Hot Springs, Arkansas
Last Updated: 3/28/2024
“Water is the driving force of all Nature”
We had such a fun time in Hot Springs, Arkansas! We chose Hot Springs because of the National Park. But we were pleasantly surprised to find so many fun things to do. We will definitely be heading back to visit again. In no particular order…here are our top things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas!
Hot Springs National Park
Did you know that Hot Springs National Park is actually located in the middle of the city? I did not either, until I started to research for our trip. Crazy, right? Hot Springs National Park has two personalities that mesh so well together.
You have these 8 grand bathhouses with their amazing architecture. And then you have hot springs, mountain views, forested hikes, and creeks. And all this personality is located in the middle of town! They don’t even have a parking lot:) But there is a free parking garage close, or you can park on the street.
Bathhouse Row
People from all over used to flock to the 8 bathhouses that make up Bathhouse Row to soak in the thermal waters. Now only two of the bathhouses (Buckstaff and Quapaw) offer a chance to soak in the thermal waters, as well as modern day spa services. The Fordyce Bathhouse is where you will find the Visitor Center and Museum.
The Lamar Bathhouse is now home to the park store…Bathhouse Row Emporium. The Hale Bathhouse has been revived as Hotel Hale and offers 9 luxury suites with large soaking tubs. The Superior Bathhouse is home to the only Brewery located in a National Park. And they use thermal spring water to brew their beer!
The Ozark Bathhouse is home to the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center. And the last bathhouse, the Maurice Bathhouse, has been vacant since it closed in 1974.
Grand Promenade
Hot Springs National Park has more adventurous hikes with great mountain views, but only the Grand Promenade has a beautiful brick pathway that meanders above Bathhouse Row offering great views of the Row and the springs.
It is a pleasant half-mile walk (one way) designed for any age and stamina. There are staircases off the Grand Promenade that will take you to the Display Spring and the Hot Water Cascade (where you can touch the thermal waters).
Ouachita National Forest
This national forest covers 1.8 million acres. You can enjoy camping, hiking, biking, scenic driving, trail riding, water recreation, fishing, hunting, and so much more! You can also find the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.
This is a 223-mile trail that winds through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma. You can hike parts of the trail, or you can backpack the whole trail. We have added it to our list of long hikes to try!
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Hot Springs Mountain Tower offers you amazing views over 140 square miles of the surrounding landscape. You can also find some historical exhibits and a gift shop at the lower levels. There are two ways to get to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. You can drive the beautiful Hot Springs Mountain Drive, or you can hike the Peak Trail. The cost to go up the tower is $13 for adults, and $9 for kids (ages 5-11).
Garvan Woodland Gardens
The Garvan Woodland Gardens is a beautiful 210-acre botanical garden maintained by the University of Arkansas. When you arrive, your first stop will be the Pratt Welcome Center. This is where you will pay admission, receive your self-guided tour map, and/or purchase golf cart rides. You can also find the Garden Shop and Restrooms. Admission is $25 per Adult and $15 per kids (ages 4-12). Such a beautiful place to visit!
Anthony Chapel
The Anthony Chapel complex is located outside the ticketed area of Garvan Woodland Gardens, meaning you can visit it for free. If you don’t want to spend money or time visiting the Gardens, I definitely recommend a visit to Anthony Chapel (as long as there isn’t an event).
At almost six stories tall, the Anthony Chapel offers views of the changing seasons with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and multiple skylights that allow light to bounce across the impressive flagstone floors. It definitely got two thumbs up from our family.
Lake Catherine State Park
This beautiful state park is located on Lake Catherine. Lake Catherine State Park has a marina that is open in the summertime for snacks/drinks, fuel, and bait. You can rent boats year-round. The park also includes picnic sites, a launch ramp, playgrounds, and a pavilion.
We came to hike the 2 mile, moderately difficult Falls Branch Trail. The trail starts near the campground, then it winds through the park, crossing Little Canyon Creek a few times. It eventually leads to a seasonal scenic waterfall on Falls Creek and works its way back to the trailhead.
Gangster Museum of America
Hot Springs was once a popular hangout for gangsters such as Al Capone, Frank Costello, Lucky Luciano, and other infamous mobsters. The Gangster Museum contains remnants of the city’s notorious past. The tour lasts a little over one hour. There is a guide that leads you through different galleries with lots of information and memorabilia, as well as a short video. The cost of the tour is $15 per person; $6 children (ages 8-12).
We spent our nights camping at the Hot Springs KOA. Lake Catherine State Park and Gulpha Gorge Campground at Hot Springs National Park are other options for camping. If hotels are more your style, The Arlington Hotel, is a great option close to everything. There is so much to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Let me know in the comments if you have any stops you would add to our list! Happy Adventuring.