'''Hot Springs National Park'''[http://www.nps.gov/hosp/] is a United States National Park located in Central Arkansas.
Understand
As the Nation's first federally protected reservation, Hot Springs National Park has been the hub of central Arkansas attractions since 1832. Today the park protects eight historic bathhouses with the former luxurious Fordyce Bathhouse housing the park visitor center. The entire "Bathhouse Row" area is a National Historic Landmark District that contains the grandest collection of bathhouses of its kind in North America.
History
The park was created by Congress in 1832. It is the nation's oldest and smallest national park. Originally named Hot Springs Reservation, it was renamed in 1921. It was originally created to protect the region's 47 natural flowing thermal springs.
Landscape
Climate
Climate in the park is four-seasonal and generally mild except in winter when temperatures can reach down to freezing.
Get in
By plane
'''Hot Springs Memorial Field''',
'''Little Rock National Airport''' (with shuttle service and rental cars.)
By car
From Interstate 30 take the Hot Springs US 70 West exit south of Benton, the Hot Springs US 270 West exit at Malvern, or the Hot Springs Ark. 7 North exit near Arkadelphia.
If traveling south on Ark. 7, come through downtown Hot Springs where the visitor center is located.
If traveling south on US 71 from Fort Smith, or north on US 71 from Texarkana, take the US 270 East exit and take 270B through town.
Coming from Oklahoma on US 70 go all the way into Hot Springs. When you get into the city you will see signs for the National Park.
The Visitor Center is located downtown on Highway 7 North or Central Avenue.
By bus
'''Greyhound Bus Lines''', 1001 Central Ave, Suite D, Hot Springs, 1-800-231-2222.
By train
'''Amtrak's Texas Eagle''' route serves Little Rock, Arkansas, with shuttle services to Hot Springs.
Fees/Permits
The $10 per day fee for camping is the only fee.
Get around
Personal vehicles or bicycles can be used on the roads. The City of Hot Springs runs a trolley to the tower on Hot Springs Mountain from May to October. Vehicles more than 30 feet long are prohibited on Hot Springs Mountain because the road has hairpin curves.
Tours are available from private companies.
See
'''Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center''', Central Avenue (Hwy 7) between Reserve and Fountain Streets, Phone: 501-624-3383, ext. 640. Daily 9AM-5PM. The visitor center in the former '''Fordyce Bathhouse''' is also a 24-room museum offering self-guided tours. Considered the most elegant bathhouse when completed in 1915, it exhibits beautiful mosaic tile floors, marble, stained glass windows and ceilings, a gymnasium, and routine bathing equipment. The 15-minute orientation movie, ''Valley of Vapors'', offers a brief history of the area. ''Taking the Baths'' is a 9-minute video showing the traditional bathing routine in the Hot Springs bathhouses. Rest rooms and water fountains are located in the basement. Other rooms shown include the music room, massage rooms and a bowling alley.
'''Bathhouse Row''' on Central Avenue includes the Fordyce Bathhouse and seven other bathhouses all built in the early 20th century. The Row is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aside from the Fordyce which serves as the park visitor center, the '''[http://www.buckstaffbaths.com Buckstaff]''' is the only other operating bathhouse; it is still in use as a spa. The other bathhouses are vacant but awaiting new uses.
'''The Grand Promenade''' is a landscaped walkway behind Bathhouse Row which offers a glimpse of the springs and historic landscape features. Entrances are from behind the Visitor Center and from Fountain Street.
'''Scenic mountain drives''' on West Mountain, Hot Springs, and North Mountains have overlooks to the surrounding areas. An observation tower on top of Hot Springs Mountain is operated by a concessioner and offers a panoramic view of the Zig Zag range of the Ouachita Mountains.
Do
'''Take a bath!''' at one of the many concessionaires.
'''Guided tours''' can be arranged by calling the Visitors Center two weeks ahead.
'''Hike''' the 26 miles of trails in the Park.
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
'''Lookout Point Lakeside Inn''', 104 Lookout Circle, Phone: 501-525-6155, [http://www.lookoutpointinn.com] is located on a peninsula in Lake Hamilton.
'''The Arlington Resort and Spa''' is a historic downtown hotel.
The '''[http://hotsprings.embassysuites.com Embassy Suites - Hot Springs]''' sits next to the Hot Springs Convention Center, is brand new, and has a reasonably priced in-house spa.
Camping
'''Gulpha Gorge''', $10 per night ($5 with a Golden Age or Golden Access card.) Sites are available on a first come, first served basis. No reservations can be taken. Campsites have a picnic table, pedestal grill, and water nearby. While there are no showers or hookups, there are modern restrooms. Water is available at several stations throughout the campground most of the year and at the dump station. Quiet hours are 10PM-6AM. Pets are allowed if leashed.
Campgrounds with more amenities can be found in commercial, State Park, Corps of Engineers, and Forest Service campgrounds in the surrounding area.
Stay safe
Caution is advised when handling the thermal spring waters, as their temperatures may reach 100 degrees Farenheit. Also, persons with heart or respiratory conditions as should have written consent from a physician before bathing.
Get out