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| Present-Day
Bathhouse Row1 |
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Long known as the American
Spa, Hot
Springs National Park is a world-renowned destination due to the
abundance of natural hot springs found in the area. In fact, the park boasts
a staggering 47 springs that spurt forth almost one million gallons of virtually
100 percent pure hot spring water each day at a temperature of 147°F
(64°C). For thousands of years people have flocked to the springs eager
to rejuvenate themselves in the thermal waters, leading many to consider
the area America's First Resort. During the 1800s, widespread popularity
of the springs led to the development of traditional bath houses, making
the Hot Springs
area one of the most favored spa destinations in North America. Today, Hot
Springs is the only American city that is found within a national park,
making it a truly unique destination. Not only does Hot Springs National
Park feature a wide range of historic attractions for visitors to explore,
the park also makes an excellent home base when participating in the abundance
of outdoor activities available in the area. It is important to note that
since the park is located within and adjacent to the city of Hot Springs,
the two are often referred to interchangeably. However, Hot Springs National
Park is more specifically the protected and historic area of the city of
Hot Springs.
HISTORY
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Downtown
Hot Springs National Park2 |
For nearly 10,000
years, American Indian tribes have flocked to the thermal hot springs
found in what is present day Arkansas.
Celebrated for their soothing powers, the springs have long been considered
a spiritual haven in which numerous American Indian tribes could congregate
without conflict. In 1541, Spain's foremost American explorer of the time,
Hernando DeSoto, came across the springs and reveled in the supposed rejuvenating
and healing powers that the water possessed. After DeSoto's visit, Europeans
were drawn to the springs, which consequently increased in popularity
over the following centuries.
In the early to mid-1800s,
the Hot Springs area became a first-class resort destination for those
seeking the alleged health-giving waters. As a result, several full-service
bathhouses were established on what is now named Bathhouse
Row. Hot Springs, which was appropriately dubbed the American
Spa, soon attracted the wealthy wishing to treat ailments ranging from
rheumatism to circulatory dysfunction.
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What To
Expect at a Bathhouse
Visitors to Hot Springs National Park can still partake in a traditional
bathhouse experience, yet many are unsure of what this actually
consists of. At the Buckstaff Bath House, which is the only remaining
operational bathhouse in the park, men and women have separate floors,
just as it was in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most visits to
the bathhouse include a 20-minute soak in a thermal tub, 10 to 20
minutes with a hot pack, a 10-minute Sitz bath (a bath where only
the hips and buttocks are soaked), a couple of minutes in a steam
cabinet and a two-minute rinse in a needle shower (a cooling shower
that sprays water from all angles). Some visitors also opt for a
full-body Swedish massage. A number of packages are offered, and
other spa services are also available. Appointments are not accepted
at the Buckstaff Bath House. Modern spa treatments are also available
at other facilities in the city of Hot Springs, including at some
of the larger hotels.
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On April 20, 1832,
Congress realized that in order to preserve the springs they must be protected
and, as a result, the Hot Springs Reservation was founded. From then on,
the springs flowing from Hot
Springs Mountain were sheltered from overuse and exploitation.
It is interesting to note that Hot Springs National Park is the oldest
area currently found in the National Park System, although it did not
officially become a National Park until March 4, 1921, after a congressional
name change. Yellowstone
National Park retains the title as the oldest national park since
it was designated as such in 1872.
By the late 1800s,
the bathhouses in Hot Springs rivaled those found in Europe. Those who
could afford five-star service stayed in large, luxurious accommodations
that featured top-of-the-line bathhouses, while less affluent spa enthusiasts
visited smaller, less extravagant establishments. Eventually, the government
offered freebathing for those without ample funds, provided the patient
had a doctor's note.
In the early 1900s, Hot Springs became known for its progressive health
techniques, many of which accompanied the traditional bathing experience.
When prescribing baths to their patients, some doctors also advised them
to undergo hydrotherapy and electro-therapy treatments. A variety of therapeutic
regiments were available at the spas, including the Sitz bath, the needle
shower, the Scotch Douche and electric baths, where low amp electrodes
were sent through the bathwater in order to increase body tone and relieve
stress.
Today, Hot Springs National Park protects eight historic bathhouses on
Bathhouse Row that were used during the late 1800s and early 1900s. This
area has been declared a National Historic Landmark District, as it houses
the most prized collection of bathhouses in North America.
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Month |
Avg.
Daily Temperature |
Average
Precip. |
|
Min |
Max |
| Jan
|
30°F
(-1°C) |
51°F
(11°C) |
94
mm |
| Feb |
33°F
(1°C) |
57°F
(14°C) |
100
mm |
| Mar
|
41°F
(5°C) |
66°F
(19°C) |
135
mm |
| Apr |
49°F
(9°C) | 74°F
(23°C) |
135
mm |
| May
|
58°F
(14°C) |
81°F
(27°C) |
163
mm |
| Jun
|
66°F
(19°C) |
89°F
(32°C) |
128
mm |
| Jul |
70°F
(21°C) |
94°F
(34°C) |
106 mm |
|
Aug |
68°F
(20°C) |
94°F
(34°C) |
78
mm |
|
Sep |
62°F
(17°C) |
87°F
(31°C) |
103
mm |
|
Oct |
50°F
(10°C) |
76°F
(24°C) |
132
mm |
|
Nov |
40°F
(4°C) |
63°F
(17°C) |
160
mm |
|
Dec |
32°F
(0°C) |
53°F
(12°C) |
132
mm |
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Climate
data from the
Southeast Regional Climate Center |
CLIMATE
Hot Springs National
Park is a fine destination year-round. With four distinct seasons and
a relatively mild climate, the city is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park boasts minimal snowfall in the winter and an average annual rainfall
of 54 in (1372 mm), with the rainiest months being April and May. From
December through March, the average daytime maximum temperatures range
from 51°F (11°C) to 66°F (19°C), while the average minimum
evening temperatures range from 30°F (-1°C) to 41°F (5°C).
The spring and summer months boast much warmer temperatures, with June,
July and August being the hottest months. During this time, daytime maximums
range from 89°F (32°C) to 94°F (35°C).
TRANSPORTATION
Hot Springs National
Park is conveniently located in south-central Arkansas, just an hour's
drive southwest of Little
Rock. A number of large centers surround the park making it an
easily accessible destination. Memphis,
Tennessee, is
a mere 192 mi (309 km) drive east of the park, while Tulsa,
Oklahoma, is 244
mi (393 km) to the northwest. Visitors from Dallas,
Texas, can easily
embark on a weekend getaway to the park, as the drive is only 283 mi (455
km) to the northeast.
Some visitors arrive
in Hot Springs by air. Direct flights leave from the Dallas-Fort
Worth International Airport on Mesa
Airlines, while others fly to the Little
Rock National Airport and take the 49 mi (79 km) drive to the
park. Seven airlines service Little Rock, making it a convenient place
to fly into from around the United
States.
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| Stained
Glass Ceiling in the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center3 |
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Once in Hot Springs,
transportation in and around the city is easy. Most of the attractions
are a short walk or drive away. Horse-drawn carriages are available for
tours of Bathhouse Row and a trolley
ride is also a great way to see historic Hot Springs. Of course, as in
any city, taxi
and rental
car services are also offered.
ACCOMMODATIONS
As the city of Hot
Springs is located within and adjacent to the national park, accommodation
options are extensive. Visitors can stay in charming bed
and breakfast properties, opt for luxurious hotel
suites or enjoy nature from a local campground.
One of the most popular spots is the Arlington
Resort Hotel & Spa, a historic hotel that once was a popular
retreat for the infamous American gangster, Al Capone. A myriad of chain
hotels are also available, including many that are close to the park gates.
Gulpha Gorge is the only campground located within the park,
but there are several others located in and around the city of Hot Springs.
ATTRACTIONS
In-Park Attractions
Hot Springs National
Park Visitor Center & Bathhouse Row
The Hot
Springs National Park Visitor Center, located in the former Fordyce
Bathhouse, is also home to a four-story museum. Visitors can explore the
many rooms and exhibits preserved in the center, including the Men's Bath
Hall, which features a stunning stained glass ceiling entitled Neptune's
Daughter, that is made up of over 8,000 pieces of glass. Rooms once used
for massage, mechanical therapy and hairdressing remain untouched, and
visitors also enjoy viewing the bowling alley, music room and gymnasium.
Tours of the museum are self-guided, but guided tours can be arranged
in advance.
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The
Grand Promenade4 |
Bathhouse Row is also
a must-see when visiting Hot Springs National Park. This National Historic
Landmark District features eight beautifully preserved bathhouses that
were built between 1892 and 1923. Bathhouse Row is considered to be the
greatest collection of bathhouses found in the United States. Located
on Main Street, visitors enjoy strolling down the row and taking in the
unique architectural style of the bathhouses. The Buckstaff
Bath House is a great place to be pampered, as it is the only
remaining operational bathhouse located within Hot Springs National Park.
The bathhouse opened its doors in 1912 and continues to offer traditional
treatments in the therapeutic hot spring water.
The Grand Promenade
Considered to be one
of the most scenic trails in Arkansas, the Grand
Promenade is a one-third-mile-long brick path that runs parallel
to Bathhouse Row. Lined with trees and flowers, the path provides access
to a number of scenic overlooks and also offers a peek of the protected
springs. Picnicking is a popular pastime on the Grand Promenade, which
is accessible from the Visitor Center and also from Fountain Street.
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| Historic
Fordyce Bathhouse & Visitor Center5 |
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Hot Springs Mountain
Tower
Originally built in 1877, Hot
Springs Mountain Tower has been reconstructed three times, with
the latest tower opened to the public in 1983. Standing 216 ft (66 m) in
height, the tower is a great way to see Hot Springs National Park and the
surrounding area. In fact, on a sunny day visitors can reportedly see 140
mi (225 km) from the panoramic observation deck. Other sites that can be
viewed from Hot Springs Mountain Tower are the mountains in the
Ouachita National Forest and the Diamond Lakes region. The tower
is located atop Hot Springs Mountain and there is an admission charge to
ascend to the top.
Recreational Activities
Hot Springs National
Park is an outdoor adventurer's paradise. Approximately 26 mi (42 km)
of day-use hiking trails are found within the park, offering spectacular
views of the Ouachita Mountains. Hikers appreciate that mountain bikes
are not permitted on the trails. Popular routes include those found on
the West
Mountain and the Hot
Springs Mountain Trails. Other recreational activities in and
around the park include camping, fishing, horseback riding, year-round
water sports, golfing and crystal mining in nearby Mount
Ida, Arkansas.
Out-of-Park Attractions
Since Hot Springs
National Park is surrounded by the city of Hot Springs, many popular attractions
are found within minutes of the park gates. Garvan
Woodland Botanical Gardens draws visitors to its 210-acre (85-ha)
world-class botanical garden. Featuring a number of themed gardens with
plants from around the world, the garden also boasts unique architectural
structures, waterfalls and streams.
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Garvan
Woodland Botanical Gardens6 |
Magic
Springs Theme Park and Crystal Falls Water Park whets the adventurer's
appetite, as it features dozens of hair-raising rides and a 350,000-gallon
wave pool.
Featuring Arkansas'
largest year-round fish and reptile exhibit, the National
Park Aquarium is home to tropical fish, saltwater fish, lizards,
amphibians, rare frogs and other creatures, all presented in a near-natural
habitat. The highlight of the aquarium is a 120 lb (54 kg) alligator snapping
turtle named Ugly Turtle (U.T.). A gift shop is also located on the premises.
Visitors are amazed
by the lifelike wax figures that are found within the Josephine
Tussaud Wax Museum. Depicting over 100 figures in seven different
themed areas, this museum boasts displays on celebrities, royalty, religion,
medieval times and more, making it a destination that entertains visitors
of all ages. The museum is open year-round and also houses a souvenir
shop.
Many visitors enjoy
spending a day at Oaklawn
Park, which features live thoroughbred racing from February through
April and simulcasts from around the nation from April through January.
Events
Hot Springs Music
Festival
Every June, Hot Springs
National Park comes alive during the Hot
Springs Music Festival. Over 250 international musicians take
the stage in a collaborative effort to perform over 20 concerts and 250
open rehearsals. Several types of music are highlighted during this two-week
event, including chamber, orchestral and chamber opera. The festival takes
place in a variety of venues, including historic buildings, churches,
open-air spaces, art galleries and more.
Hot Springs Jazz
Fest
The park is abuzz during the annual Hot
Springs Jazz Fest, which occurs in September. This weekend event
features performances by world-class jazz musicians on a number of stages.
Art, poetry and ethnic foods are also a highlight of this exciting festival.
The Bath House
Show
Featuring family-friendly
entertainment every Tuesday and Saturday, (as well as at additional times
during the summer season), the Bath
House Show offers comedy and musical entertainment inspired by
the last six decades. The show takes place in historic downtown Hot Springs
National Park. Get there early as the 300-seat theater fills up fast.
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| Bathhouse
Row in 19027 |
PHOTO COURTESY
- NPS; Hot Springs National Park; Present-Day Bathhouse Row; Hot Springs,
AR, USA
- National Park Service; Downtown Hot Springs National Park; Hot Springs,
AR, USA
- NPS; Hot Springs National Park; Stained Glass Ceiling in Visitor Center;
Hot Springs, AR, USA
- NPS; Hot Springs National Park; The Grand Promenade; Hot Springs,
AR, USA
- NPS; Hot Springs National Park; Historic Fordyce Bathhouse & Visitor
Center; Hot Springs, AR, USA
- Wendy Dunn; Garvan Woodland Botanical Gardens; Hot Springs, AR, USA
- National Park Service Historic Photograph Collection; Bathhouse Row
in 1902; Hot Springs, AR, USA
