Hot Springs National Park - Elemental Quests

Rainfall seeps deep in the earth through pores and fractures. As water percolates deep into the warm rock underground, the water dissolves minerals and becomes heated. Finally, the water reaches the surface via faults in the slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Visitors believed that the mineral water with an average temperature of 143 degrees had therapeutic properties. Native Americans came here for thousands of years in to bathe in the springs and find stone for their tools. In 1807, early settlers also noticed the springs’ potential as a health resort. Entrepreneurs built bathhouses in the late 19th century. You can still enjoy the healing properties of Hot Springs National Park.

MUST SEES

Bathhouse Row

Bathhouse Row’s eight bathhouse buildings were constructed from 1892 to 1923. Ailing visitors did not want to soak outside in nature. They wanted to enjoy the healing waters around marble hot tubs, murals, and stained-glass skylights.

Fordyce

The Fordyce visitor center was the most elegant of the bathhouses, rivaling those found in Europe. Patrons lounged at bowling lanes, a billiard room, a gymnasium, and a roof garden. At the Renaissance Revival building, the massive skylight is a highlight, with the DeSoto fountain directly below.

Quapaw

Quapaw is one of two bathhouses where you experience the thermal springs. Beneath the Spanish Colonial Revival dome, you can enjoy the public thermal pool. There are also private mineral baths and therapy treatments.

Healing Waters

At the bathhouses, the thermal spring waters flowed through pipes into tubs. Some rooms had specialized medical equipment. Guests would undergo physical therapy and other treatments. Visitors can still fill bottles at fountains on Bathhouse Row.

Hot Springs Mountain

From behind the bathhouses, there are numerous trails leading to Hot Springs Mountain Tower and the summit.

Keep Exploring!