Thank you to local resident jim Rose for bringing this beautiful natural area to my attention. I’ll rely on you to fill us all in on anything I left out, especially if you have any local spots or pastimes that shouldn’t be missed!
Hot Springs National Park is the nation’s first resort, established in 1832 as a national reservation (designated a national park in 1921-as pointed out by Dennis & RoseMary). Congress set aside this area in the Ouachita Mountains (about 30 miles southwest of Little Rock) to protect the 47 natural thermal springs, thereby creating “America’s Spa”.
Water naturally heated to 143°F bubbles up from Hot Springs Mountain every day. For centuries people have come to the area to bathe in these healing mineral waters. Warring Native American tribes considered the area to be neutral territory where all could enjoy the waters in peace.
Hot Springs is also known for being the boyhood hometown of former President Bill Clinton. While visiting the area you can see where Clinton went to school and experience some of the resort town charm that influenced Clinton’s early years and set him on the path to leadership.
Things to Do and See:
After a luxurious soak at the baths, take a leisurely stroll through downtown Hot Springs to do some boutique shopping or antiquing. Then take in a musical stage concert or theatrical performance following a break for dinner at one of the many Hot Springs restaurants. No matter what your taste in cuisine or entertainment, you’re sure to find something to suit your fancy.
If you like fishing, boating and swimming, you’ll want to get out on one of the five Diamond Lakes in the Hot Springs area. Lake Hamilton is just south of town, with Lake Catherine to the east of that. Both feature marinas and launch ramps, picnic areas, snacks and ice. Take a break from the water and enjoy mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding along the many forest trails. Or, book a tee-time at one of the 12 challenging Hot Springs-area golf courses.
Looking for a more rugged adventure? Try your hand digging for crystals at the quartz mines (thank you to agesilaus and to Mark & Kay Ulm for the suggestion!) near Mt. Ida, about 20 miles from the town of Hot Springs. For a modest fee you can spend the day digging at one of the privately-owned crystal mines open to the public. Be sure to wear old clothes because you’ll get quite dirty after a few hours swinging a pick-axe. Don’t worry about bringing all the proper equipment; many of the mines offer equipment rentals.
Camping Info: In addition to the campgrounds listed below, you can stay at the KOA Hot Springs or at one of the Arkansas State Parks RV campsites.
Cloud Nine RV Park welcomes big rigs with its paved roads and pull-thru sites. Free satellite TV and WiFi internet access. Each site features full hookups with 30/50 amp service. Well-behaved pets are allowed but only on a leash. This Good Sam Park also offers a laundry room, bathhouse and group meeting room. Daily rate for two people is $28, plus $4 per day for each additional guest. Call (501) 262-1996 for more information.
J & J RV Park provides a nicely landscaped environment in a natural creek setting. They have paved roads, a laundry room, and spacious big rig sites. Easy access and pull-thru sites are available, as is 30/50 amp service. The owners are on site at this Good Sam Park just five minutes from downtown Hot Springs. Late arrivals okay. Rates are $19-$25 per night, but Good Sam members get 10% off. Call (501) 321-9852 for more information.
Lake Hamilton RV Resort is right on the lake and features boat ramps and bank fishing. They have wide paved roads and 81 full service 20/30/50 amp sites. Enjoy the swimming pool and laundry facility. Free WiFi access for registered guests. Pets welcome. Good Sam discount available. Call (501) 767-4400 for more information.
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It is a wonderful article, i like it, thank you very much!
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Nice! I have been looking for exactly this , thanks for posting
Lee Hiller
The Hiking Trails by far are the best feature in the Park. Please see my blog for trail info and photos http://hotspringsnationalparkar.com/ and the old hotel mentioned by Denise is the Historic Arlington Hotel… Friday night Seafood Buffet and dining is always a romantic option too!
denise
we vacationsed there 20 years ago and the free museums on the main drag were very interesting. we spent about 2 hours looking at the history of the hot springs, the old ‘gym’ equipment, etc. then the old hotel at the END of the street is historic and the decor of the lobby, rooms and restaurants was jaw dropping. the food was delicious and then we had a very inexpensive soak and body massage.(if i rememer it was about $30.) we have always said hot springs, ark was one of our favorite vacations.
Barry Zander
SSheez, you left out another plus for this park. The hiking trails from the park are among the most interesting we have found — and we have hiked hundreds of trails across America. We also enjoyed the hospitality of the host at the time (it was a couple of years ago, so I don’t remember the name, but he was only there for a few months).
One warning — trying to find our mail forwarded to General Delivery was a nightmare. After battling the main office staff, we were sent to another office, via under-construction, over-used streets, only to find out the mail was somewhere in between. They finally found it and forwarded it to us a week later.
We love western Arkansas. You can enjoy the scenery, the people and the folk music music for months.
Jim Rose
Only other thing to say abput your article is be sure to check out HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE. Especially if you’re a golfer: we have 10 courese that will stack up against anything this side of TPC Sawgrass.
Oh, and eat at “J’s Italian Villa!”
Yo’all come now ya heah?