Located in the beautiful central Arkansas is America’s smallest, but most historic places for people to visit, Hot Springs National Park. According to the National Park Service, Hot Springs National Park is also known as the very first national park, being declared a reservation in 1832. Today, this national park is famous for its prestigious collection of bathhouses and its 47 hot springs.
Aside from the historical aspects of this breath-taking national park, Hot Springs also offers scenic hiking trails, camping and picnic areas, and several parks and lodging properties, making it Arkansas’s top tourist destination. The hot springs run from the west side of Hot Springs Mountain. The hot springs are famous for their apparent healing power and therapeutic baths used for healing for over 200 years. Since it has been a mecca for its hot springs healing remedies, it was nicknamed The American Spa, which brought several wealthy and health driven individuals from around the globe.
Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, there are many activities, attractions, restaurants and lodging properties around Hot Springs National Park. Take a look at some of the top things to do, places to see and places to stay during your visit.
Things to Do in Hot Springs
First and foremost, you must take a bath! There’s no way you can visit Hot Springs without relaxing in one of their therapeutic bath houses. Your trip won’t be complete without a visit to Bathhouse Row. These bathhouses are so famous they need their own section. Bathhouse Row is a gathering of bathhouses and gardens located in Hot Springs. The most famous and only operational bathhouse left within Hot Springs National Park is Buckstaff Bath House. This bathhouse includes mineral baths and a wide selection of spa treatments.
Once you’ve done that, you can enjoy over 26 miles of hiking trails or take a scenic drive around the picturesque mountains roads. Other fun options include camping, having a picnic or touring the historic Fordyce Bathhouse.
Places to Eat in Hot Springs, AK
One of the great things about Hot Springs National Park is the fact that you aren’t in complete isolation. There are plenty of great restaurants around the area for everyone to enjoy. For example, some of the top favorites include; KJ’s Grill, Park Avenue Bistro, Chuck’s Southwestern BBQ, and Hester’s Family Restaurant.
Have you ever visited Hot Springs National Park? We want to know all about your experience in the comments below!
