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Nature|National & State Parks

There’s No Better Place To Be Than These 47 Hot Springs In Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offers a unique experience with its 47 hot springs and historic Bathhouse Row.

Updated Nov 16, 2022

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

It may seem overwhelming to hear that there are 47 hot springs in Arkansas. Luckily, they are all in one central location. Can anyone guess where these amazing springs are located? We’ll wait...

You got it. Hot Springs National Park is located in central Arkansas, adjacent to Arkansas’ famous resort town, Hot Springs. The water of the hot springs emerges from the ground at a toasty 143 degrees Fahrenheit.  Although there aren't any places within the park where visitors can get in the springs, Hot Springs has conveniently solved this problem with the historic Bathhouse Row.

Though we were unable to find pictures of all 47 springs, (and we also thought that much natural beauty might be too overwhelming,) we did find some truly amazing shots. Here are some of the best hot springs in Arkansas, in no particular order...

1. Here is a spring flowing into a man-made pool in the National Park.

A serene natural hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery, with a small waterfall cascading into the water.
Wikimedia/brandonrush

2. Look at this top view of the same pool. So much color.

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Aerial view of a natural spring with people nearby, surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain. Steam rises from the water.
Flickr/Ken Lund

3. Here is a spring in its natural habitat. Gorgeous.

A serene natural scene featuring a rocky hillside with moss, a small waterfall, and a calm pool of water below.
Flickr/ Ken Lund

4. Check out all the wonderful steam coming from this one:

A steaming hot spring surrounded by rocky edges and mist, with a winding path nearby.
Wikimedia/Yinan Chen

It’s not hard to see why Native Americans called this area "The Valley of the Vapors."

5. Look at all the pretty colors on this small stream.

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A natural hot spring with steaming water cascading over rocky terrain, surrounded by greenery.
Wikimedia/Ken Lund

6. More steam. More colors.

A rocky waterfall with steam rising, surrounded by greenery and a stone path in the background.
Flickr/ Ken Lund

7. Hiking through Hot Springs National Park has the additional benefit of giving visitors a glimpse of Hot Springs Mountain, part of the gorgeous Ouachita Mountain Range. In this photo, the natural beauty of the mountain highlights the amazing spring.

A steaming waterfall cascades down a rocky slope, surrounded by trees and lush greenery.
Flickr/Ken Lund

8. The Ouachitas are not to be underestimated as part of the total hot springs experience. Check out this gorgeous view from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower!

A panoramic view of rolling hills covered in trees, with distant mountains under a cloudy sky.
Flickr/Ken Lund

9. This view of historic Hot Springs as seen from that same mountain tower isn’t too shabby either.

Aerial view of a mountainous landscape with a town nestled among trees, featuring buildings and distant hills.
Flickr/Ken Lund

10. And, of course, one of the best ways to experience the hot springs of Hot Springs is to visit the gorgeous Bathhouse Row.

Historic building with a dome and arched entrance, featuring the text "Orphan Baths" and an American flag flying above.
Flickr/sandwich

Here you can bathe in the restorative hot springs, drink from fountains, or have a full spa experience complete with massages, facials, and delicious food. Some of the bathhouses also have hot tubs and pools.

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Looking for the best place to rejuvenate in Arkansas? Due to Arkansas’s intense natural beauty and preferred slow pace, our state offers a number of places to recharge your batteries. Hot Springs, though, with its historic roots and natural hot springs, may just be the best place to go. We don't know about you, but if you need us, we'll be soaking in these best hot springs in Arkansas!

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Nature|National & State Parks

Explore One Of Arkansas’ Cleanest Lakes At Lake Fort Smith State Park

Did you know that Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg is one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes? It's true! This pretty oasis has lots of adventure.

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

We’ve mentioned before that there are over 2,300 named lakes in Arkansas. Many of these waterways are a source for recreational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, and more. However, there is one major Arkansas lake where swimming is prohibited and that is Lake Fort Smith in Mountainburg. Tucked inside Lake Fort Smith State Park, this pretty gem is a source of water for the Fort Smith community, making it one of Arkansas' cleanest lakes. And though there is no swimming here, there are lots of other adventures for you to enjoy. Come check it out!

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At only 260-acres, Lake Fort Smith State Park isn’t the biggest state park, but it’s certainly one of the prettiest.

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Arkansas State Parks/Facebook

Nestled inside the Boston Mountain Valley, the park was named after the 1,400-acre lake - Lake Fort Smith.

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Josh Spurgers/Google

Built in the 1930s, the lake was created as a source of water for the Fort Smith community.

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Kathy Rodriguez/AllTrails

This means there is no swimming or wading in the reservoir, so it’s one of the cleanest lakes in the state.

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Experience Fort Smith/Google

Although no swimming is allowed, kayakers and boaters can enjoy floating in the pretty oasis. You’ll discover some really cool spots along the way.

Fishing is also allowed, and the lake is stocked with bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and bluegill.

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Himanshu Sahoo/Google

If you want to go swimming, don't worry. The park has a large swimming pool with slides and a splash pad that the entire family can enjoy.

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Kathy Emerson/Google

Want to stretch your legs? Explore one of the scenic trails inside the park. Some even offer views of the lake.

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Michael Preston/Google

Don’t skip over the 8,000 square foot visitor center. There is a lot for you to explore here.

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Kadillak Williams/Google

The overlook and picnic areas offer pretty views of the lake. They’re great spots to sit and bask in all the lake’s glory.

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Tim M Nelson/Google

Did you know that Lake Fort Smith is one of Arkansas’ cleanest lakes? Have you been to Lake Fort Smith State Park before? Tell us below.

Want more adventure in Arkansas? Check out these incredible state parks that will blow your mind.

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Nature|National & State Parks

Tiny But Mighty, The Smallest State Park In Arkansas Is A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

Lower White River Museum State Park in Des Arc, Arkansas, is the smallest state park, offering rich historical exhibits and free admission.

Updated Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Perhaps you might know that of state parks in Arkansas, the largest state park is Hobbs State Park in Rogers with 12,000 acres. But do you know what the smallest state park in Arkansas is? It’s a small facility with only 0.4 acres in the Mississippi Delta. And this tiny park has no recreational offerings. In fact, it’s really a museum that is operated as part of Arkansas’ parks and tourism network. Let's explore the Lower White River Museum State Park in Arkansas.

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Tucked away on Main Street inside the small town of Des Arc is the Lower White River Museum State Park.

A single-story building with large windows, surrounded by greenery, and an American flag in the background.
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

And though this park has no recreational facilities, it is packed with artifacts and collections from the White River region.

This tiny museum/park was created to preserve the rich history of the Lower White River and the town of Des Arc.

A museum exhibit featuring displays on pearling and fishing, with artifacts and informational panels on the walls.
Dylan Morse/Google

The land as well as a lot of the artifacts from the museum were donated by prominent citizen John Bethell in 1970 when the museum was established.

The museum is great for educational purposes and if you’re a history buff, you should definitely stop in.

Sign for Tom Roe Memorial River Front Park with a view of the river and a bridge in the background on a clear day.
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll learn all about the steamboat industry and how the White River and the town of Des Arc became a transportation hub for early settlers.

As you walk into the museum, you’ll be impressed with the life-size displays of a slave, a teacher, a steamboat captain, and a surveyor.

Historical scene with life-sized figures in period clothing, including a woman with a parasol and men in hats, near wooden crates.
Management / TripAdvisor

Other noteworthy pieces include a detailed model of a steamboat, a button-cutting machine, fossils, and Native American and Civil War artifacts.

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A detailed model of a steamboat displayed in a glass case, featuring multiple smokestacks and an American flag.
chad skabronski/Google

Additionally, other exhibits showcase details about the prominent Des Arc industries which include fishing, pearling, button-making, agriculture, and more.

You’ll also learn about the Civil War, medicine, education, and riverboats of the time.

Exhibit showcasing riverboat history with displays, artifacts, and informational panels in a museum setting.
Shawna Cook/Google

So, as you can tell, though this state park and museum are tiny, there is a lot to learn and see. And of course, the best part about this museum is that it’s free of charge.

While you’re in the area, walk next door to the Prairie County Log Cabin Museum for more history about the region. Have you ever explored Lower White River Museum State Park, the smallest state park in Arkansas? What are your favorite Arkansas state parks? Tell us about your favorite ones in the comments. While you're staying in the area, you must stop in at Dondie's White River Princess and get the best darn catfish in the Delta:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/no-fuss-hideaway-ar-2/

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