America The Beautiful: Hot Springs National Park

Jun 22, 2025 | 0 comments

HERO 3 – Hot Springs cascade in Hot Springs National Park Photo Shutterstock

Unique in so many ways, Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas is truly one of a kind. Located in the heart of downtown Hot Springs, the park’s 5,550 acres harbor ancient thermal springs, forested hikes, mountaintop views and nine historic bathhouses that earned the park its designation as the “American Spa” of the 20^th century.

An Intriguing History

In 1832, President Andrew Jackson signed legislation designating this property as Hot Springs Reservation, making it the oldest park within the current National Park units. As a result, the park predates Yellowstone National Park by 40 years. Long before this designation, Native Americans visited this area for thousands of years to quarry novaculite to make tools and weapons.

In 1804, the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition arrived here at the bequest of President Thomas Jefferson to explore the southern reaches of the Louisiana Purchase. Not long after, the surrounding area became a bustling town built to provide support for visitors seeking the restorative health benefits of the hot springs. On March 4, 1921, Hot Springs became the 18th National Park. After a series of renovations and updates, the grand bathhouses that make up Bathhouse Row led to a new age of spa luxury. The Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row was underway and Hot Springs National Park was in its heyday.

The End of an Era and the Start of Something New

By the 1960s, the bathing traditions that once reigned supreme on Bathhouse Row had declined considerably. The once grand bathhouses stood empty and decaying. The elegant Fordyce Bathhouse closed in 1962, followed by all but one bathhouse – Buckstaff which is still in operation today. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the bathhouses received protection from demolition, yet most remained vacant.

To breathe new life into these formerly treasured structures, the National Park Service launched an initiative in the early 2000s to lease the vacant properties to small businesses. The U.S. Congress approved a grant to stabilize the properties enough to attract future tenants. Slowly, Bathhouse Row came to life again. The popular Fordyce Bathhouse became a visitor center and museum for the Hot Springs NP. Quapaw Bathhouse reopened as a spa offering modern-day services including facials, massages, Roman-style open thermal pools and private baths. Opened in 1912, the Buckstaff Bathhouse never fully closed and continues to offer traditional bathing experiences. Superior Bathhouse found new life as the first and only brewery located within a U.S. National Park. Even better, it’s a woman-owned-and-operated business, and we have owner Rose Schweikhart’s inspiring story featured in On the Job on page 78.

The Wonders of Hot Springs National Park

The 4,000-year-old hot springs water in Hot Springs National Park continues to serve as the main attraction for park visitors. The ancient water bubbles out of the ground at a temperature of 147 degrees Fahrenheit, making it safe for drinking. Visitors to the park enjoy filling bottles to take home following the motto of the old days, “Go ahead, quaff the elixir!”

There are several thermal spring fountains throughout the park including one in front of the National Park Service Administration Building on Reserve Street; the Dripping Spring between the Hale and Maurice Bathhouses; the Shell Fountain on the Stevens Balustrade between the Fordyce and the Maurice Bathhouses; and more. For those who prefer to be submerged in the healing waters, the Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Bathhouse deliver those experiences within the park.

Beyond the Waters

The park has 26 miles of hiking trails yielding tranquil forested scenery and mountaintop views that will make you forget you’re in a city. Two main areas of hiking trails, the Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails and the West Mountain Trails, include several short, interconnected trails. For a challenging hike through more remote areas of the park, check out the Sunset Trail. This 12.8-mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 2,234 feet will give you a solid workout that will have you scheduling one of the aforementioned bathing experiences to soothe sore muscles.

The point of entry for many of the Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails is the Grand Promenade. Located behind the historic Bathhouse Row, the Grand Promenade offers four entry points ranging from a grand staircase to accessible ramps. Not to be missed is the Hot Springs Mountain Tower which operates as a concession for the park. An elevator whisks visitors 216 feet to the observation decks. The open-air deck has an elevation of 1,256 feet above sea level, yielding views of 140 square miles of the surrounding countryside. Enclosed and air-conditioned, the lower-level observation deck displays exhibits highlighting the park’s history. The tower is accessible via a scenic drive to the parking lot. If you prefer to hike, a 1.5-mile trail leads you up the mountain from Fountain Street.

Downtown Hot Springs

With the park located in the center of downtown, exploring the town is a breeze. Here you’ll find charming shops, intriguing murals and plenty of dining options. including the iconic Ohio Club. Opened in 1905 as a bar and casino, the Ohio Club has been a favorite of many recognizable names including Al Capone, Bugsy Segel, Bugs Moran and Lucky Luciano. The legendary Babe Ruth also dined here during spring training. For more mobster history, book a tour of the Gangster Museum of America. Entertaining tour guides bring the old days of Hot Springs back to life.

Where to Camp

Gulpha Gorge Campground offers a shady retreat a few minutes from downtown Hot Springs National Park and historic Bathhouse Row. Open year-round, the campground features 44 campsites suitable for RVs and tents. All sites have full hookups. Campsites include a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water. nps.gov/hosp

Hot Springs National Park KOA campground is built into a hillside with terraced sites. The campground features RV and tent sites along with camping cabins. A duck and fishing pond, mini golf, playground, and pool are among the recreational activities onsite. The campground also offers shuttles downtown for a fee. koa.com/campgrounds

This article by Terri Marshall was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.