If you want to vacation in Hot Springs, Arkansas, then you are in the right spot.
With so much to do, it is no wonder that Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a hot travel destination. Below we have ten things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
1. Garvan Woodland Gardens
The University of Arkansas owns the Garvan Woodland Gardens, which features a breathtakingly beautiful botanical garden.
The whimsical garden has several bridges, gardens, and even a chapel.
The Chapel’s design resembles the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Anthony’s Chapel is a high-in-demand wedding chapel. Therefore, the venue may be used for a wedding, especially if you visit on the weekend.
The Chapel sits outside the Garvan Woodland Gardens so you can visit for free.
2. Bathhouse Row
Bathhouse Row consists of several different bathhouses.
A Bathhouse allows guests to soak up the hot spring water while relaxing.
Although Bathhouse Row features a variety of ‘bathhouses,’ not all are in use or have converted to other businesses.
The bathhouses are as follows:
- Buckstaff Bathhouse offers different spa packages allowing you to soak in the city’s hot springs.
- Fordyce Bathhouse is now used as a park visitor center enabling you to gather more information on Hot Springs, Arkansas.
- Hale Bathhouse has been renamed Hale Hotel, where you can spend the night on Bathhouse Row.
- Maurice Bathhouse is currently abandoned.
- Superior Bathhouse is a brewery where you can stop and enjoy a cold brew. They use the local thermal spring water in their beer.
- Ozark Bathhouse, which is now the Ozark Cultural Center, where you can see local artists’ paintings for free.
- Quapaw Bathhouse is another location where the public can soak in the local thermal springs. The facility offers a thermal pool, private baths, and a steam cave.
- Lamar Bathhouse has the Bathhouse Row Emporium, where souvenirs, knick-knacks, and America the Beautiful Pass can be purchased.
Although Bathhouse Row is not primarily used as a row of locations where you can soak in the local hot spring (aside from the few businesses that still offer those services), it provides a fun day exploring the town.
You can experience a brewery, art gallery, local shop, several spas, and even a hotel to stay the night.
3. Hot Springs National Park
Another great destination is the Hot Springs National Park.
The park offers many activities, including 26 miles of hiking trails and guided tours.
Multiple pathways run through the park. The trails that provide the best views are Goat Rock Trail (2.4-mile trail) and West Mountain Trail (1.9-mile trail).
Hot Springs National Park also offers guided tours of Fordyce Bathhouse, one of the original luxury bathhouses on Bathhouse Row.
Tours are available based on staffing. Call ahead of time at (501) 620-6715 to ensure tours are available. Reservations are needed for groups.
Important information: You cannot soak in the hot springs outdoors.
However, you can experience the bathhouses in the two locations listed above, Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Bathhouse.
4. Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a beautiful way to see scenic views from 1,256 feet above sea level.
Upon arrival, you ride to the top of the tower, where you can see land for approximately 140 miles—giving amazing views of Hot Springs National Park, several lakes, and the Ouachita National Forest.
Furthermore, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower has an air-conditioned observation deck, making it perfect for visiting anytime throughout the year.
Inside the observation deck is a mini-museum allowing for a learning experience.
Once completed, check out the gift shop for souvenirs, knick-knacks, and gifts.
5. Lake Catherine State Park
Lake Catherine is a 2,240-acre lake that is perfect for boating. If you vacation in Hot Springs, Arkansas, you likely won’t have your boat.
Luckily, they have a marina where you rent a boat.
Boat rentals include Pontoons, Fishing, Water Bikes, Paddle Boards, Kayaks, and Canoes. Boat rentals are available all year long.
The marina is open during the summer and offers fuel, snacks, and bait.
If you want something fun besides boating, there are several picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming beaches, and hiking trails.
Hiking Trails include Falls Branch Trail, leading to a lovely waterfall. This heavily trafficked trail is only 1.6 miles long and is considered moderate.
Then there’s the Dam Mountain Trail that offers scenic lake views. The trail is a 3.6-mile loop that is regarded as a moderate hike.
Another great attraction at Lake Catherine State Park is the guided horseback tours. Arkansas Riding Stables offers trail rides.
Guided horseback tours are seasonal, with the facility being open throughout the summer and on weekends during spring/fall.
Make your reservations for horseback riding today at (501) 262-0777.
6. Ouachita National Forest
Ouachita National Forest is a great way to spend time outdoors. The park offers a variety of hiking trails.
The top trails at Ouachita National Forest are the Buckeye Mountain to Caney Creek Trail, offering scenic views of mountain ridges.
This moderate trail is approximately 11 miles and is considered an in-and-out trail.
Another popular trail is the Eagle Rock Loop, a 28.2-mile trail that loops and is considered difficult.
The trail features fantastic views of wooded mountaintops, waterfalls, and scenic forests.
If you are looking for a shorter trail that you can quickly complete in a day, you may find the Winding Stairs Trail interesting.
The trail is an in-and-out trail that is only 4.5 miles in length.
Another great activity allowed in Ouachita National Forest is OHV (Off-Highway Vehicles) trails. You can choose from over a dozen paths for your OHV.
For a complete list of routes and maps, visit the USDA.gov website.
Other recreational activities are fishing, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, and hunting.
Allowing you to easily spend a day, week, or even several weeks exploring the Ouachita National Forest.
7. Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf
If you are Looking for a fun family activity that allows you to bond with your children while on vacation? Then look no further; Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is just what you need!
This mini golf course features a fun pirate theme throughout.
Your children will love put-putting across a pirate ship, seeing statues of pirates, and a beautiful blue waterfall. So come on out and enjoy a round of 18-hole mini golf.
Your family will have a grrr-eat time.
8. Gangster Museum of America
Come out and watch a guide dress up in costume to give a tour of Arkansas’s local history of the mob.
You will see videos, photos, casino tables, mugshots, and more throughout the tour!
If you are into history and interested in the mob, then you must come to check out the Gangster Museum of America.
It is truly the hidden gem of Hot Springs, Arkansas.
9. Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
How crazy is it that there is an Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo in Hot Springs, Arkansas?
This venue offers many unique experiences that are hard to find anywhere else in the United States.
Such activities include holding and feeding baby alligators. How amazing does that sound! In addition to an alligator experience, you can see wolves, mountain lions, bunnies, and other animals.
It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about a variety of different animals.
10. The Galaxy Connection
The Galaxy Connection is perfect for those who love memorabilia, Star Wars, and superheroes. This venue offers two tours that both allow for photo ops.
You can opt into the VIP Tour or the Regular Tour.
- The Regular Tours give you a behind-the-scenes look at the museum and have multiple photo ops with toy-grade props.
- The VIP Tour offers everything in the Regular Tour, you get higher-grade props to pose for photos and a 10% discount in the toy store.
Additionally, the VIP Tour is twice as long as the Regular Tour.
Important Information: It is best to book your tour before going! Learn more by visiting their website at https://www.thegalaxyconnection.com/
Bonus: Funtrackers Family Fun Park
We decided to throw in a bonus activity for you since there is so much to choose from! The Funtrackers Family Fun Park is the ultimate family-friendly attraction!
Your kids will have a blast as they hop onto the go-kart rides, zoom down the track and play laser tag with an epic jungle theme.
If your kids are into miniature golf, check out their 18 holes, where you will encounter caves, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
You can cool off during those hot summer days by speeding across a pond to bump each other with bumper boats.
Top the day off by visiting the arcade center, where your kids can play various games.
Another significant aspect of the family-friendly park is the pricing.
Funtrackers Family Fun Park offers various pricing bundles and wristbands, allowing you to choose a package that makes the most sense for your whole family.
Full List 10 Reasons to Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas
1. Garvan Woodland Gardens
2. Bathhouse Row
3. Hot Springs National Park
4. Hot Springs Mountain Towers
5. Lake Catherine State Park
6. Ouachita National Forest
7. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
8. Gangster Museum of America
9. Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
10. The Galaxy Connection
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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