A Hot Day At Hot Springs National Park

Hey all!

Today, we are visiting Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. Unlike most national parks, this one includes the town of Hot Springs as well as the surrounding forests and hot springs. Before we delve into this trip report, let's explore some history of Hot Springs. The area began as the Hot Springs Reservation, established by an act of the United States Congress on April 20, 1832, to be preserved for future recreation. This was initiated before the idea of national parks existed, marking the first time the federal government set aside land for recreational preservation. The natural area features an old-growth forest, recognized by the Old-Growth Forest Network. The hot spring water has long been thought to have medicinal properties and was legendary among several Native American tribes. This eventually led to the creation of spa houses, drawing visitors from across the nation and the world to bathe in the natural hot springs. The area was officially designated as a national park on March 4, 1921.

We were in town to visit the Magic Springs Amusement Park nearby, but we decided to explore this area while we were here. The town has a small tourist vibe with many shops and restaurants, as well as the historic bathhouses. We began our visit by swimming at Quapaw Baths & Spa, one of the bathhouses in town. It's similar to going to a public indoor pool, except the water is naturally fed from the hot springs, and you have to wear water sandals while in the bath area. This was a very unique experience, and we recommend you see it if you're in town. We then had lunch at the famous Ohio Club. The Ohio Club has been a stop-off place for many celebrities like Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, Bugs Moran, and Lucky Luciano. They had great food and it was cool to see all the decor that resembled the gangster who had visited in the past. Afterwards, we ventured on a hike where we went past many mountain spribngs and worked our way up to the Hot Springs Mountain Observation tower where we got great vies of the surrounding mountains and national park. afterwards, we made it to our hotel and concluded our day to rest up for our nex destination.

Overall, this is a charming small national park. While it doesn't match the grandeur of Yellowstone or the Great Tetons, it's still worth a visit if you're passing through Arkansas!

How We Rate It:

Destination Experience: 4/5 Tikis

Parking: 3/5 Tikis

The Value: 5/5 Tikis

Accommodation For Special Needs: 3.5/5 Tikis

With that, lets dive into the photo report!

Today, We Are At Hot Springs National Park!

The Town is home to a few Spa Bath houses feed by natural spring water

Also there is some fantastic architecture

The Town is carved into t a valley with the National Park surrounding it

Lets get some arial pictures from the Mountain Tower!

Below is the town of Hot Springs and the Forests of the national park below

The surrounding hills go on for miles

In the distance, you can see the Magic Springs Amusement Park

One last look before we head back down

As you walk around the town and the park, you may find natural Hot Springs along the path

Now thats a fun fact!

We had a quick dinner at the Ohio Club

We then headed back to our hotel, The Arlington

The Lobby has a bandshell set up for a jazz band

With that, we have a wrap!

Thankyou for reading!

As Always, Keep on Coast'N'