Fun Things To Do
Attractions List for Hot Springs, Arkansas
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
847 Whittington Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-623-6172, 800-750-7891
Founded in 1902, the Alligator Farm is the oldest attraction in Hot Springs. Where else can you pet a live alligator? They have alligators up to 10 feet long and a petting zoo with llamas, deer, pygmy goats, sheep, and ostriches.
Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway - Take a scenic drive
Arkansas' first state-designated scenic byway goes through Hot Springs. It makes for a great drive to see the surrounding natural beauty. Head North passing through the Ouachita National Forest to Lake Nimrod then finally ending in Russellville.
Bathhouse Row
Stroll along the park's famous bath house row and take in the history as you go. Today Bathhouse Row consists of eight bathhouse buildings that were constructed between the years of 1892 and 1923. Bathhouse Row along with the Grand Promenade was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987. Bathhouse row is one of the top things to do in Hot Springs.
Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat
5200 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-525-4438
The Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat will take you on a relaxing tour and ride on Lake Hamilton. The 300 passenger riverboat also offers lunch and dinner cruises.
Buckstaff Baths
509 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
The Buckstaff has been in continuous service since 1912. Visitors can experience the natural, unadulterated thermal mineral waters known for centuries for their therapeutic value in the relief of common ailments such as arthritis. Take the time to unwind and experience relaxation to its fullest during your visit to Hot Springs.
Fordyce Bathhouse Museum & Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center
300 Block of Central Ave.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-624-2308 or 501-624-2701
Open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. In 1915 the Fordyce Bathhouse was considered the best in Hot Springs. Extensive restoration brought the Fordyce Bathhouse back as it was in its early years including its beautiful stained glass ceilings and statues.
The Gangster Museum of America
510 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-318-1717
A unique look at the lives and times of the country's most notorious mobsters who flocked to Hot Springs in the '20s, '30s, and '40s. These include Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Owen Vincent Madden. Enter the world of casino gambling at an exhibit featuring actual equipment from former Hot Springs clubs.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
550 Arkridge Road
Hot Springs, Arkansas
800-366-4664 or 501-262-9300
Garvan Woodland Gardens is Arkansas' premier botanical garden. It is located on a Lake Hamilton 210-acre peninsula. In late November through December the gardens light up with an elaborate holiday lights display. The Garden features a welcome center, gift shop, a four-acre Asian rock and stream garden (The Garden of the Pine Wind), the Full Moon Bridge, Verna C. Garvan Pavilion designed by Architects E. Fay Jones and Maurice Jennings, 20-foot tall Canopy Bridge, waterfalls, springs, cascading streams, Japanese Maple Hill, Border of Old Roses, paved trails and hundreds of thousands of plantings.
Open 7 days a week.
The Grand Promenade
Hot Springs National Park
A 1/2 mile long scenic walkway above the bath houses in Hot Springs National Park. The Grand Promenade has game tables (bring your own checkers) benches, plazas and natural beauty all around. This makes for a great stroll or picnic stopping point in the national park.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
501-623-6035, 800-SPA-CITY
Ride the elevator up to 1,256 feet above sea level to a great view of Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita Mountains. More on Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
250 Central Ave.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-623-5836
See life like figures of celebrities, royalty, presidents and a creation of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper".
Magic Springs Theme Park and Crystal Falls Water Park
1701 Highway 70 E.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-624-0100 A Theme Park and a Water Park all in one.
The Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic
817 Central Ave.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-623-6200
https://www.maxwellblade.com/
Magic and Illusions from Maxwell Blade in the Malco Theatre. Call for show times as they do vary.
Mid-America Science Museum
500 Mid-America Blvd.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-767-3461, 800-632-0583
This Smithsonian Affiliate museum is largest hands-on science center in Arkansas. Discover, create, and experiment to make learning fun. See world's largest conical Tesla Coil, "Caged Lightning", which produces 1.5 million volts of electrical energy. What is a tesla coil? Read all about it and see the museum mentioned at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_coil.
Mountain Valley Spring Visitor’s Center - Located on 150 Central Avenue this two story building was constructed in 1910 was the original home to the DeSoto Mineral Springs. The building was built over a spring that can still be seen today at the rear of the first level. It houses a museum of Mountain Valley bottles and memorabilia. Admission is free.
National Park Aquarium
209 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-624-3474
Arkansas' largest fish and reptiles exhibit. Arkansas fish and many saltwater species displayed in their natural habitats.
National Park Duck Tours
418 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-321-2911
The "Ducks" depart across from Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs. They will take you on a tour through Hot Springs and into Lake Hamilton for a cruise and back in around an hour and 15 minutes.
Oaklawn Park & Casino
2705 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
800-OAKLAWN, 501-623-4411
Thoroughbred racing January through April
Pirate's Cove
4612 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-525-9311
Two 18-hole miniature golf courses.
The Pocket Theatre
2138 Higdon Ferry Rd.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-525-PLAY (7529)
Support live theatre and check out a Pocket Theatre performance.
Quapaw Baths & Spa
413 Central Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
(501) 609-9822
Experience Hot Springs' thermal mineral water in a unique way in one of Quapaw Baths & Spa's four thermal water soaking pools or in the recently opened private bathing area. The expertly trained, experienced therapists provide massages, facials, and body polishes designed to leave guests rejuvenated. Also, visit the Quapaw Cafe. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Wednesday - Saturday and Open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.
Funtrackers Family Fun Park - Miniature Golf, Go Carts
2614 Albert Pike
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-767-8140
Tiny Town
374 Whittington Avenue
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Miniature train town built from recycled material (tin cans, sticks, wire and sawdust) over a 50 year period.
The Winery of Hot Springs
1503 Central Ave.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
501-623-9463
Free tour and presentation followed by an opportunity to taste a variety of Arkansas wines and Arkansas-brewed beers.