Last week I went on a cross-Arkansas road trip with a few girlfriends for my 30th birthday. Our first stop was in Hot Springs Arkansas. Well, technically we stayed in Little Rock. But on our first day of exploring, we took a 1-hour road trip West to the small, historical town of Hot Springs.
I will say right off the bat, I wish we had more than one day in Hot Springs. There were a few attractions (like the Gangster Museum) that we couldn’t fit into our quick itinerary. I would have loved to spend a few more hours hiking through the lush green forests of the Ouachita Mountains. But, if you’re just passing through or looking to take a day trip, here’s a guide on how to spend one day in Hot Springs Arkansas.
Table of Contents
What is Hot Springs Arkansas Known For?
Before I jump into why you need to visit Hot Springs, let’s chat about what the town is known for. As you can probably guess, Hot Springs gets its name from the thermal waters that flow throughout the region, mostly underground.
With an average water temperature of 143° F, you wouldn’t want to plunge into the waters even if you could. All of the natural hot springs are closed to the public. But fear not, as there are preserved bathhouses that you can soak in (more on that later).
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The main street in Hot Springs Arkansas is known as Bathhouse Row, as there are 8 standing bathhouses, some of which date back to the 1800s. Today, all of the bathhouses have been remodeled and turned into restaurants, hotels, and cultural centers, with a couple still serving as spas for bathing.
There are also public fountains throughout town where you can fill up your bottles with hot spring water that dates back 4,000 years. Yes, you read that correctly! The drinking water dispensing out of the spouts today was rainfall from the caveman days. Rain falling today will travel 8,000 ft below the surface of the earth and be circulated back up to the surface in 4,000 years from now.
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One Day in Hot Springs Arkansas
One day in Hot Springs Arkansas isn’t enough to hit everything on your list, but you can definitely explore a lot of the highlights.
Hike through the Ouachita Mountains
There are many hiking trails throughout the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. We decided to do a shorter hike in the interest of time from the Gulpha Gorge Campground to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
From the campground, we hopped across some manmade rocks in the middle of the Gulpha Gorge Creek to get to the beginning of the Gulpha Gorge Trail. This trail took us up the mountain about .6 miles. From there, we connected to the Hot Springs Mountain Trail for about another .5 miles before hitting the Mountain Tower.
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Using the map above, it’s pretty hard to get lost on these trails. However, you may want to wander off intentionally as the winding trails and smell of fresh pine fill your senses. The hike was moderately difficult, but we were sweating up a storm pretty quickly because of that August humidity…so much for a cute mountaintop photoshoot!
If you do have extra time, I highly recommend continuing your hike down the other side of the mountain which will take you right into the heart of Downtown Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row. To get there, you’ll follow the Shortcut trail to the Oertel Trail.
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Hot Springs Mountain Tower
With 360° views that span 140 miles into the distance, the 216-foot observation tower is well worth a stop during your visit to Hot Springs. From 1,256 feet above the city, you’ll get a unique aerial perspective of Bathhouse Row and The Arlington Hotel that those only on the ground floor could never fathom.
Passes to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower are only $8 for adults and $4.50 for children.
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Stroll down Bathhouse Row
Although only 4 blocks long, you can expect to spend at least a couple of hours strolling down Central Ave “a.k.a Bathhouse Row”, as you explore all the old bathhouses, eclectic boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Even during COVID-19, most storefronts are still open.
Bathhouses
Make sure to stop by the visitor center located in the old Fordyce Bathhouse to grab your national park stamp and souvenir. Use this guide on NPS’ website to create a self-guided walking tour as you learn the history of all 8 standing bathhouses.
Stores
Embrace your inner boho spirit at Earthbound Trading Co. with a selection of colorful, funky clothes and gifts. (I might have spent a bit more than I should have there on day 1 of our 8 day road trip 😬). Check out one of the rock shops to get a glimpse into the gems and crystals found in the local region. Looking for a memorable souvenir? Stop in All Things Arkansas for a unique collection of Arkansas memorabilia and locally crafted goods.
Coffee
If you need a little pick-me-up, make a pitstop at Hot Springs Arkansas’ very own third wave coffee joint, Kollective Coffee & Tea. The aficionados behind the counter give their attention to each cup so the customer will enjoy the drinks just as much as they do. They also provide a selection of plant-based alternatives to their dishes for vegans like me.
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Lunch at Grateful Head
Tucked into the hillside away from the Main Street of shops and bathhouses, a large red sign of a teddy bear with antlers might catch your peripheral.
This is Grateful Head, Hot Springs Arkansas’ premier pizza joint in town. Only the spacious outdoor patio is currently open due to COVID restrictions with plenty of room to comfortably, socially distance. They even have their own garden to frolic around with your pizza and beer in hand.
They have an elaborate selection of beers and pizza with that oh so desirable twisted crust. It was a total surprise to see that they also offered both gluten-free and vegan pizza options…it’s quite a goldmine to find both at a restaurant, especially in Arkansas!
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Take a Dip at the Quapaw Bathhouse
From the moment you enter through the French door entryway, you’ll be greeted with subtle lavish touches of the Quapaw Bathhouse. A welcoming smile. Complimentary bath slippers. An icy glass of water.
Regardless of whether you’re just stopping by to soak in the rejuvenating thermal pools for $20 or booking one of their deluxe spa packages, you’ll indulge in an experience fit for royalty.
The Romanesque-style pool room is adorned with a stained glass atrium ceiling, tiled garnishes, and green and blue lit pools. For a more intimate experience, book a private bath or visit the steam cave to inhale the detoxifying minerals.
They have added a number of COVID protocols. They take your temperature upon entering the building and require all visitors to wear masks in public spaces except the pool.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Seated on the shores of Lake Hamilton just a few miles from Downtown Hot Springs is Garvan Woodland Gardens. This 210-acre property features an elaborate collection of 1000’s of rare plants, trees and florals.
Verna Cook Garvan purchased the plot of land, where the gardens now stand, back in the 1920’s. As a self-taught gardener, she planted and designed the estate and walkways all herself.
The property was donated to the University of Arkansas in 1993. The architecture school commissioned several impressive structures to be built throughout the gardens.
Perhaps the most iconic piece is The Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House. Its design was driven by dendrology, the study of trees and wooded plants. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported from Arkansas to Tulum, Mexico.
While there are many points of interest within the gardens, another highlight for visitors is the Anthony Chapel Complex. It’s Arkansas’ most esteemed and requested wedding venue.
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Dinner at Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Finish off your day of adventures back in the downtown Hot Springs Arkansas area at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery. The building was refashioned into the most popular local brewery after laying dormant for 30 years. It’s the only brewery located in a U.S. National Park and in the world to use thermal spring water to brew beer.
With over 18 beers on tap as well as a number of other beverages, it’s worth getting a tasting flight to pair with their juicy burgers, pub classics, and hand-cut fries.
Other Hot Springs Fun Facts
- The land in Hot Springs Arkansas was protected in 1832. Although Hot Springs didn’t become an official National Park until 1921, it was the first preserved area in the U.S. This kind of makes it the first national park.
- Hot Springs Arkansas was the original location of Major League Baseball’s spring training from the 1800’s through early 1900’s. The players reportedly found that the bathhouse spring water cured their ailments.
- Hot Springs Arkansas was home of the largest illegal gambling operations in the country between 1927 and 1967. Today, the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort offers Vegas-like entertainment and holds Arkansas’ only horseracing venue.
- The town is located directly in the National Park, which is free to enter unlike other National Parks around the country.
- Many of the country’s largest mobsters of the 1920s-30s frequented Hot Springs, which was neutral territory for them. Al Capone rented the entire 4th floor of the Arlington Hotel. Suite 443 still has his name on it.
- The Alligator Farm in the heart of town was a first-of-its-kind when it opened in 1902.
RECAP: How to Spend One Day in Hot Springs Arkansas
- Miles of hiking trails throughout the Ouachita Mountains
- Quapaw Bathhouse
- Garvan Woodland Gardens
- Strolling down Bathhouse Row
- Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Grateful Head Pizza
- Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Thank You to Visit Hot Springs Arkansas, Quapaw Bathhouse, Garvan Woodland Gardens and Hot Springs Mountain Tower for helping to curate the perfect one day itinerary. I’m looking forward to visiting again soon!
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