Downtown: Old Meets New in the Heart of Historic Hot Springs
Experience the opulence of an era when bathhouses were the playgrounds for the rich and famous in downtown Hot Springs. Many of the buildings were constructed during a time when Hot Springs rivaled Las Vegas and Atlantic City as a gambling destination in the South. Now the buildings house shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, music venues, theaters and museums.
Quapaw Baths & Spa
There’s no doubt that the crown jewel of Hot Springs is Bathhouse Row, and nowadays, there’s even more to soak in on this historic stretch of Central Avenue.
Learn about Bathhouse Row and the thermal springs at the Hot Springs National Park Visitors Center, housed in the original Fordyce Bathhouse, or experience the therapeutic benefits for yourself with authentic baths or thermal water spa treatments at Quapaw Baths & Spa and Buckstaff Bathhouse — the only still-operational bathhouses within the park. The Hale, the oldest standing bathhouse, was recently converted into Hotel Hale. Guests enjoy mineral water tubs in each of the nine rooms.
Other downtown hotels, like the famous Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, also offer spa treatments and baths using the thermal waters. The Arlington is quintessential Hot Springs; its rich history is filled with visits from celebrities, politicians and even mobsters — it was once a home-away-from-home for notorious Al Capone. The historic building is beginning a $30 million renovation of its rooms and a restoration of its massive exterior.
Another historic bathhouse was transformed in recent years. Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a hot spot on the row. It is the first and only brewery located within a National Park, and the only brewery in the world to use thermal spring water to create its craft beers.
Wander behind the bathhouses and discover the springs themselves, still bubbling to the surface as they have for thousands of years. Stroll the half-mile brick path for a spectacular view of downtown as well as a quiet escape into nature. Several mountain trails begin along the wide Grand Promenade.
Visitors can also ride (or hike) to the top of Hot Springs Mountain, where Hot Springs Mountain Tower looms above the National Park, offering 140-mile views in all directions. The tower sits 1,256 feet above sea level. A drive to the top of West Mountain affords even more magnificent views of downtown.
EVEN MORE TO SEE & DO
Downtown has a long list of attractions to keep visitors entertained. From the spellbinding Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic and gripping Gangster Museum of America to the wacky Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum and curious Tiny Town—there’s truly something for everyone.
Bike tours, duck boat tours and self-guided walking tours abound, and lively attractions like the National Park Aquarium and legendary Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo (it dates back to 1902!) offer memorable animal encounters.
Off the Beaten Path Bucket List
Five tucked-away treasures for you to discover:
1. Try the hamburgers President Bill Clinton loved at Bailey’s Dairy Treat near Uptown.
2. See the spectacle at the famous Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo.
3. Savor Rock ‘N’ Roll Hibachi at the 420eats Food Truck Court on Malvern Avenue.
4. Step back in time at Tiny Town on Whittington Avenue.
5. Let the force be with you at The Galaxy Connection, a Star Wars and superhero museum.
After getting your fill of the historic attractions, be sure to savor, shop and sip your way along Central Avenue. Staples include The Pancake Shop, DeLuca’s Pizzeria and Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante & Speakeasy. The lively back patio at Rolando’s is set against a dramatic rock wall.
Arkansas’ oldest bar, The Ohio Club has been in business since 1905, even during prohibition when it turned into a speakeasy. Its patrons have included the likes of Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Babe Ruth and Mae West.
Modern-day favorites include 501 Prime and its Bourbon Bar—a great spot for dinner and a nightcap. The new Rooftop Bar at The Waters Hotel is the place to see and be seen (with incredible views).
Nearby the Hot Springs Convention Center, several more favorites await discovery, like the beloved Copper Penny Pub and Maxine’s, a staple for late-night fun.
NORTHWOODS TRAIL
A recent surge in tourism is thanks in part to this incredible 26-mile trail system. Accessible just five minutes from Bathhouse Row via the Pullman Avenue Trailhead, the world-class Northwoods Trails system includes green, blue and black single-track, multi-track, flow trails, jump lines and an expert section. The nearby Cedar Glades Trailhead even has a skills park.
While the trails are most known for their mountain biking allure, Northwoods is also a favorite of hikers and trail runners. In November, mountain bikers from across the country come to Hot Springs for the wildly popular Güdrun MTB Festival.
A MAJOR ATTRACTION
Starting in the 1890s, Major League Baseball teams such as the Boston Red Sox began hosting spring training in Hot Springs. One reason for choosing Hot Springs was the health benefits of the bathhouses. The city remained a spring training hub through the 1940s. Hall of famers like Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Jackie Robinson and Cy Young helped create this Spa City legacy.
Enjoy a self-guided baseball tour of this history via the Historic Baseball Trail (download the mobile app). Locate more than 30 markers around downtown highlighting major league moments. In August, come for the annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend, which celebrates the city's role as “the birthplace of Major League Baseball spring training” with free activities for the public.
DOWNTOWN DISTRICTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS
The steady growth in Hot Springs tourism and sudden surge in home sales — many of which are vacation home and rental property sales — have fueled the need for revitalization and historic preservation throughout the city. As developers breathe new life into forgotten real estate, Hot Springs reciprocates with even more growth. This is most evident in downtown, especially in the hip, up-and-coming districts of Uptown and Sidetown. Meanwhile, monikers for freshly delineated areas such as the “Gateway Corridor” and “Black Broadway” are just starting to stick. Be sure to explore these distinct parts of town and watch how they transform even more on your repeat visits!
Uptown District
Located on Park Avenue, just north of Bathhouse Row, Uptown began taking shape seven years ago. Lately, this district is on the fast track.
Renewed attention to Uptown came after a 2014 fire destroyed the historic Majestic Hotel. The City is in negotiations with developers for a reimagined Majestic Hotel project that will most certainly add to the allure of this burgeoning district and the revitalization of downtown. Community leaders are pushing for infrastructure improvements in Uptown too. For example, re-paving efforts in 2016 made the district more bike and pedestrian-friendly. It’s becoming a trendy area for vacation rental sales and overall gentrification.
As a natural extension of bustling downtown, Uptown gained notoriety thanks, in part, to the Red Light Roastery Coffee House and Spa City Cycling. The roastery is a busy hangout and Hot Springs’ first small-batch, craft coffee roaster. Spa City Cycling is a bike shop located right on Pullman Avenue, just blocks from the popular Pullman Avenue Trailhead for the Northwoods Trails System. This trail system is a big lure for visitors from across the country, with its unique trail cut-through within the National Park (something few National Parks allow).
Other notable stops include a quirky costume and gift shop, Hot Springy Dingy and nostalgic Bailey’s Dairy Treat, a boyhood favorite of President Bill Clinton.
WE RECOMMEND
DINING
501 Prime
The Ohio Club
The Pancake Shop
Rolando's Nuevo Latino Restaurante & Speakeasy
Splash Wine Bar
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Taco Mama
Taco Mama-Sidetown
NIGHTLIFE
501 Prime
The Ohio Club
Rolando's Speakeasy
Splash Wine Bar
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
ATTRACTIONS
Dryden Art Pottery Gallery/Studio
Fun Bus Party Bus
Riley Art Glass Studio
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
SHOPPING
Bathhouse Soapery
Culinary District
Dryden Art Pottery Gallery/Studio
Riley Art Glass Studio
The Savory Pantry
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
SPAS
Chrysalis Day Spa/Med Spa
Quapaw Baths & Spa
