America’s Oldest National Park Has A Truly Fascinating History

While Yellowstone is often believed to be the oldest national park in the system, the title technically belongs to a great national park to visit in Arkansas. This relatively unknown park hiding in The Wonder State, Hot Springs National Park, is only a fraction of the size of other parks in America, yet it is no less impressive. In fact, the natural hot springs are what attracted people to this area of Arkansas, creating a town by the name of Hot Springs. Land was set aside by the federal government back in 1832, long before national parks had been conceptualized. Here's more on the fascinating history behind Hot Springs National Park.

Hot Springs National Park's interesting history began long before its designation as Hot Springs Reservation in 1832.

The park didn't receive its official title as a national park until 1921. Since it was the oldest area protected by the National Parks Service, it set the precedent for this important system.

It is right downtown and easily accessible, with numerous hot springs, walking paths, an observation tower, visitor centers, and trails, making it one of the best parks in Arkansas. The park is located right next to the town of Hot Springs in Garland County. The town was established shortly after the land was given federal protection in the 1800s.

The hot springs found in this area of the state have been believed to hold medicinal qualities for thousands of years. Europeans, who marveled at the natural resource, first came to stay beginning in the early 1800s. The area quickly gained the nickname "The American Spa."

You can still get a bath and spa treatments on bathhouse row, or bring a jug to fill with fresh mineral water at the few filling spring stations. The Bathhouse Row consists of eight bathhouse buildings that were constructed between 1892 and 1923. Take the Park Ranger Tour to understand how hot springs operated in the early 1900s.

You'll get the chance to marvel at the collection of hot spring pools, view historic baths, and even soak in the water for an additional fee. These springs of water flow from the western slope of the aptly named Hot Springs Mountain.

Surrounded in history, it is easy to take your mind on a road trip, considering who came before all those long days ago.

To truly see history alive, the Buckstaff Hot Springs Bathhouse is one of two out of the eight bathhouses, built over natural hot springs in Bathhouse Row in the 1900s, that are open today. Since opening its doors in 1912, this bathhouse has been in continuous operation, still offering a full traditional bathing experience.

The Thermal Mineral Bath includes all or some rejuvenating services, such as a whirlpool mineral bath and a Swedish massage.

Along the visit, you will see the collections at Hot Springs National Park include a wide variety of natural history specimens and cultural artifacts.

Some of the collections include historic remnants and replicas associated with the bathing industry, and early exploration and the settlement of the Hot Springs area.

Don't forget to take advantage of the lush scenery surrounding the area, such as the few trails throughout the park. They offer beautiful views of the forested landscape.

The grounds and trails are very well-maintained, offering a wonderful, historical overview to some of the best hiking trails in the state. It is possible to hike almost every trail on the north side in just a few hours. Or take a small walk to enjoy the park's waterfalls.

This marker is located on Fountain Street, memorializing some of the famous baseball players who came to hike the trails for training.

Join the ranks of the people still coming to enjoy the magical wonders at Hot Springs National Park, still one of the best things to do outside in Arkansas.

There is so much more to learn about Hot Springs National Park. Have you visited Hot Springs recently? We'd love to hear all about it! And when you are in Hot Springs, be sure to check out this fabulous surf-n-turf restaurant, located on the beautiful wharf of Lake Hamilton.