Hot Springs National Park

Address:Hot Springs, Arkansas
Tel: (501) 624-2701

Everyone knows the saying "good things come in small packages" and indeed the United States' smallest national park may well have the most to offer. Renowned for the therapeutic nature of its natural hot springs of water, Hot Springs National Park was once nicknamed "the American Spa," Hot Springs National Park is the site of the most impressive collection of bathhouses anywhere in the United States and draws people from around the United States who use the waters to treat rheumatism and other ailments. In fact the springs are considered so good for muscle aches and pains that for over half a century professional baseball teams made Hot Springs their spring training site to enable the players to care for their aching muscles at the springs.

If you're an avid outdoorsman you'll enjoy the many available hiking trails and camping areas throughout the park. Even if you're not much of a walker, you'll still enjoy driving along the park's scenic mountain roads and possibly stopping off for a picnic at any of the numerous picnic areas. If more local activities are your cup of tea, tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse and the Bathhouse Row National Historic Landmark District, including the Grand Promenade. Guided tours are available as well. You can also watch the park movie, "Valley of Vapors," or another film on bathing—believe it or not, a rather interesting topic! And you'll certainly want to experience bathing in the hot springs as well, though note that there is an extra charge for this. If you're coming with the kids, be sure to ask at the Visitors' Center about the Junior Ranger program.

To get to Hot Springs National Park, take US 270B East or US 70B into Hot Springs. Follow the signs for the National Park. Come hit the trails at Hot Springs National Park and hike all you like, then bathe 'til the aches fade away!