If someone asked you about the first national park in the U.S., you’d probably think about Yellowstone, right? Well, you’d be sort-of correct in thinking that way. Yes, Yellowstone was the first federally-protected land to be called a national park. But no, it was not the first national park. America’s actual first national park may miss out on some fame because it predated what we now call the National Park Service, but that doesn’t make Hot Springs National Park any younger than Yellowstone. What this AR park undeniably has, however, is some of the best hot springs in the US.

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

Regardless of what the parks were called when they began, Hot Springs National Park is older than Yellowstone by almost exactly 40 years.
Flickr/Ken Lund
The park was called Hot Springs Reservation when it began way back in 1832, almost a hundred years before the national park service existed.
Tichnor Brothers, Publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This park is one of the best parks in Arkansas.
The tradition of visiting the hot springs there, however, is much, much older than the year it was federally protected. The Native Americans who lived in the area called the springs the "Valley of the Vapors," and valued the springs for their healing properties.
Flickr/Ken Lund
In addition, the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition was sent by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the Louisana Purchase's southern areas in 1804. This attracted more visitors and some stayed, making the hot springs central to a growing town. Due to its alleged healing properties, Hot Springs became known as the "American Spa."
Today you’re going to find the springs, of course. There are forty-seven of them flowing from Hot Springs Mountain, and to this day, they’re still prized for their unique restorative properties.
Flickr/Ken Lund

Related Stories

This Swimming Hole In Arkansas Is So Hidden You’ll Probably Have It All To Yourself

This Swimming Hole In Arkansas Is So Hidden You’ll Probably Have It All To Yourself

 15 Gorgeous State Parks In Arkansas That Will Knock Your Socks Off

15 Gorgeous State Parks In Arkansas That Will Knock Your Socks Off

 This State Park In Arkansas Is So Little Known, You'll Practically Have It All To Yourself

This State Park In Arkansas Is So Little Known, You'll Practically Have It All To Yourself
You’re also going to love Bathhouse Row, which is a series of beautiful old buildings where you can enjoy the soothing waters of the springs.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Grand Promenade is a lovely place to stroll. In fact, there are incredible nature trails all over Hot Springs National Park.
Flickr/Ken Lund
So the next time the subject of the first national park in the U.S. comes up, you can thrill your friends with all of your knowledge.
Flickr/Boston Public Library
Yes, Yellowstone was the first to be called a national park, but Hot Springs was the first land to be set aside by the federal government for the purpose of recreation.
Flickr/Joe Shlabotnik
While all the parks have something beautiful to offer, this park is definitley at the top of the list of national parks to visit in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

If this visit has piqued your interest, find out more about the 47 hot springs in Arkansas. All of this exploring might develop a craving for barbecue while you’re in town.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

National Park to visit in Arkansas

Carolyn Harmon | June 02, 2022

What is another national park to visit in Arkansas?
Search for real diamonds in an eroded volcanic crater at Crater of Diamonds State Park, in Murfreesboro. Visitors come from all over the work searching the 37-acre field for keepsakes of gemstones, minerals, and other rocks. And the best part — they are yours to keep. Provide your own mining tools or rent some from the park. The visitor's center offers education on what you might find, and geology in general.

What are some other things to do outside in Arkansas?
Share this exciting adventure of ziplining with a friend at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, in Jasper. This place offers the tallest, longest and fastest zipline in Arkansas. And if ziplining isn't your thing, this authentic, western-style dude ranch in the Ozark mountains, offers tours, lodging and other fun. And for the wildlife lovers, check out the Central Arkansas Nature Center, over in Little Rock. The center is within the Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, where folks can enjoy the view of the Arkansas River. Bring your camera and some binoculars, because here is where wildlife abounds, where part of the Arkansas River Trail crosses the grounds. Enjoy the landscaping, aquariums, an exhibit hall and theater. You can also appreciate the effort into living green including the recycling of aluminum, cardboard, paper, and glass.

Where are some good hiking trails in Arkansas?
Here is a list of 12 hikes under five miles that are worth finding in the Wonder State. Caddo Bend Trail, in Lake Ouachita State Park, is a strenuous, 4-mile hike taking about three hours out of your day. Enjoy the organic beauty this area offers from the observation deck overlooking the lake, including large boulder gardens, wildflowers, and a generous amount of quartz. The trail starts near the park amphitheater.  Also try Bench Road Trail, in Mount Nebo State Park, where you'll find a sandstone slab known as "The Bench," about 300 feet below the summit of Mount Nebo. Enjoy the flowers and views of Fern Lake as you walk this easy 4-mile hike.

Related Articles

Explore Arkansas