Discover the Ouachitas
Situated in the midwest of Arkansas sits The Ouachitas, a beautiful oasis and popular destination spot for visitors and residents alike. Hot Springs beckons as an unforgettable destination, seamlessly blending rich history, therapeutic hot springs and an exciting culinary scene. This charming town offers a diverse array of experiences, catering to every visitor’s desire.
For the nature enthusiast, Hot Springs provides a breathtaking escape. The surrounding area boasts quiet camping grounds, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Ouachita Mountains. Glistening lakes, such as Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton, offer opportunities for boating, fishing and swimming, while biking trails wind through scenic landscapes, promising an exhilarating adventure.
Mountain bike enthusiasts will find the Northwood Trails in Hot Springs to be more than a suitable trail to ride through, offering seemingly countless routes for various skill levels. Stretching over 21 miles, the cross-country trail follows nearly 2,000 acres across the state.
Beyond its natural beauty, Hot Springs is renowned for its namesake natural spring waters. These thermal waters have attracted visitors for centuries, offering a profound sense of rejuvenation and healing. Quapaw Baths & Spa, found in downtown, is one of many spas that provide opulent treatments, allowing guests to unwind in the soothing mineral-rich waters. Just down the road at Oaklawn, Hot Springs, is Astral Spa, the latest luxury spa to open in Hot Springs. Astral Spa offers soothing massages, refreshing facials and more.
As the sun sets, Hot Springs transforms into a vibrant hub of activity. A bustling nightlife scene emerges, with a variety of entertainment options to suit all tastes. From live music venues like The Ohio Club and Maxine’s Live to cozy pubs like Copper Penny Pub, there’s something for everyone seeking evening excitement. Enjoy beers brewed straight from the hot springs water or a fresh, hot Dutch-style pretzel at Superior Bathhouse Brewery.
The town also embraces a charming, small-town atmosphere, reflected in its abundance of mom-and-pop shops. Grab some goodies at The Savory Pantry and then hop over to its sister restaurant, The Pancake Shop, for mouthwatering breakfast food. Souvenirs can be found at Uptown Hot Springs, Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium and Bathhouse Row Emporium. These unique establishments offer an endless array of souvenirs, handcrafted goods and local treasures, providing the perfect opportunity to find a memento of your visit or discover a hidden gem.
Hot Springs is a popular wedding destination, with Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens being a particularly famous choice. This glass venue has gained significant traction on Pinterest and Instagram due to its fairytale ambiance, stunning landscaping, and resident wild peacocks, making visitors feel a world away from downtown’s activity. Other notable wedding locations include The Reserve at Hot Springs, a favorite retreat for Kevin Costner, Chittum Venue at Forest Lakes, which offers a country club feel, and the historic Hamp Williams Building.
Whether you’re seeking a serene weekend in nature, a revitalizing spa retreat, an exciting night out or a delightful shopping excursion, Hot Springs delivers an experience that makes you want to come back time and time again. It’s a town where history and modern comforts intertwine, creating a truly unique and enriching getaway.
West of Hot Springs is Mena, an up-and-coming town for mountain bikers across the country.
IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS YOU CAN…
Dig for diamonds (and keep what you find) in Murfreesboro.
Scuba dive to see a sunken UFO in Lake Ouachita.
Sleep in a yurt at DeGray Lake Resort State Park.
Sleep in the same room Al Capone did at the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs.
Soak in healing thermal water at a turn-of-the-century bathhouse in Hot Springs.
See 22 vistas along the Talimena Scenic Drive.
Watch thoroughbreds make history (e.g. American Pharoah and Smarty Jones) at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming in Hot Springs.
HISTORY WAS MADE IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS…
Diamonds were discovered here by John W. Huddleston in 1906.
The 2015 Arkansas Derby champion American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. He is the first Arkansas Derby champion to win this title.
Major League Baseball Teams held spring training in Hot Springs at the turn of the 20th century (teams like the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox).
Al Capone and other notorious mobsters made Hot Springs their vacation home.
A small store founded in 1938 in Howard County turned into Dillard’s, a Fortune 500 company and one of the top department stores in the U.S.
