Posted in Arkansas
February 03, 2021
This Is The Year To Plan A Trip To Hot Springs, Arkansas’ 100 Year Old National Park
Happy centennial to Hot Springs National Park! Take a trip this year to see the sights and celebrate this beloved Arkansas area. Not only is this the oldest national park (yes, even older than Yellowstone. We have receipts here), but it’s also one of the most accessible. A large portion of Downtown Hot Springs is part of the national park so there’s quite a variety of activities! Let’s take a quick tour and see just a snippet of what all this fantastic park has to offer:
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The area was the very first to be federally protected thanks to President Andrew Jackson in 1832. The "special reservation" officially became a national pack in 1921. Although it's the smallest national park, Hot Springs has recreation unlike any other because it encompasses most of Downtown Hot Springs!
The park's main resource is the bubbling, mineral-rich waters of multiple hot springs. This water has been vital for thousands of years and used by Native Americans, explorers, to tourists. According to the National Park Service, Hot Springs is the only national park that protects a unique combination of lithology, geologic structure, and water sources that produce the only nonvolcanic geothermal springs of such high quality in the U.S.
The 47 hot springs can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Soak in the springs along Bathhouse Row, bring your jugs to the fountains, or touch one of the thermal springs bubbling out of the ground. You can see more details on the activities here.
The 47 hot springs can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Soak in the springs along Bathhouse Row, bring your jugs to the fountains, or touch one of the thermal springs bubbling out of the ground. You can see more details on the activities here.
You could certainly pitch a tent (or park your RV) at the park's Gulpha Gorge Campground. No reservations are needed and the campground is centrally located within the national park. You can see pictures and read more in this article.
However, glampers will be glad to know that's not the only option for your Hot Springs stay.
However, glampers will be glad to know that's not the only option for your Hot Springs stay.
Since the national park encompasses most of downtown, the nearby getaways are quite glamorous. A block away from Central Avenue (and within easy walking distance of all the park's adventures) is an AirBnB that combines history and luxury. Miss Fancy's is one of the trio of houses known as the Ladies of the Court. The vintage Victorian was built in the late 1800s and has housed everything from spas to brothels. It's now a fabulous AirBnb and photography studio. See the details and book your fancy stay right here.
We mentioned the numerous hot springs but seeing and touching aren't the only ways to enjoy the water. Taste the splendor in a rather unexpected national park stop - the brewery! Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the first brewery to ever open in a national park and it's the only one to use hot spring water. Read this article for a more detailed look into the brewery.
A must-stop while you're visiting the national park, just across from Bathhouse Row, is the Ohio Club! This eatery has a colorful history and is Arkansas' oldest bar. Built in 1905 the bar has served everyone from Babe Ruth to Al Capone. Savor the history as well as best burgers! Have a bigger bite of the Ohio Club's history by reading this article.
The national park's downtown is a unique feature but this is still a park you can get pleasantly lost in. Take a hike in the natural side to see endless vistas and the beautiful old growth forest. Casual strollers can meander through the park's Hot Springs and North Mountain trails that begin right behind the bathhouses. If you're up for more of an adventure then we recommend the Goat Rock Trail. It's 2.4-miles long and takes you to one of the most gorgeous overlooks in Hot Springs.
No hiking boots needed when you're in Hot Springs National Park! The Hot Springs Mountain Scenic Drive will take you up to beautiful vistas and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Take a scrolling tour right here.
Our favorite little perk from visiting Hot Springs National Park is the free hot spring water! You can fill up right next to the Visitor Center.
The centennial will be celebrated all year long. Besides the year-round treats and activities, the park will also be hosting multiple events. You can see the list here.
The centennial will be celebrated all year long. Besides the year-round treats and activities, the park will also be hosting multiple events. You can see the list here.
What’s your favorite place to visit in Hot Springs National Park? Share with us in the comments below! You can add your Hot Springs outdoor pics to our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Address: Hot Springs, AR, USA
