Hot Springs

Bathhouse Row

Includes the Fordyce Bathhouse and seven other bathhouses all built in the early 20th century. The Row is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aside from the Fordyce which serves as the park visitor center, the Buckstaff and the Quapaw are the only other operating bathhouses that are still in use as a spa. The other bathhouses are vacant but awaiting new uses.

Gangster Museum of America

Museum about organized crime in America, particularly during the prohibition years of the 1920s and early 1930s, when Chicago gangsters came to Hot Springs to relax in the thermal baths and run illegal drinking and prostitution establishments while local police and politicians were paid to forget they ever saw any gangsters.

Daily 10AM-5PM·$16 adults, discounts for seniors and children

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens. Learn more about its natural flora and fauna.

Hale Bathhouse

The present Hale Bathhouse is the oldest visible structure on Bathhouse Row. The Mission Revival-style bathhouse is a textbook case of the changes in use and design of bathhouses buildings in Hot Springs National Park.

Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center

The visitor center in the former Fordyce Bathhouse is also a 24-room museum offering self-guided tours. Considered the most elegant bathhouse when completed in 1915, it exhibits beautiful mosaic tile floors, marble, stained glass windows and ceilings, a gymnasium, and routine bathing equipment. The 15-minute orientation movie, Valley of Vapors, offers a brief history of the area. Taking the Baths is a 9-minute video showing the traditional bathing routine in the Hot Springs bathhouses. Rest rooms and water fountains are located in the basement. Other rooms shown include the music room, massage rooms and a bowling alley.

Daily 9AM-5PM

JavaPrimo Coffee House, Cafe & More

JavaPrimo is a locally owned coffee shop and cafe featuring fresh roasted coffee. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, JavaPrimo offers a selection of paninis, wraps, sandwiches, salads, soups, cakes, pies, pastries and coffee. Gift ideas include coffee beans, teas, collegiate football gifts and greeting cards.

Mon-Thu 6:30AM-10PM, Fri 6:30AM-11PM, Sat 7:30AM-11PM·$4.25 to $10

Lake Catherine State Park

A tranquil lake setting with a number of waterfalls where one can submerge in pools below and just frolic in general. But also you can arrange boat rentals or horseback rides on the premises. Or camp in a tent, yurt, or cabin.

Visitor centerː daily 8AM-5PM·Free

Lake Ouachita State Park

Centered around the eponymous lake that dominates the area west of Hot Springs, its large size kind of caters to boating enthusiasts, but has hiking, swimming, and camping amenities nonetheless. Visitor center, kayaking.

Visitor centerː daily 8AM-5PM·Free

Magic Springs and Crystal Falls

An amusement park with water and thrill rides such as roller coasters perched high above the Ouachita Mountains, outdoor concerts and more.

Maxine's

Great atmosphere inside a historic building and a great beer list.

Mid America Science Museum

A great family attraction and the largest hands-on science center in Arkansas. Take the “Underground Arkansas” tour of a gigantic indoor cave filled with chambers, bridges, tunnels and slides, or experience the light, motion and sound of the “Virtual Reality Simulator.” Mid America Museum is the perfect setting for school field trips, birthday parties, summer science camps and more.

Labor Day to Memorial Day: Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM; Memorial Day to Labor Day: daily 9:30AM-6PM

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

From January through April, Oaklawn is the place to be in Arkansas. Watch and wager on live top-quality thoroughbred racing, enjoy delicious food served up at restaurants and stands and participate in contests and promotions. Oaklawn also offers simulcast racing action year-round, plus live casino games and slots (thanks to casinos being legalized in the state in 2019). Some Arkansas Derby winners have also won one or more of the Triple Crown races in Kentucky, Maryland or New York. During the live racing season, children may enter Oaklawn accompanied by a parent or guardian; children attending during the simulcast season must be at least 48 inches tall to be admitted.

Ouachita River Whitewater Park

A place to float or kayak down a semi-turbulent stretch of the Ouachita River. Watch out for hooey bathrooms though.

The Grand Promenade

A landscaped walkway behind Bathhouse Row which offers a glimpse of the springs and historic landscape features. Entrances are from behind the Visitor Center and from Fountain Street.

Hot Springs Music Festival

The, brings together mentor musicians with pre-professional musicians during the first two weeks of June to perform chamber and orchestral music. Venues are located at various sites in the historic downtown district.

Scenic mountain drives

The drives on West Mountain, Hot Springs, and North Mountains have overlooks to the surrounding areas. An observation tower on top of Hot Springs Mountain is operated by a concessionaire and offers a panoramic view of the Zig Zag range of the Ouachita Mountains.

All Things Natural

Natural decor for the home.

Sun-Thu 10AM-6PM, Fri Sat 10AM-7PM

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr

Ohio Club

Live music inside the oldest bar in Arkansas!

Rolando's Nuevo Latino Restaurante

Great Latin cuisine restaurant with an outdoor seating area.

$8-15

Arkansas Shorts Film Festival

in January of each year

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

in the fall

Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival

every year in March