Hot Springs National Park Guide: Bathhouse Row, Thermal Waters & What To Do

Hot Springs National Park is unlike any other national park in the U.S. Yes, you’ll find forested trails, scenic overlooks, and mountain drives—but the park also includes portions of downtown Hot Springs, making it one of the most accessible parks you’ll ever visit.

You can hike in the morning, soak in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner in town the same evening—without feeling like you’ve “left the park.” And once you learn the story behind this place, it becomes even more memorable.

A National Park Before National Parks

Long before Yellowstone became the first official national park, Hot Springs was already protected. The area was first known as Hot Springs Reservation, created by an act of Congress on April 20, 1832—even before the concept of a national park existed.

Click here to see the Hot Springs National Park poster.

It was the first time the federal government set aside land for the public as an area for recreation and enjoyment. For centuries, the thermal waters were believed to have medicinal properties—and were the subject of legend among several Native American tribes.

From Healing Waters to “The American Spa”

After federal protection, the city of Hot Springs developed into a thriving spa town, eventually earning the nickname “The American Spa.”

Over time, Hot Springs became known for far more than bathing. The city has hosted Major League Baseball spring training, gained notoriety for illegal gambling, speakeasies, and gangsters (including Al Capone), and remains famous for horse racing at Oaklawn Park. It also played a role in military history through the Army and Navy Hospital, and is tied to the early life and career of 42nd President Bill Clinton.

The Signature Experience: Bathhouse Row

If Hot Springs has a “main attraction,” it’s Bathhouse Row—a beautiful stretch of historic bathhouses designated as a National Historic Landmark District.

Bathhouse Row contains the grandest collection of bathhouses of its kind in North America, including outstanding examples of Gilded Age architecture. Even if you never take a soak, walking the row feels like stepping into another era.

Don’t Miss These Bathhouse Row Highlights

• Fordyce Bathhouse (Visitor Center): The park’s visitor center and a “must.” Explore exhibits that show what the historic bathing experience looked like—ornate, elegant, and surprisingly elaborate.
• Buckstaff Bathhouse: A still-operating, classic bathhouse experience—traditional, old-school, and timeless.
• Quapaw Bathhouse: Another operating bathhouse with a more contemporary, spa-like feel—while still rooted in the historic setting.

Can You Still Bathe in the Hot Springs Water?

Yes—but only in approved facilities. Hot Springs water is still at the heart of the park, but for health and safety reasons, bathing happens through established bathhouses and regulated options.

If your dream is to “soak in the springs,” Hot Springs is one of the few national parks where that’s genuinely part of the visitor experience.

What To Do in Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs is the kind of park you can explore in a half day—or stretch into a full weekend. Here are the best ways to experience it.

1) Walk Bathhouse Row (and Really Look Up)

Give yourself time to stroll. The craftsmanship is part of the magic here—arches, brickwork, domes, and intricate details. It’s one of those places where the “wow” is in the architecture.

2) Book a Bathhouse Experience

Whether you choose Buckstaff or Quapaw, this is the signature Hot Springs experience. It’s the reason people have traveled here for generations—and why this park exists in the first place.

3) Hit the Trails (26 Miles Total)

Many visitors are surprised to learn this is also a true landscape park, with 26 miles of trails through the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. You’ll find forested paths, overlooks, and quiet corners that feel far removed from town—even though you’re close.

4) Drive the Scenic Mountain Roads

Hot Springs is perfect if you want nature without complicated logistics. You can enjoy gorgeous views from the car, then hop out for short walks, overlooks, and photos.

5) Explore Downtown Hot Springs

Because the park is woven into the city, your “park day” can include coffee shops, historic buildings, local stores, and great meals—without feeling like you’re leaving the experience.

Why Hot Springs Is Worth Visiting

Hot Springs National Park proves that “national park” doesn’t have to mean remote wilderness to be meaningful. Here, you get a rare blend of history, architecture, nature, and restoration—all in one place.

• Architecture + history you can walk through
• A living tradition of thermal waters and bathing culture
• Trails and scenic overlooks with low-stress logistics
• A perfect weekend mix of nature + town + relaxation

Quick Visitor Tips

• Start at Fordyce Bathhouse (Visitor Center) to get context fast.
• Plan bathhouse time ahead, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Pair a short hike + a soak for the ideal “Hot Springs” day.
• Bring a camera—Bathhouse Row is one of the most photogenic places in the park system.

Bring Hot Springs Home

There’s something about Hot Springs that sticks with you—maybe it’s the calm of the thermal water, the feeling of stepping into another era on Bathhouse Row, or the simple joy of slowing down for a day.

If you’ve ever come home from a trip wishing you could keep that feeling around a little longer, that’s exactly why I created National Park Posters: to turn national park memories into art you’ll actually live with.

Whether Hot Springs is a place you’ve already been—or one you’re putting on the list—having a park on your wall is a small way to keep the inspiration close (and it’s a surprisingly great conversation starter, too).