Hot Springs Reservation was set aside on April 20, 1832, by the federal government to protect the 47 hot springs flowing from the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain for future generations.

The name was changed to Hot Springs National Park on March 4, 1921. The main attraction has always been the hot spring water and baths, taken at eight magnificent bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. In the past, the baths were a therapeutic treatment for rheumatism and other ailments. As interest in "taking the waters" declined with the advent of modern medicine, the bathhouses closed, one by one. Today, only the Buckstaff remains open. The Fordyce Bathhouse building has been restored as a visitor center/museum and is open for tours. Visitors may also enjoy mountain drives, hiking trails, the Grand Promenade and Gulpha Gorge Campground. The park contains 5,839.24 acres.

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General Information

Visitation

Highest June through October; lowest in December and January.

Location

Hot Springs, AR

Address

Superintendent
Hot Springs National Park
P. O. Box 1860
Hot Springs, AR 71902-1860

Telephone

(501) 624-3383, x640
TDD (501) 624-2308

Operating Hours & Seasons

Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; hours may be extended during June-August; closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.

Climate & Recommended Clothing

Weather in spring and fall is mild with some humidity. A light jacket is recommended. In summer, the weather is hot and very humid. Winter temperatures range from 60¼F to below freezing.

Directions

Hot Springs National Park is in downtown Hot Springs; Bathhouse Row is on Central Avenue, flanked by the mountains of the park.

Visitors traveling north or south on I-30 take the Hot Springs US 70 West exit south of Benton; the Hot Springs US 270 West exit at Malvern; the Hot Springs, Ark. 7 north exit at Arkadelphia. Visitors traveling south on Ark. 7 will come through downtown Hot Springs, where the park is located.

Visitors traveling south on US 71 from Fort Smith, or north on US 71 from Texarkana take the US 270 East exit.

Visitors coming from Oklahoma on US 70 would take this route all the way into Hot Springs. When you get into the city you will see signs for the national park.

Transportation

To Park

Access by I-30, US 70 west, US 70 east, US 270 west, US 270 east, Ark. 7 south, Ark. 7 north. Hot Springs is serviced by a local airport, the Little Rock airport (with shuttle service and rental cars), and buses. Amtrak services Little Rock and Malvern, Arkansas.

In Park

Personal vehicle, bicycle, some public transportation, tour buses (vehicles more than 30 feet long are prohibited on Hot Springs Mountain because of hairpin curves).

Fees & Rates

No admission fees. Donations are accepted in the donation bottle in the lobby of the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center. Camping fees are $8 per night ($4 with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passports) at Gulpha Gorge Campground.

Golden Eagle Passport

The Golden Eagle Passport is an entrance pass to any national park, monument, historical site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee. It is a great convenience for those who plan on visiting several different areas that charge special fees. It is valid for one year from the purchase date. A Golden Eagle Passport may be purchased for $50 at any National Park Service entrance fee area or by mail. To order by mail, send check or money order (no cash, please) to:

National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Room 138
Washington, DC 20242
Attention: Golden Eagle Passport

Where entry is by private vehicle, the Golden Eagle Passport will admit the passholder as well as any passengers. Where entry by private vehicle is not possible, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Eagle Passport will not reduce use fees, such as those for camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or cave tours. It covers entrance fees only.

Golden Age Passport

The Golden Age Passport is a lifetime entrance pass for those United States residents 62 years or older. These may be purchased at any National Park Service entrance fee area for a one-time processing fee of $10. The Golden Age Passport cannot be purchased by mail or telephone. Proof of age and citizenship or permanent residence must be shown at the time of purchase.

The Golden Age Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. When entrance is not via private vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder as well as children, spouse, and parents.

The Golden Age Pass grants a 50% discount to the holder on any federal use fees charged for things such as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, or tours. It does not, however, reduce the price of special recreation permit fees or fees for concessions.

Golden Access Passport

The Golden Access Passport is a free entrance pass to any national park, monument, historic site, recreation area, and national wildlife refuge for those who are blind or permanently disabled. The Golden Access passport may be obtained at any National Park Service entrance fee area. Proof of a medically determined disability and eligibility for receiving benefits under federal law is necessary at purchase.

The Golden Access Passport will admit the passholder and any passengers in a private vehicle. Where entrance is not by vehicle, the pass will admit the passholder, spouse, children and parents.

The Golden Access Passport also provides a 50% discount on any federal use fees charged for services and facilities. It does not cover special recreation permit fees or fees charged for concessions.

All passes described above are non-transferable.

Facilities & Opportunities

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center/Museum offers three floors of lovely tile, marble and stained glass, exhibit cases, restored bathhouse rooms, a 9-minute bathing video, a 17-minute movie, basement with the Fordyce spring, restrooms, water fountain, and pay telephone. There are many wayside exhibits on Bathhouse Row.

Park rangers, volunteers, and senior aides at the lobby desk can assist visitors with brochures, the park newspaper and other information.

Trails & Roads

There are approximately 26 miles of day-use hiking trails in the park (mountain bikes are prohibited); there are two scenic mountain drives on West Mountain and on Hot Springs and North Mountains. An observation tower on top of Hot Springs Mountain is operated by a concessionaire. There are picnic tables on the Grand Promenade, Hot Springs Mountain, West Mountain, and Gulpha Gorge.

Programs & Activities

Scheduled guided bathhouse tours and outdoor walking thermal features tours by park rangers and volunteers in season and upon request by advance reservation for groups during the remainder of the year. Self-guided tours all during the year. Campfire programs take place at the Amphitheater at Gulpha Gorge Campground during June, July, and August.

Lodging & Camping Facilities

Camping facilities are available at Gulpha Gorge Campground (see Fees, Costs and Rates). A variety of hotels, motels, and RV camping sites are available in the surrounding area.

Food & Supplies

Local restaurants, grocery stores.

Other Concessions

• A bookstore located in the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center is managed by Eastern National Parks & Monument Association.
• Hot Springs Mountain Tower is operated by a concessionaire and includes a souvenir shop.
• The Buckstaff Bathhouse is the only remaining operating bathhouse concessionaire on Bathhouse Row.
• The Hot Springs Health Spa/Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center is located at the corner of Spring and Reserve and is operated by a concessionaire.
• The Arlington, Majestic, Downtowner and Hot Springs Hilton hotels have thermal water bathing facilities whose functions are regulated by the National Park Service.

Accessibility

The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center is fully accessible with wheelchairs available for loan. A model of Bathhouse Row and other architectural features is available for blind and visually impaired visitors. The park brochure is available on cassette, as is large print park information. An American Sign Language interpreter can be provided with five days notice. For more information, ask for the park accessibility site bulletin or call the Accessibility Coordinator.

Special Needs

There is a pull-out in front of the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center where tour buses, etc. may unload passengers visiting the Fordyce. Buses may then park at the Hill Wheatley parking plaza south of the Fordyce until they are ready to pick up their group again. The park does not have a public parking lot; there are several pay parking lots near the Visitor Center and some on-street parking.

Recommended Activities & Park Use

Sight-seeing at the visitor center; observing plants and wildlife on the many trails and roadsides; hiking; picnicking at the designated sites; bird watching; camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground; taking advantage of guided tours when available.

Reservations & Permits

Two weeks notice is preferred for scheduling a special tour for a group; call the number listed above for information. Reservations are not taken for Gulpha Gorge Campground; it is operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Basic Visit Recommendations

The historic Bathhouse Row area may be seen in two hours. Allow longer to enjoy the hiking trails, scenic drives and evening summer programs.

Special Events & Programs

The park sponsors a Volksmarsch each October in conjunction with the city's Oktoberfest. It is sanctioned by the American Volkssport Association as is a year-round event walk in the park. Write the park for more details.

Wildflower walks, birding walks and other special hikes may be scheduled throughout the year.

The evening summer campfire programs present a variety of in-depth information on the history, natural history topics, and archeology of the area.

Adjacent Visitor Attractions

The city of Hot Springs has a large number of art galleries. A Festival of the Arts in the fall includes an extensive documentary film festival. Other festivals include a jazz festival, Oktoberfest, Miss Arkansas Pageant, and outdoor summer concerts. Several museums cover the history of the town. There is also a hands-on science museum. Area lakes offer the chance to enjoy a variety of water sports. For more information, call the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission at 1-800-SPA- CITY.

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History

Hot Springs Reservation was set aside April 20, 1832, by the federal government to protect the 47 hot springs, flowing from the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain at a temperature of 143¡F, for future generations. The name was changed to Hot Springs National Park on March 4, 1921. The Hot Springs National Park is the oldest area in the national park system. It is also the smallest of the national parks. The park contains 5,839.24 acres.

The Bathhouses

The elaborate architectural style of the Fordyce Bathhouse (Spanish Renaissance Revival) and the sanctuary in the men's bath hall pay tribute to Hernando de Soto's 16th century expedition, which brought the first Europeans into the area. Much of the building's terra cotta detailing and the aquatic images in the windows emphasize the importance of the waters of Hot Springs. The exterior terra cotta detailing above the front second-floor windows pay homage to Neptune, the Roman god of the sea.

The Fordyce Bathhouse suspended operations in 1962. The National Park Service acquired the structure, clearing the way for it to be adaptively restored as a visitor center, complete with historically furnished rooms, exhibits, and bookstore. The building reopened May 13, 1989, again to an enthusiastic reception and again as a "monument" - but this time to the lifestyle of another era. The adaptive use of the building leads the way for similar uses of the remaining buildings on famous Bathhouse Row.

Since business declined with the advent of modern medicines, only the Buckstaff remains open for the traditional bath.

Tradition has it that the first Europeans to see the springs were the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto and his troops in 1541. French trappers, hunters, and traders became familiar with the area in the late 17th century. In 1803, the United States acquired the area when it purchased the Louisiana Territory from France. The very next year President Thomas Jefferson dispatched an expedition led by William Dunbar and George Hunter to explore the newly acquired springs. Their report to the president was widely publicized and stirred up interest in the "Hot Springs of the Washita." In the years that followed, more and more people came here to soak in the waters. Soon the idea of "reserving" the springs for the nation took root and a proposal was submitted to Congress by the territorial representative, Ambrose H. Sevier. Then, in 1832, the federal government took the unprecedented step of setting aside four sections of land - the first U.S. reservation made simply to protect a natural resource. Little effort was made to mark the boundaries adequately and, by the mid-1800s, claims and counterclaims were filed on the springs and the land surrounding them.

The earliest bathhouses were crude structures of canvas and lumber, little more than tents perched over the individual springs or reservoirs carved out of the rock. Later, wooden structures were built, but they frequently burned, collapsed because of shoddy construction, or rotted from continued exposure to water and steam. Hot Springs Creek, which ran right through the middle of all this activity, drained its own watershed and collected the run-off of the springs. Generally it was an eyesore - dangerous at times of high water and a mere collection of stagnant pools at dry times. In 1884, the creek was put into a channel, roofed over, and a road laid down above it. Today, this is Central Avenue.

In the 1870s, the government continued to control the springs and to reserve certain areas as federal property. Private bathhouses were built under the supervision of the federal government. They ranged from the simple to the luxurious. The government even operated a U.S. Free Bathhouse and a Public Health facility. Gradually Hot Springs came to be called "The National Spa." Slogans like "Uncle Sam Bathes the World" and "The Nations Health Sanitarium" were used to promote the city.

By 1921, the Hot Springs Reservation was such a popular destination for vacationers and seekers of health remedies that the new National Park Services first director, Stephen Mather, convinced Congress to declare the reservation the country's 18th national park. Monumental bathhouses built along Bathhouse Row about that time catered to crowds of health seekers. These new establishments, full of the latest equipment, pampered the bather in artful surroundings. Marble and tile decorated walls, floors and partitions. Some rooms sported polished brass, murals, fountains, statues, and even stained glass. Gymnasiums and beauty shops helped seekers in their efforts to feel and look better.

The Army-Navy Hospital (now the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center), just above the south end of Bathhouse Row, contributed to a continued high level of activity during World War II and immediately afterward. Shortly thereafter, changes in medical technology and the use of leisure time resulted in a rapid decline in water therapies. People also started to prefer taking to the open roads in their cars rather than traveling by train to a particular destination and staying in a hotel a week or two. One by one the bathhouses closed down. Today only one of the buildings on Bathhouse Row operates as a traditional bathhouse.

Nevertheless, bathing at the Hot Springs continues to be a popular pastime. Private concessionaires or special use permit-holders operate the bathhouses. Information about rates and services can be obtained at the bathhouses or the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center.

All About Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is the oldest area in the National Park System. It was originally known as Hot Springs Reservation and was set aside for all the people in the United States in 1832. Springs, hot or cold, were an important part of medicine at the time. Doctors recommended spas as treatments for different illnesses just like they write prescriptions today.

Many people with rheumatism (called arthritis today) came to Hot Springs. The hot water made them feel better and they told their friends and neighbors. Soon word got around that the hot springs in Arkansas were good for lots of ailments. People started building bathhouses and soon a town was built, complete with hotels and boarding houses where travelers could stay while "taking the waters."

That's why Hot Springs National Park surrounds the north end of the city of Hot Springs. And that's what makes it different from other national parks. Most national parks are far away from cities and most dont boast many old buildings. Hot Springs National Park has beautiful old bathhouses. The Fordyce Bathhouse is being used as the park visitor center. Visitors can tour it to find out how people used to take baths there, as well as view the building, fountains and stained glass ceilings.

Today, Hot Springs National Park has nearly 5,000 acres and is the smallest national park. It is made up mostly of mountains - Hot Springs Mountain, where the 47 hot springs are and West Mountain, Music Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, Blowout Mountain, and Indian Mountain. There are lots of hiking trails, scenic drives, picnic areas, and a campground. In the summer, rangers give tours that explain the hot springs and the bathhouses.

Because Hot Springs is an urban park, it is home mainly to small animals, like squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, possums, foxes, and rabbits. There are also wild turkey and lots of other birds, including the mockingbird, cardinal, blue jay, warblers, and woodpeckers. The mountain forests are composed primarily of pine, oak, and hickory trees. Spring is especially beautiful with the wildflowers in bloom. One might see dogwood trees, spiderworts, wild roses, wild iris, or may apples, just to name a few.

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Reservation Information

Hot Springs National Park is open year-round. Its highest visitation period is June through October. The low period is in December and January.

The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with hours possibly extended during June through August. It is closed for New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

For more information write:

Hot Springs National Park
P.O. Box 1860
Hot Springs, AR
71902-1860
Phone: (501) 624-3383; (501) 624-2308 TTD

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