Discover Hot Springs National Park
Who says every national park needs towering mountains, enormous waterfalls, or remote wilderness?
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers something wonderfully different: a fascinating combination of natural thermal springs, historic architecture, beautiful forested mountains, and a charming American spa town.
Protected as a federal reservation in 1832 and designated a national park in 1921, this remarkable destination has welcomed generations of visitors seeking relaxation, recreation, and the experience of its famous thermal waters.
Bathhouse Row: A Journey Into America's Spa History
Few sights capture the character of Hot Springs quite like Bathhouse Row.
Along Central Avenue, eight magnificent historic bathhouses showcase the elegance of early twentieth-century spa culture.
With beautiful architectural details, grand entrances, and fascinating histories, these buildings recall an era when Hot Springs was one of America's most celebrated wellness destinations.
Today, the restored bathhouses serve a variety of purposes, from traditional bathing facilities to museums, restaurants, and shops.
Fordyce Bathhouse: A Glimpse Into the Past
Ever wondered what a luxurious American spa looked like more than a century ago?
The Fordyce Bathhouse, which opened in 1915, now serves as the national park's visitor center and museum.
Visitors can explore elegant bathing rooms, beautiful stained glass, historic equipment, and exhibits revealing how people once experienced the famous thermal waters.
It's a fascinating opportunity to appreciate the architecture and social history of this remarkable destination.
The Thermal Springs: Nature's Original Spa
The real stars of Hot Springs National Park are its naturally heated waters.
Rainwater travels deep underground, where geothermal heat warms it before it returns to the surface through the park's famous springs.
Visitors wishing to experience the water can book bathing services at the historic Buckstaff Bathhouse or Quapaw Baths & Spa.
There's no outdoor soaking within the national park, but the historic bathhouses offer a memorable connection to its traditions.
Grand Promenade: A Peaceful Mountain Walk
Behind Bathhouse Row, the beautiful Grand Promenade offers a peaceful escape from the activity of downtown.
This half-mile brick walkway passes through a leafy setting along the lower slopes of Hot Springs Mountain.
For those seeking more adventure, connecting trails lead farther into the surrounding forests.
It's a wonderful place for a leisurely walk, photographs, and a little quiet reflection.
Keep Your Hot Springs Memories Close
Whether your favorite memory is a relaxing spa experience, a family photograph on Bathhouse Row, or a peaceful mountain walk, Hot Springs offers experiences worth remembering.
A GTK QR Tile connects a physical keepsake to your existing online photographs, travel stories, and favorite experiences, or brings them together on your complimentary GTK QR Page.
A little keepsake to bring back those moments of relaxation whenever life gets busy.
Get To Know People & What They Know About Hot Springs National Park
GTK® is an independent editorial initiative celebrating individuality, expression, connection, and the things people know.
From historians and architects to naturalists, wellness practitioners, and people whose lives are connected to Arkansas's famous thermal springs, Hot Springs inspires fascinating knowledge and human experiences.
We believe their stories and perspectives deserve to be discovered, shared, and remembered.
Visit GTK.us to discover more about people and what they know.
