A Town Built on Hot Water and Hidden Secrets
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is famous for its natural thermal springs, historic bathhouses, and unexpected gangster history.
Known as the “Original Sin City”, this charming spa town once attracted mobsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, drawn to its illegal gambling and underground nightlife.
But beyond its wild past, Hot Springs is a place of healing and relaxation, home to Hot Springs National Park, the historic Bathhouse Row, and even a brewery that brews beer with thermal spring water.
Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the history, the hiking, or the hot springs.
This unique destination is full of surprises!
How Hot Springs, Arkansas, Got Its Name
How the Thermal Springs Are Formed
Hot Springs is built over 47 natural hot springs, where rainwater seeps deep underground, heats up from geothermal energy, and resurfaces after thousands of years.
The water emerges at a constant 143°F (62°C), flowing at a rate of 700,000 gallons per day—and it has been doing so for centuries!
Hot vs. Cold Spring Water
Visitors can collect both hot and cold spring water from public fountains, each with unique qualities:
- Hot Spring Water – Naturally purified by heat, safe to drink, and said to have mineral benefits.
- Cold Spring Water – Refreshing and crisp, with natural minerals that give it a distinct taste.
Can You Bottle and Sell Hot Springs Water?
No—it is illegal to commercially bottle and sell Hot Springs’ thermal water. However, you can fill your own jugs for free at designated public stations around town.
Where to Fill Your Own Spring Water
“Quaff the elixir,” as they used to say in the heyday of the spa. You can collect water and drink the spring water for free at these spots:
- Hot Spring Water Stations – Found along Bathhouse Row, dispensing naturally heated water.
- In front of the Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center on Reserve St. – suitable for filling jugs.
- In front of the National Park Service Administration Building on Reserve St. – suitable for filling jugs.
- Between the Hale and Maurice Bathhouses on the Bathhouse Row
- The Noble Fountain on Reserve St. (at the south entrance of the Grand Promenade)
- The Dripping Spring between the Hale and Maurice Bathhouses
- The Shell Fountain on the Stevens Balustrade (between the Fordyce and the Maurice Bathhouses)
- Outside the park boundaries at the Hill Wheatley Plaza on Central Ave. – suitable for filling jugs.
- Cold Spring Water Stations – Located at Happy Hollow and Whittington Springs, offering naturally cooled mineral water. Although they are treated with ozone filteration, very little ozone is left in the water by the time it reaches the spigot.
If you’re interested in collecting fresh cold spring water beyond Arkansas, check out my guide on the best natural spring water collection spots in Northern California.
Bathhouse Row: The Heart of Hot Springs
A Look at the Historic Bathhouses
There are nine historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, each built between the late 1800s and early 1900s.
These were not traditional spas as we know them—they were medical facilities where doctors prescribed hydrotherapy for various conditions.
Bathhouses Open to the Public
- Buckstaff Bathhouse – The only bathhouse that has operated continuously since 1912, offering traditional thermal baths.
- Quapaw Baths & Spa – A more modern spa with thermal pools and private mineral baths.
Hotels with Private Hot Springs Access
If you want a hot spring experience without the crowds, two hotels offer private access for overnight guests:
- Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa – A grand historic hotel featuring thermal baths and a full-service spa.
- Hotel Hale – A modern hotel with exclusive thermal spa services.
Fordyce Bathhouse: A Free Museum Inside the National Park
The Fordyce Bathhouse is now the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, offering a free self-guided museum tour.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Original hydrotherapy equipment like Sitz baths, steam cabinets, and marble tubs.
- A historic gymnasium where patients exercised.
- The luxury of the early 1900s—most of the bathhouse remains 90% original.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery: Beer Brewed with Hot Spring Water
One of the unique places in town is Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the only brewery in the world that uses natural hot spring water to brew beer.
Located inside a restored bathhouse, this spot serves a rotating selection of craft beers, many made exclusively with the park’s thermal water.
Exploring Hot Springs National Park
Hiking, Driving, and Scenic Views
Hot Springs National Park offers:
- Over 26 miles of hiking trails through the Ouachita Mountains.
- A scenic drive up Hot Springs Mountain, with multiple overlooks.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
For a breathtaking panoramic view, visit Hot Springs Mountain Tower—a 216-foot observation deck standing at 1,256 feet above sea level.
You can drive directly to the parking lot or hike the 1.5-mile trail from Fountain Street.
Can You Soak in Hot Springs National Park?
No—unlike other national parks with thermal pools, there are no public soaking areas inside Hot Springs National Park.
The only way to experience the hot springs is by visiting the bathhouses.
While soaking isn’t allowed inside Hot Springs National Park, there are incredible natural hot springs in Mammoth Lakes, California, where you can enjoy mineral-rich waters under the open sky.
Where to Touch the Hot Spring Water
You can touch the hot spring water at several fountains and small waterfalls along Bathhouse Row.
As listed on nps.org:
- The Display Spring – Located directly behind the Maurice Bathhouse, this spring fissures out of a hillside and flows into a shallow pool below. Shaded by trees, surrounded by mosses and blue-green algae, this is a great place to relax and listen to the sounds of running water.
- Hot Water Cascade – Located at Arlington Lawn, this is the largest visible spring in the Park. Hot water emanates from the hill side near the Grand Promenade and flows under the path, down a steep cliff into two pools.
- The Fordyce Fountains – These fountains are located at the park’s former “grand entrance,” right between the Fordyce and Maurice Bathhouses. There are two hexagonal fountains where the steaming water shoots up towards the sky.
Be careful—it’s extremely hot, so you won’t want to leave your hand under for long!
The Gangster History of Hot Springs
During the early 20th century, Hot Springs was a major hub for illegal gambling, speakeasies, and organized crime.
Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and other infamous mobsters frequently visited, taking advantage of the city’s relaxed law enforcement.
For a deeper dive into this wild history, visit The Gangster Museum of America, where you’ll find exhibits on:
- The city’s role in organized crime.
- Secret tunnels and hidden casinos.
- Personal artifacts from notorious gangsters.
Conclusion: Experience the Simple Bliss of Hot Springs
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a one-of-a-kind destination where history, nature, and relaxation come together.
Whether you’re:
- Soaking in the historic bathhouses,
- Filling your jug with natural spring water,
- Exploring the national park, or
- Sipping beer made from thermal springs,
…you’ll find a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Take your time, enjoy the dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing), and let Hot Springs’ rich history and natural beauty make your trip unforgettable.
Leave a Reply