Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs National Park, AR

DeeDee Sullivan

This place really allows you to experience history. You get to understand how the wealthy believed in the healing power of the hot springs waters. It really gets you thinking and wondering about the past. The gambling problem, I didn't explore an explanation. There's also lots of artists and musical events in this area. There's a great campground and multiple hiking trails. It's a fun place to explore.

Loretta Divine

More of a national historic site than a national park, but still very interesting and educational. Free parking is in the Exchange Street garage just a couple blocks away. Be sure to do one of the guided ranger tours starting at the Fordyce visitors center. There is also a cell phone self-guided tour. It was fun to taste the hot springs water. Bring a jug with you to fill with hot springs water (or buy one to fill at the gift shop). To do an actual hot springs spa, you would have to pay for one of the nearby private spa facilities. Across the street from bathhouse row are restaurants and touristy stuff. We hiked to the top of the mountain to the observation tower (trail starts behind the Fordyce visitors center). We had a fun day exploring the area.

Chris O.

Absolutely gorgeous! We gave ourselves a week to visit... still not enough time to do everything. The people from forestry to shops are great. Free spring water , bring your own water bottles to fill. Free public parking across from the visitors center, just a small distance from the bath house row. This is along the, I'd call it the main drag. The bathhouses are part of the National Park. There are trails and so much more to see like the look out tower. Look for the signs. The buildings are so beautiful and a lot are in the process of restoration. I mean for their age, maintenance is a must but they really are doing a great job preserving the historical sites. Keep that in mind if your choose one of the landmarks as your place to stay during your trip.