Buckstaff Baths

Much of the city’s delightful architecture has been preserved in charming Neo-classical and Spanish-style museums along Bathhouse Row. One bathhouse that has operated continuously since 1912 is Buckstaff Baths, which is the city’s longest-running facility. Equipped with steam cabinets, needle showers, whirlpool tubs, and Swedish massage therapists, Buckstaff Baths offers separate floors for men and women. Its no-reservation policy for baths and massages caters to travelers who wish to visit spontaneously; however, appointments are needed for manicures, pedicures, and facials. Though it is open Monday through Saturday starting at 8 a.m., many locals like to line up beforehand, so arriving early is advisable.

Quapaw Baths

If you are seeking a more full-service experience, Quapaw Baths offers a contemporary, European-style spa facility. Similar to Buckstaff, the thermal water is piped directly into the soaking pools. The menu includes services such as foot scrubs, steamy facials, herbal-infused towel wraps, and their signature service, Mudslide, which incorporates a full clay body mask followed by a MicroSilk treatment to promote skin cell growth and reduce wrinkles.

Gallery Walk

For culture lovers, Hot Springs National Park is also recognized as a significant art destination, particularly at the Ozark Bathhouse, a 1922 Spanish Colonial Revival building. Although it stopped operating as a bathhouse in 1977, it reopened in 2014 as a fine art gallery. Additionally, various galleries along Central Avenue come alive every first Friday of the month for “Gallery Walk,” when local artists open their studios to the public, providing an engaging atmosphere of mingling and live music.

The Sunset Trail

The city of Hot Springs is integrated into the park, making it easy to connect with nature. One popular route is the Sunset Trail, which leads to impressive mountain overlooks. The 8.9-mile loop is suitable for beginner or moderate-level hikers. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, combining it with adjacent trails creates a full 14-mile circuit around Hot Springs National Park.

Superior Bathhouse Brewery

Another reason Hot Springs National Park is appealing to visitors beyond those seeking baths is its microbrewery. Superior Bathhouse Brewery uses real water from the springs in its pale ales and golden stouts, offering a unique way to experience the park’s hydro system without spending time in the water.

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

For breathtaking panoramic views, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a must-visit site. Enjoy stunning 360-degree scenery of the Ouachita Mountains, Diamond Lakes, and Hot Springs Mountain. To reach the tower, embark on a scenic 1.5-mile hike from Fountain Street or drive directly to the parking area, where you can ride the elevator the remaining 216 feet to the observation deck.

Bathhouse Row Emporium

If you want to bring home a memento from your trip, be sure to stop by the Bathhouse Row Emporium located inside The Lamar Bathhouse. The shop is open daily and features a variety of souvenirs related to the area’s history, wildlife, and bath products, including artisanal soaps, luffa sponges, and bottles to fill with hot spring water.

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center

Visitors should not miss the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center, especially after new exhibits highlighting the geology behind the natural springs were installed. Open daily, park rangers are available to answer questions about the national park and its history. Once the largest bathhouse on Bathhouse Row, the Fordyce Bathhouse closed in 1962 but has undergone extensive restoration efforts, making it a vital part of any trip to Hot Springs.

Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive

No trip to this national park is complete without a drive along the 3.6-mile Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive, which showcases delightful switchbacks. Originally constructed as a carriage road in the 1880s, the winding route takes you from downtown Hot Springs to a picturesque picnic area and overlook featuring a historic pagoda dating back to 1910. The scenic drive continues past the Hot Springs Mountain Tower and the North Mountain Loop, eventually returning you to town.

Western Mountain Scenic Drive

On the opposite side of the national park, the Western Mountain Scenic Drive leads visitors from Whittington Avenue or Prospect Avenue to the Summit Loop, featuring three scenic overlooks. Marvel at views of Bathhouse Row, the old Army-Navy Hospital from the lower overlook, and sweeping vistas of Lake Hamilton and the Trap Mountains from the Summit Overlook.

Northwoods Trails

For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Northwoods Trails system offers over 31.5 miles of trails for biking, hiking, trail running, and nature viewing. Choose from a variety of tracks suitable for different skill levels, and enjoy the spectacular forest scenery. Additionally, nearby Cedar Glades Park offers climbing walls, a three-story treehouse for children, and 18 holes of disc golf.

The Tufa Terrace Trail

The Tufa Terrace Trail is a 0.3-mile paved walk starting from Arlington Lawn. Along the route, visitors can enjoy views of the Hot Water Cascade, a significant hot spring that flows underneath the path before descending the cliff into two separate pools. Caution is advised, as the water temperature is around 143 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wildlife Viewing

Hot Springs National Park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Keep an eye out for over 50 species of protected mammals, such as chipmunks, groundhogs, squirrels, and white-tailed deer. Birdwatchers can observe more than 100 different species, while the park also hosts over 70 types of reptiles and amphibians. The best time for wildlife observation is typically early or late in the day. Regardless of your visit time, having a reliable pair of binoculars will enhance your experience.