Hot Springs, AR
Sometimes you just need to get out of town but don’t know where to go.
Let me tell you about Hot Springs.
Hot Springs, AR is most known as the home to one of the 63 National Parks in the U.S, but that is not all what it has to offer.
Located in southwest Arkansas, the Hot Springs area is home to 2 amazing state parks (Lake Catherine & Lake Ouachita), the Ouachita River, Lake Hamilton, DeGray Lake State Park Resort, and Ouachita National Forest, making it an outdoor persons dream!
Not the outdoors type? No problem! Hot Springs is sure to pull you in with their entertainment district, horse races, quaint downtown shops, great dining, and the stunning Arlington Hotel.
Let’s get started on a few of my favs!
1 Hot Springs National Park
Covering 5,500 acres, including part of downtown Hot Springs, this park is the oldest park maintained by the national park service. For centuries, and even still today, many believed the springs contained healing water. Given that, you will find several bathhouses downtown where you can enjoy a luxury spa treatment. It is highly recommended!
There are 43 thermal springs inside of the park, and the water emerges from the ground at a toasty 143 degrees. There are several spring pools along Bathhouse Row that you can dip your hands or feet into.
Also inside the park is Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Standing 216 feet tall, and rising 1,256 feet above sea level, this observation tower has 2 decks. The upper deck is open air and offers fantastic views of the Ouachita Mountains. The lower deck is enclosed (and air conditioned) and contains exhibits about the park’s history. General Admission to ride is $13 with discounts for senior citizens, children, first responders, and groups.
Not to be missed is the park’s Visitors Center. Housed in the beautifully restored Fordyce Bathhouse, the marble and stained glass make this one of the most impressive visitors center you will ever encounter. Here you can take the self-guided tour thru the 3 stories of this magnificent building and see many exhibits about the history of the springs, and much much more. Bonus? Its FREE!
Even better for us “paw-rents” is that the park is dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed on all 26 miles of trails but not inside the federal buildings, which includes the visitors center. The even have the B.A.R.K Ranger program here. Just be sure to pick up after your pet and make sure your pet is respectful around other people and animals.
2. Garvan Woodland Gardens
This is another place that needs to be at the top of your list. Spread over 210 acres, and on the shore of Lake Hamilton, this botanical garden is a sight to behold. This walking, self-guided tour offers breathtaking landscapes and some of the prettiest gardens you will ever see (go in the springs to see all the Tulips!!). Bridges, trees, waterfalls, flowers…. it’s a true oasis. Be sure and grab a map that show the 50’ish “points of interest” to note along the way.
Now listen to me, you CANNOT leave this place until you venture over and see Anthony Chapel. Anthony Chapel is one of three glass chapels in Arkansas, the other 2 located in Bella Vista (Cooper Chapel) and Eureka Springs (Thorncrown Chapel). Standing at 57 feet tall with floor to ceiling windows, this chapel is surrounded by dense woods and Lake Hamilton. It was designed by architect Maurice Jennings, who also help design Cooper Chapel with renowned architect E Fay Jones. Built in 2006, this chapel will be one of the most beautiful places you ever lay your eyes on.
Garvan Gardens is dog friendly, but you have to pay a $5 admission fee for them. It’s well worth that to be able to take your furbaby with you. There are a few rules such as one dog per person, the must be leashed at all times, they are not allowed in Chipmunk Cafe or Anthony Chapel, and you be mindful of where you allow them to potty aka, not in the plant beds. And of course, you must pick up after them.
General admission here is $25, but if you will buy your tickets on your phone/online beforehand, they are just $20 and $10 for kiddos. They are open daily from 10am-6pm.
3. Magic Springs
If you are making the trip with kids in tow, then you will want to go here. Magic Springs is great little amusement park that also includes a great water park, Crystal Falls!
The theme park has thrill rides, family rides, and little kid rides. There are lots of little “eateries” inside the park and some shops too! The water park has things for all ages too and you can even rent cabanas for the whole day!
Single day admission is around $50 for adults, depending on if you go on a weekday or weekend. Here’s what kind of stinks, daily parking is $20. One of my biggest pet peeves is having to pay for parking. Parks make a lot off of overpriced concessions (you cannot bring in outside food or drinks) and expensive souvenirs… and you’re still going to make us pay to park? ugh.
But, on a positive note, they do host a Summer Concert Series and admission to that is included with your ticket. There’s been some pretty notable artists play here, so that’s definitely an added bonus!
So, it’s going to cost, especially if you have a large family, BUT you can definitely make this an all-day event and get your monies worth.
4. Mid-America Science Museum
This is a hidden gem, in my opinion. And it’s not just for kids 🙂
Sitting on 21 acres, the 73,500 square foot museum offers over 100 “hands on” fun exhibits including the Tesla Theater, The Hall of Wonder, the outdoor exhibit DinoTrek, and more!
You can easily spend a day here and with admission of $12/adults and $10/kids it is so worth it. I highly recommend!
5. Also worth noting in the Hot Springs area are Lake Catherine State Park and Lake Ouachita State Park… both worth a visit for their hiking trails.
So, if you’re looking to get away for one day or four… these are my top picks, but please know that there is so much more here than just these 5 things. Get out and explore the area for yourself and see what all this part of the Natural State as to offer.
Until next time…
Cami
