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Hot Springs National ParkWest Mountain scenic road with overhanging trees in red and yellow fall color.
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Hot Springs in the Middle of Town

Water. That’s what attracts people to Hot Springs.
People have used the hot springs here for more than two hundred years to treat illnesses and to relax. Both rich and poor came for the baths, and a town built up around the Hot Springs Reservation to accommodate them. Together nicknamed "The American Spa,” Hot Springs National Park today surrounds the north end of the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
 
Gentleman reading wayside with blooming flowering dogwood and azaleas in background.

Things to Do

Touring the Fordyce Bathhouse, strolling through the historic district, hiking park trails and driving scenic roads are some of the things you can do.
more...
 
color photo of woman reclining in ceramic tub with water bubbling from whirlpool, wearing a towel

Using the Hot Springs

Can I sit in natural hot springs in the woods? Not here.
Read more about using the springs today.
 
color photo of volunteer Bettie Gardner orienting visitor to the visitor center, standing at the original Fordyce Bathhouse business counter with marble top and brass lock boxes behind

Volunteer

Help the park and visitors by volunteering. Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Heitzman will be happy to talk with you about opportunities. Call the visitor center or e-mail the park.

 

 
 

Write to

Hot Springs National Park
101 Reserve Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(501) 624-2701

Park Headquarters
(501) 623-2824

Fax

(501) 624-3458

Climate

Central Arkansas has four seasons: mild in spring and fall with some humidity; hot and very humid in summer; winter, variable--temperatures may range from below freezing to the 60s, with some humidity. Be prepared for cold weather.
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Black and white photo of the Government Free Bathhouse with a ranger walking on the sidewalk in front.  

Did You Know?
The Public Health Service operated a venereal disease clinic in the Government Free Bathhouse (1922-1948) in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. It was one of the first facilities in the United States to use penicillin. In 1948, the clinic transferred to the nearby Camp Garraday Transient Camp.

Last Updated: February 02, 2009 at 11:32 EST