Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park
Situated in the oak-pine forest Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas's Hot Springs National Park is a four season destination. Whether a romantic weekend getaway or a family trip, this national park offers a combination of relaxation and exploration in a historic and natural setting. Coined "the American Spa", the therapeutic waters of this national park have lured tourists for over 200 years.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Josie FernandezPhone Number: 501-624-3383
Entrance Fees: Free
Sights: Bathhouse Row; Grand Promenade; Fordyce Bathhouse; Gulpha Creek; North Mountain Drive; West Mountain Drive
Endangered Species: None
Important Dates
Established as Park: March 4, 1921By The Numbers
Acres: 5,550.00Highest Point: Music Mountain (1410 feet)
Annual Visitation: 1,273,456 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :34.513810 / -93.053050 (map it)
State: AR
Nearby Big City: Hot Springs National Park, AR
Gateway Communities: Royal, AR; Mountain, AR; Lonsdale, AR; Pearcy, AR; Hot Springs Village, AR; Bismarck, AR; Bonnerdale, AR; Malvern, AR; Jessieville, AR
Nearby Airports: Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT); Little Rock National Airport (LIT)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Natural Steam
Jonathan Brizendine
Ozark Bath House
Lori Martin
Quapaw Bath House
Lori Martin
View More Hot Springs Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Plan Your Visit Hot Springs National Park is in an urban area, surrounding the north end of the city of Hot Springs. Be aware that many businesses in the area say they are in "Hot Springs National Pa ... read more.
Animals Animals Wildlife within the park is typical of the region, consisting mostly of rodents, bats, and other small mammals. Because of the region's mild climate, bird species are varied and plentiful. A ... read more.
Camping Gulpha Gorge Campground Camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground costs $10 per night ($5 with a Golden Age/Interagency Senior pass or Golden Access/Interagency Access card.) Sites are available on a first ... read more.
History About The Park Hot Springs National Park has a rich history. The park has prehistoric American Indian novaculite quarries. It was the destination of the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition sent by President Jef ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Children may earn the Junior Ranger badge by completing part of the free Junior Ranger Activity Booklet, which is available at the park visitor center. After you complete four acti ... read more.
Natural World Natural Features & Ecosystems The most common topographic features of the park are the rocky mountain slopes with their novaculite outcrops and lush creek valleys. These areas support mixed stands of ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Pets Pets on a leash are welcome on the trails and in the campground but must wait outside the visitor center and other park buildings. Please pick up your pet's waste. Service animals are welcome i ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Things To Know Before You Come Hot Springs National Park is in an urban area, surrounding the north end of the city of Hot Springs. There is not any park-owned parking but the city has a large parkin ... read more.
Plants Plants Outside of the Bathhouse Row National Historic Landmark District, Hot Springs National Park is primarily forested hills and valleys. The oak-hickory-pine forest type includes many other tree a ... read more.
Sights to See Nearby Attractions You can get more information about the area, including lodging, from the following sources: Hot Springs Convention and Visitor's Bureau Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Comm ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking Trails Walking paths have long been a part of Hot Springs National Park and the preceding Hot Springs Reservation. Many informal paths criss-crossed the mountains when Hot Springs Reservat ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Our Partners There are a number of organizations who help support Hot Springs National Park. Friends of the Fordyce and Hot Springs National Park, Inc. The Friends of the Fordyce was organized in 19 ... read more.
Recent News
- Videos on Bathhouse to Mark Anniversary August 25, 2008, 12:46 pm
- Hot Springs Should Retain National Park Trademark April 18, 2008, 8:45 pm
Hot Springs In Depth
News from the Parks
Ken Burns on Vacation/Location at Glacier National Park
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
September 5, 2008 - 1:39pm
It's too early for civilians. As dawn's first light falls on the jagged peaks, creeps down the dwindling glaciers and glides across glass-faced Swiftcurrent Lake, most of the tourists in the Many Glacier Hotel are still snoozing.
Town Government Rejected by Tusayan
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
September 5, 2008 - 12:15pm
Tusayan voters have rejected creating a town government for their small community just outside Grand Canyon National Park. Voters turned down incorporation 69-56 in a divisive election over development issues. "We once again said no to massive commercial development here in Tusayan," said Clarinda Vail, a spokeswoman for the Vote No on Tusayan Incorporation group.
Tauck Hosts its 10,000th Guest-Volunteer in Yellowstone National Park
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
September 4, 2008 - 4:32pm
Tauck World Discovery celebrated a unique milestone recently when it hosted the 10,000th participant in its award-winning guest-volunteer program in Yellowstone National Park. The 10,000th volunteer was in one of three Tauck tour groups working in the Park over the weekend of July 19 - 20. The volunteers each donated a portion of their vacation time with Tauck, an escorted tour operator, to work on preservation and beautification projects in Yellowstone National Park.
Dupuyer Elementary School Offering Students Unique Learning Experiences
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
September 4, 2008 - 4:24pm
Dupuyer students started class Wednesday, Aug. 27, and though their numbers are way down from last year, teacher Lydia Mild has some special educational treats for her five students. To kick off the year, the Dupuyer students are doing a comparison unit between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. According to Mild, the unit will cover migratory trails, native tribes and many other aspects of the parks.
Boston Trustees Discuss Township Issues
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
September 4, 2008 - 3:52pm
Boston Township Trustee Gerald Ritch told board members at the Aug. 27 meeting that it appeared unlikely the township could obtain state Issue I grant money to repair or replace failed septic systems of some township businesses. Ritch said a Summit County official told him Coventry Township was able to obtain money in a similar situation, but septic systems are not considered infrastructure, making it unlikely township businesses would qualify.
