Hot Spring National Park: The Essential Guide

Ancient thermal springs are located in the area. historic bathhousesMountain views and a view of the Alps Hot Springs National Park It is one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States.

Over 5,500 acres of land are home to 47 natural hot springs. This area also features scenic trails and creeks as well. The area was originally Quapaw land and Caddo territory. Travelers have long sought treatment in the area for various ailments. Hot Springs became part of the United States after the Louisiana Purchase, in 1803. It became an extremely popular resort town. It was preserved by the government in 1820 – long before Yellowstone was created – but not until 1916.

Hot Springs is a national park that has only nonvolcanic geothermal springsThe water production is 700,000 gallons per day. Bathhouse Row still has the Victorian-era bathhouses which were used by visitors in the 1800s.

“The most important thing people should know is that the park is one of a handful of urban national parks across the United States,” says Coleman Gocio. Gocio was born in Hot Springs and owns the business. Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co. “As for things to see, I think the spring water is incredible. People think we’re going have large pools to jump in. But they’re actually piped into jug fountains, where you can try the spring water.

You should read this before you plan a visit to Hot Springs National Park.

Before you go, know what to expect

Hot Springs National Park does not charge an entrance fee to visit. However, some tours and activities do. Hot Springs Mountain Tower is closed between November and February, but the park is open throughout the year. 

There is no outdoor bathing at the hot springs, unlike some parks in the west. You’ll have to make a reservation if you want to soak. Buckstaff Bathhouse You can also call it Quapaw Bathhouse. 

The hot water cascade on Arlington Lawn and the Fordyce Fountains, located between Fordyce Bathhouse and Maurice Bathhouses, are all places where you can feel the heat from the thermal springs. 

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Hot Springs is in the spring or fall. 

“Fall in this area is my favorite time of year because of the temperatures.” [and] Gocio says, “The weather is simply amazing.” “Our mountain biking trails are incredible.”

Hot Springs is a great place to visit any time of the year. There’s always something going on in Hot Springs, no matter what time you visit. World Championship Running of the Tubs In June, a Pinewood Derby race is held using modified bathtubs to pay homage. The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade Celebrities are invited to join the fun in May. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival The oldest documentary film festival of North America takes place in October.

How to get there 

Hot Springs National Park is about 53 miles southwest of Little Rock’s Clinton National Airport (LIT)—that’s about an hour-long drive. Southern Airways Express has regional flights out of Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport. However, you’ll likely find more options from Little Rock.

You can find ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft in the urban area of Hot Springs National Park. It is easier to rent a vehicle for exploring Hot Springs, and the surrounding areas. 

The Best Things to do

Visit a Bathhouse

Bathhouse Row has been a popular destination for generations of visitors to Hot Springs. The Fordyce Bathhouse is now a visitor center, with historic artifacts and incredible stained glass ceilings on display—if you want to learn more, you can also catch daily ranger tours The facility. If you want to soak in a tub, then the Quapaw You can also find out more about the following: Buckstaff There are still bathhouses in operation.

Fill your bottle up with fresh springwater.

You can find the mineral-rich spring water in all parts of the park. Fill up your own container. Some people even drive up with huge jugs. There are seven bathhouses where you can find these thermal springs, but Hale and Maurice is the easiest to reach. Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co. offers a tour of the springs that compares their minerality. 

Climb up the tower.

The same design can be used in several different iterations. Hot Springs Mountain Tower It has stood in the Park since 1877. However, the current version of the monument was built in 1984 and stands at 216 feet. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of over 140 square miles, including the park, the Ouachita Mountain range, and more. Elevators make it possible for anyone to access the top. Admission to this attraction is $14 per person. 

Best Hikes 

Hot Springs National Park is 26 miles long. trailsYou can choose between a variety of routes ranging from 0.2 to 17 miles. 

Hot Springs Mountain Trail

The Hot Springs Mountain Trail is a great option for a stroll with little grade. The trail is 1.7 mile long, and it includes scenic lookout points where you can enjoy the scenery while stopping for water. 

Peak Trail

Peak Trail is 0.6 miles in length, but has a mild grade. The trail is steep, so be careful. But you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the park when you reach Hot Springs Mountain Tower. 

Sunset Trail

The longest trail at the national park is the Sunset Trail The loop can range from 15 to17 miles and is 10 miles long. It also reaches Music Mountain, which is the highest point of the park at over 1,400 ft. 

The Best Places To Stay

Hot Springs National Park may not have the typical “lodge”, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t many great places to sleep. 

The Arlington Resort, Hotel & Spa

Want to stay at the hotel of Al Capone’s choice? Want to stay in the hotel of choice for Al Capone? The ArlingtonHe had his own suite. The property was opened in 1875. It has 500 rooms of luxury, several restaurants and a spa with thermal water pools. 

Dame’s Fortune Cottage Court

Enjoy your life! Schitt’s Creek Dreams of Dame’s Fortune Cottage CourtThe converted motel has a vintage feel. Each of the eight rooms is pet-friendly and has a unique design. Guests are welcome to explore nearby restaurants or the Bellaire Court Historic District. 

Gulpha Gorge Campground

Gulpha Gorge Campground The campground is run by the National Park Service and has 40 spaces along the river for RVs and tents. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and start at $34 per space. The campground has also accessible sites and trailhead accessibility. 

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

It’s only a short distance from the city. Lookout Point Lakeside Inn It is well worth the trip. Located on the shores Lake Hamilton, guests can use canoes and Kayaks. The hotel offers stunning rooms with views of the lake and breakfast is included. 

The Waters Hot Springs

This is a restored doctor’s practice from 1913. The Waters Hot Springs The hotel reopened in 2017 with 62 rooms. The hotel has a rooftop bar and restaurant with the best view in town. 

Restaurants

While camping, you may want to stop in town for groceries. If you don’t feel like cooking, Hot Springs offers a wide variety of restaurants. 

Best Cafe and Bar

The hotel is located in an historic motor court. Best Cafe and Bar Open for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant’s dishes feature regional and local products. Start with the biscuits with gravy and a sunny-side up egg, or with the confit porc belly hash. 

Deluca’s Pizza

New Yorker, who brought his brick-oven pies to Deluca’s PizzaThe restaurant is a top pizzeria in the United States. The Sidetown is a Margherita pie that’s a popular selection, but there are also pastas and salads. 

The Pancake Shop

The Pancake Shop This Hot Springs institution has been open since 1940. Buttermilk and buckwheat pancakes stuffed full of fruit are a big hit. This eatery offers its own blends of coffee, as well as all other breakfast favorites such a oatmeal and an omelette. 

Steinhaus Keller

If you want to try traditional German cuisine, visit Steinhaus KellerThe Oktoberfest spirit is carried throughout the year. Spaetzle, schnitzel and wurst plates are all staples on the menu, which can be paired up with German beer. 

Superior Bathhouse Brewery

Established in 2013, Superior Bathhouse Brewery The only brewery in a national parks and located inside a historic bathhouse. It uses thermal spring water to produce its beer. While you enjoy your brew you can also indulge in elevated pub fare such as wings, sandwiches, pretzels.