Hot Springs

Hot Springs National Park holds the rare distinction of being both a natural sanctuary and a piece of living history. Long before it became America’s first federally protected reserve in 1832, Native American tribes revered the thermal waters for their healing properties. Later, the springs gave rise to the elegant Bathhouse Row, where visitors from across the country came to “take the waters” in ornate, marble-clad spas.

Today, the park combines history and nature in perfect harmony. Visitors can still soak in the mineral-rich hot springs, wander through preserved bathhouses like the Fordyce — now a museum — or hike the many wooded trails that weave through the surrounding Ouachita foothills. The park’s blend of culture, architecture, and wilderness offers a glimpse into the golden age of American spa towns while remaining a peaceful refuge for the modern traveler.

From thermal fountains bubbling in the heart of downtown to scenic overlooks atop Hot Springs Mountain, the park feels both nostalgic and rejuvenating — a reminder of how nature and humanity can coexist beautifully.