Although it may be action packed, it is possible to see much of Hot Springs National Park in a single day! Here is my breakdown and top tips for your trip!
I decided to visit Hot Springs National Park in the winter, when crowds were low and so were the temperatures! The cost to rent a local Air BnB was low as well as it was the off season, so we road tripped down stopping at some different spots along the way from NY. Before this trip, I had never been to Arkansas, but when I heard about this unique little National Park I wanted to check it out.
Hot Springs National Park has a ton of history. A benefit to visitors is that the park is relatively small, and most tourist spots can be accessed right off of the main street, Bathhouse Row.
If you don’t have your own car, it is possible to get dropped off in the morning, and picked back up later in the day! Only one round trip!
Explore the rejuvenating world of bathhouses
There are eight different bathhouse buildings along Bathhouse Row each created between 1892 and 1923.
Walk along Bathhouse Row and take in the unique architecture of each beautiful building. I loved the small details, the mosaics, tiling, and awnings on these historic beauties.
There are two bathhouses that allow visitors to soak in the thermal water and get a truly authentic experience, Buckstaff Baths, and Quapaw Baths. Make sure you pack a swimsuit if this seems up your alley! Quapaw Baths offers both Public Thermal Pools and Private Baths. The Public Thermal Pool only costs $25 per person ( https://www.quapawbaths.com/ ) Buckstaff Baths offers private baths and massages. More info can be found here! https://www.buckstaffbaths.com/services )
Lamar Bathhouse- The Bathhouse Row Emporium is located here! The official Park store where you can load up on trinkets and souvenirs.
Ozark Bathhouse- Inside is the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center featuring artwork from the Artist-in-Residence Program. (It is free to visit!)
Fordyce Bathhouse- Inside this bathhouse is the park visitor center. I would recommend starting here!
You can watch an orientation video and wander the different rooms where patrons came from 1915-1962. There are multiple floors to explore with a Gymnasium, Party Room, Bath Halls, and more!
Maurice Bathhouse is currently closed to the public.
Hale Bathhouse- Hale Bathhouse is a luxury hotel with historic rooms that you can stay in while visiting! https://www.hotelhale.com/
Superior Bathhouse- The Superior Bathhouse is now a brewery! It is a rare one at that, the only brewery operating in a National Park! The Brewery also uses the thermal water when making their beer. It is the main ingredient! https://www.superiorbathhouse.com/
Touch the Thermal Springs
If you don’t want to book a spot at Quapaw or Buckstaff, there is another way to experience the thermal springs! There are two different spots where visitors can touch the waters. (Don’t worry, you won’t get burnt!)
The first is the display springs, and second is the hot water cascade. The Hot Water Cascade is the largest visible spring in HSNP and my favorite of the two!
Explore the Trails!
While visiting, you should also check out one of the trails in the park! My favorite trails are the Tufa Terrace Trail, and the Goat Rock Trail.
The Tufa Terrace Trail is a paved trail, easy to follow, and is near the Hot Water Cascade. It is 0.3 mi, and allows you to have excellent views of the hot water cascade. Try to spot tufa deposits, formed from calcium carbonate!
The Goat Rock Trail is 1.1 miles and ends with a great view. Parking is limited though so get there early if you can!
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a good choice if you want a great view, but don’t have the time or aren’t able to do a hike in the park. We decided to drive up to save time but there is also a 1.5 mile you can take from Fountain Street!
Admission was $10.00 and allows you to go up the elevator, to the top of the 216 foot structure.
The top offers some great views, and you can spend as much time as you would like up there!
If you have time to spare I would go here, but if you are in a rush, it might be a skip if you decide to go hiking on another trail! https://hotspringstower.com/
Cheers!
If you love a great free souvenir you will be in luck! Lots of people stock up on the water from the hot springs! Three different spots you can fill up a jug are in front of the Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center, the National Park Service Admin Building, and at the Hill Whealtey Plaza. There are also other spots to drink from fountains throughout the area!
If you forgot to bring a jug, they sell plastic containers at lots of the gift shops as well!
So that is my breakdown of a trip to Hot Springs National Park! Have you visited? Let me know in the comments! 🙂