What Hot Springs National Park is and why it matters to your visit

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is the oldest protected thermal spring site in the United States, established in 1832 — decades before Yellowstone became the first national park. The park sits in the city of Hot Springs and protects 47 natural hot springs that flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Unlike most national parks, this one is small (5,550 acres) and sits within a city, so you can walk to bathhouses, museums, and restaurants without a car.

The springs stay between 143 and 147 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The water comes from rain that fell on the Ouachita Mountains, seeped underground, and heated as it traveled deeper before rising back to the surface. The park itself does not operate bathhouses — private bathhouses and hotels within the park boundary do. The National Park Service manages the springs, the mountain trails, and the visitor center.

You do not need a reservation or ticket to enter the park or walk the bathhouse row. You pay only if you choose to bathe in a private bathhouse. The park is open year-round, though bathhouse hours and services vary by season and by business.

Key Takeaways

  • Hot Springs National Park protects natural thermal springs in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, and you can visit the park free of charge.
  • Private bathhouses operate within the park boundary and charge their own fees — the park does not run the baths themselves.
  • The visitor center on Bathhouse Row provides maps, trail information, and historical exhibits about the springs and the park's history.
  • Bathhouse Row, a historic street of bathhouses and hotels, is the main attraction and is walkable from downtown Hot Springs.
  • The park has hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and a thermal spring fountain where you can touch the water without paying a bathhouse fee.

How to reach the park and where to start

Hot Springs National Park sits in the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, about 55 miles southwest of Little Rock. If you fly, you will land at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, then drive about 90 minutes to Hot Springs. If you drive from out of state, US Route 70 and US Route 270 both lead into the city.

The visitor center is located at 369 Central Avenue, on Bathhouse Row itself. This is where you should start. The staff can tell you which bathhouses are open that day, what each one charges, what amenities each offers (some have saunas, some have massage services, some are historic and ornate, others are modern), and which trails are in good condition. The visitor center is open daily, though hours change seasonally — call ahead or check the National Park Service website before you go.

Parking is available on the street and in several lots near Bathhouse Row. The park itself does not charge an entrance fee, but street parking and lot parking are managed by the city of Hot Springs and may have hourly rates or time limits.

Bathhouses: what they are and how they work

A bathhouse is a building where you soak in a tub filled with hot spring water. Eight bathhouses currently operate on Bathhouse Row, though the number and which ones are open can change. Each bathhouse sets its own price, hours, and rules. Some are historic buildings from the early 1900s with ornate tile work and period architecture. Others are modern facilities. Some offer just a bath; others include massage, sauna, or other treatments.

A typical bathhouse visit works like this: you arrive, pay the fee (which varies from roughly $20 to $40 for a basic bath, though prices change), change into a bathing suit in a locker room, soak in a tub of hot spring water for as long as the bathhouse allows (usually 20 to 30 minutes), then shower off and change back into your clothes. Some bathhouses let you book ahead; others are first-come, first-served. Bathhouses are not part of the National Park Service — they are private businesses that hold leases on park land.

If you want to experience the hot water without paying a bathhouse fee, the park has a thermal spring fountain (called the Thermal Water Fountain) where you can touch and feel the water. This is free and requires no reservation.

Trails and outdoor features within the park

Hot Springs National Park has several hiking trails that range from short walks to moderate hikes. The Bathhouse Row Trail is a paved, level walk along the historic bathhouses and takes about 30 minutes. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail climbs about 1.3 miles to a stone tower at the summit with views of the city and surrounding mountains. The Goat Trail is a steep, rocky path that takes about 45 minutes and offers views of the valley.

The park also has scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and the Bathhouse Row Historic District, which you can explore on foot. The springs themselves are visible in several places — you can see the water flowing and feel the heat rising from the ground. The park has no camping within its boundaries, but the city of Hot Springs has several campgrounds nearby.

All trails are day-use only. The park closes at sunset. Dogs are allowed on leashes on some trails but not others — ask at the visitor center which trails permit dogs.

What to know before you visit

The water from the springs is sterile as it comes from the ground, but the park recommends that people with open wounds, weakened immune systems, or certain skin conditions check with a doctor before soaking. The water is very hot — 143 to 147 degrees — so bathhouses usually let you soak for only 20 to 30 minutes at a time to prevent overheating.

The park is in a city, so it is busy year-round. Spring and fall tend to be less crowded than summer and winter holidays. Bathhouses can run out of available tubs during peak hours, so arriving early or calling ahead improves your chances of getting in the same day.

The city of Hot Springs has restaurants, shops, and hotels within walking distance of Bathhouse Row. Many visitors spend a day or two in the city and combine a bathhouse visit with other activities. The park itself has no food service, so bring water and snacks if you plan to hike.

The history of Hot Springs and why the park exists

Native American tribes used the hot springs for centuries before European settlement. In the 1800s, as word spread about the springs' reputation for healing, the area became a destination for people seeking relief from arthritis, rheumatism, and other conditions. Bathhouses were built, and the town of Hot Springs grew around them.

In 1832, the federal government set aside the springs as a protected reservation — the first time the U.S. government protected a natural resource for public use. This happened 40 years before Yellowstone became the first national park. The park was created to preserve the springs and prevent private ownership from blocking public access. Over time, bathhouses were built on leased land within the park boundary, and this arrangement continues today.

The Bathhouse Row Historic District includes buildings from the 1890s through the 1920s, when the bathhouse industry was at its peak. Some bathhouses have closed over the decades, but several remain in operation and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to enter the park?

No. Hot Springs National Park does not charge an entrance fee. You pay only if you choose to bathe in a private bathhouse. The visitor center, trails, and scenic areas are free to visit.

Can I bring my own towel and bathing suit to a bathhouse?

Most bathhouses provide towels and allow you to bring your own bathing suit. Some bathhouses rent towels if you do not have one. Call the bathhouse ahead of time to ask what they provide and what you should bring.

Is the hot spring water safe to drink?

The water is sterile as it comes from the ground, but the park does not recommend drinking it. The water is very hot and has minerals in it that may upset your stomach. Stick to drinking regular water from the visitor center or nearby shops.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) have mild weather and fewer crowds than summer and winter holidays. The park is open year-round, so you can visit whenever works for your schedule. Bathhouses operate year-round, though some may have reduced hours in winter.

How long should I plan to spend at the park?

A bathhouse soak takes 20 to 30 minutes, plus time to change and shower. A short hike takes 30 minutes to an hour. Most visitors spend a half day to a full day at the park. If you want to visit multiple bathhouses or do several hikes, plan for a longer stay or return on another day.