In recent years, Hot Springs has become known as a recreational hot spot, thanks to the presence of three lakes on its southern and western edges.

Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine were created by dams on the Ouachita River, primarily for hydroelectric purposes. But the lakes also attract thousands of visitors each year for boating, fishing, camping, hiking and nature watching.

Lake Hamilton is the most popular, its shores dotted with lake homes, lodging rentals, marinas and restaurants. One of the most popular features is the Belle of Hot Springs riverboat, which offers dining, sightseeing and dinner-dance cruises on the lake.

Lake Catherine includes Lake Catherine State Park, which has boat rentals, boat tours, guided horseback trail rides and guided hikes, as well as a pavilion, camping area and visitor center.

Completed in the 1950s, Lake Ouachita is the newest lake, and at 40,000 acres, it’s also the largest man-made lake in Arkansas. Part of it, too, is a state park, offering a marina, boat rentals, camping, cabins, wilderness trails and more. Several privately owned resorts dot the shoreline of Lake Ouachita. The lake is known for its clarity, inviting scuba divers to explore the water that now covers valleys and ridges of the Ouachita Mountains.

WE RECOMMEND

Places to Shop:
Ablution -  A Day Spa & Salon
JavaPrimo Coffee House, Café & More
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

Places to Eat:
Back Porch Grill
Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat
JavaPrimo Coffee House,
Café & More
Jose’s Mexican Restaurant
KJ’s Grill
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
Luna Bella
Smyly’s Crab Shack Nightclub & Restaurant

Places to Play:
Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat
Brady Mountain Resort
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Hot Springs Marina
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Smyly’s Crab Shack Nightclub & Restaurant        

Places to Stay:
Brady Mountain Resort
Butler Manor
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
Staybridge Suites

Places to Relax:
Ablution -  A Day Spa & Salon