Bath Houses. These eight Bath Houses are aligned in a row along the road. The row includes Buckstaff, Fordyce, Hale, Lamar, Maurice, Ozark, Quapaw, and Superior. At one point, they were all independent, competing commercial enterprises.
The Fordyce Bath House houses the National Park visitor center. Fordyce was the most elaborate and most expensive Bath House. Here, you can go on a free tour of the entire Bath House and learn all about its history.
The best way to enjoy Hot Springs N.P. is to stop at the Fordyce House and look into the Junior Ranger Program.
Stop For Lunch At The National Park Services Only Onsite Brewery
The Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a must-stop for lunch and a drink while visiting Hot Springs. This great lunch spot is the only brewery located in a National Park. In addition, it is the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water to make its beer.
Go Hiking
There is more to Hot Springs N.P. other than Bath House Row. Hot Springs offers 26 hiking paths with great mountain views and incredible scenery. You are momentarily taken away from the big city and transported into nature.
The park has two hiking trails: the Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails and the West Mountain Trails. Both of these are made up of short and connected trails.
The Sunset Trail is a longer trail that travels through more remote park areas.
The Hot Springs and North Mountain trails are the most popular. You can get to these trails behind the Fordyce Bathhouse, Hot Springs Mountain Drive, and the Gulpha Gorge Campground.
The West Mountain trails are less traveled. Therefore, they can provide more significant opportunities for wildlife sightings. You can get to these trails via Whittington Park and the Canyon Trailhead.
The Sunset Trail is the longest in Hot Springs National Park. This trial covers approximately 10 miles one way. Here, you will cross all terrain as the trail makes its way through the park’s most remote areas.
Enjoy the Views From the Mountain Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower offers impressive views of the surrounding area and mountains. The tower’s upper observation deck is open-air, and visitors can overlook 140 square miles of the surrounding countryside, including the entire park and some of the Ouachita Mountains. In addition, the lower observation deck, enclosed and air-conditioned, contains exhibits highlighting the park and local history. A gift shop is located at the base of the tower. Visitors are taken to the observation deck by an elevator.
You can drive up to the Tower or hike up to it. We took the 1.5-mile hike from Bath House Row up to the Tower.
Experience the Hot Springs Water
There are several ways to enjoy the water from these natural hot springs.
- Quench your thirst. The Park encourages its visitors to drink natural spring water. Thousands of visitors highly endorse the quality of the hot springs’ water and fill bottles to take home. We filled a few glass jugs of water to enjoy as we continued our travel. Of course, you may need to allow it to cool off a bit before drinking the water. There are 7 hot spring fountains and 2 cold spring fountains found within the Park.
- Stick Your Hands In and Touch the Thermal Springs. Within the National Park, there are two different locations where you can stick your hands into the thermal water. Although the water is hot, it is cool enough to submerge a hand for a few seconds.
Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday Review
There are a few RV parks and campgrounds in the Hot Springs area. Our choice to stay at the Hot Springs KOA was based on the fact that they offer a shuttle to the downtown area. The free shuttle drops you off in front of the Hot Springs N.P. sign. We do not tow a vehicle, so the shuttle was a huge selling point for us
A nice pool is here to cool off in after a long day of walking around Hot Springs. In addition, they have a small store that offers most of the necessities and a game room for kids.
Our site was clean and level. We had no problems with our site or its proximity to our neighbors. However, we will warn you that we stayed in the D-Row, close to the busy main road. This did not bother us. However, if road noise disrupts your camping, you may want to go to a site further away from the entrance.
If you are visiting the Hot Springs area and looking for a campground to stay at, we highly recommend this KOA.
We Hope That You Enjoy Hot Springs N.P.
Hot Springs National Park is one of the more unique parks. This is simply because it sits in the middle of the City of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
It is a great top because it offers great hiking paths and incredible mountain views, all within walking distance of the rest of downtown.
We love to hear from our followers. Please leave a comment below.
Have you visited Hot Springs National Park? How was your experience? Any tips for how to enjoy Hot Springs N.P.?
