Hot Springs National Park Things to Do

Of course one of the main things to do at Hot Springs National Park is to go to bathhouse row and experience the springs. People have flocked to the area since the mid 1800s to experience the healing powers and just plain comfort from the hot natural water. Bathhouse row started then and has changed in some ways and stayed the same in some. Of the eight original buildings on the row; one is now the visitor's center and two (I think) function as bathhouses.

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Since the 1940's, all of the springs have been closed in and the water is piped to the bathhouses and fountains. This has been done to protect the health of those who bath and drink the water. A few of the original springs are still open and you can visit them. Take the walkways on either side of the Maurice Bathhouse, around back. You will find several open springs for your viewing.

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Running along the side of Hot Springs Mountain, behind the bathhouses is the Grand Promenade. It is a quieter area, where you can find shade, benches and a pleasant walk. When your day seems long, take a break and listen to the wind in the trees somewhere on the Promenade.

Take a traditional bath at the Buckstaff Baths, a park concessionaire since 1912, or at any of the following bathhouses in the city of Hot Springs that have Park Service special permits to offer thermal bathing:
Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa, Austin Hotel and Spa, Downtown Hotel and Spa

Bathhouse Row is the center of the original 'Medicinal Reserve' created in 1832. The Federal Gov't set aside the hot springs and the mountains to protect this natural curative waters. Because it was so remote from the population centers of it's time, it never became a common goal of health seekers like the Spa's of Europe. But it did provide comfort, both medically and physically to those who came here to take the waters.

For more information, see my Bathhouse Row Travelogue.

Fordych Bathhouse has been fully restored by the National Park Service. Today, you can visit the entire building and find out what was involved in taking a 'medicinal' bath. It's more than just soaking in the tub. For a feel of the tour, please visit my Fordych Bathhouse Travelogue.

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We saw this tower from the top of the opposite hill. It is part of the National Park, but is operated bya concessioner, so even though there is no admission for other parts of the park, there is an additional fee to go to the top of the Tower. The road up to the tower winds up the side of the mountain, with many hairpin turns which is inaccessible to motorcoaches. We had a difficult time, just in a regular car. On a clear day you can see 140 miles. There were two of those coin operated binoculars. But it isn't just the view - there is also historical info is located on the enclosed observation deck, and includes a souvenir shop.

The drive up is Free and there is Free Parking at the top.

This tower, which is a 65.8 metre high observation tower built of lattice steel built in 1983 is not the first tower to be built on this location. The Wikipedia entry notes: In the nineteenth century, a 75-foot wooden fire tower was constructed on the site. This tower was later struck by lightning and burned to the ground. The mid-twentieth century saw the construction of a 175-foot steel structure [later renamed the Rix Tower] which later proved unstable and was torn down.

Hours

November 1- February 28 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
March 1- May 15 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
May 16-Labor Day 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Day After Labor Day-October 31 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Admission (which is rather steep)
Adults(12 and over) $4.00
Seniors $3.50
Children(5 to 11) $2.00
Children (4 and under) FREE

Some people report that the fee was $6.00, but if that is so, they haven't changed the website yet.

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The sign outside Fordyce Bathhouse (which has been restored to the original appearance by the NPS) says:

"Inspired by the spas of Europe, Colonel Samuel Fordyce opened this Renaissance Revival bathhouse in 1915. With its copper-framed glass marquee and elegant window design, the Fordyce reflects a crowning achievement of the Golden Age of Bathing.

The bathhouse occupied an ideal location next to the Formal entrance to the park, its roof garden was within sight and sound of the grandstand on the hillside above."

Inside the Fordyce Bathhouse is the Visitor's Center for the National Park. The whole bathhouse has been restored and is a museum where you can see such things as the gymnasium, the dressing rooms, the treatment rooms, and the roof garden areas.