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
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
Redwood Park's Hofstra Gets National Award
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
When Traveling, Boingo is the Road Trip's Best Bet
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
Donor Partnership Crosses Borders To Nurture National Park Volunteer Program
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
