Photo by: Jacob Lips
At just 5,550 acres, the Hot Springs National Park is the smallest national park in the U.S. But its quaint size doesn’t deter it from being valuable, as the park was the first one to receive its own United States quarter, the Beautiful quarters' coin series. The park is located in Garland County, Arkansas and sits adjacent to the city of Hot Springs.
It is known as The American, for at least two centuries, as people from around the world have sought the Hot Springs for its healing and soothing properties.
History
Known for its medicinal properties, the Hot Springs was inhabited by several Native American tribes for over 8,000 years. They called it the Valley of the Vapors.
In 1541, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto became the first European to witness the Hot Springs, which created a rift between Spain and France, as far as ownership of the area was concerned. In 1673, missionary Father Jacques Marquette and French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet claimed the area for France. Ownership was returned to Spain through the Treaty of Paris 1763. But France took it back in 1800 through the Louisiana Purchase 1803.
Eventually, the Hot Springs landed in American hands. In 1807, Jean Emmanuel Prudhomme, an American of French descent, became the first Caucasian to set up a home in the area.
On April 20, 1832, the U.S. Congress passed the law creating the Hot Springs Reservation to protect the area. It officially became the Hot Springs National Park on March 4, 1921.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Places to go
Hot Springs Mountain
There are 47 hot springs from the Hot Springs Mountain, but they are too hot for people to bathe in. Visitors, however, are allowed to drink water from the hot springs. A lot of them even take home some water in their bottles.
Hot Springs Mountain is also a good place to do some hiking, as it gives an amazing view of the park. The mountain itself is covered with greenery, with several trails going through the forest.
Buckstaff Bathhouse
No one should visit the Hot Springs and miss out on the Buckstaff Bathhouse, which feels like a real hot springs spa. And since the natural springs are too hot to immerse in, Buckstaff Bathhouse is the only place to experience a real Hot Springs soak. It is the only remaining bathhouse operating at the Hot Springs National Park. This is where one can experience the soothing effects of the warm water, famous for its medicinal properties. One may also get treatments and massages in the bathhouse for an extra fee.
Fordyce Bathhouse
This three-story building used to be a regular bathhouse from 1915 to 1962. But since 1989, it has been operating as the park’s visitor center. It was considered the best bathhouse because of its marble structure with stained glass accents. There is also a ceramic fountain in the lobby, but water no longer spouts from it. The second floor is just an exhibit but it used to be the men’s dressing and spa rooms. Visitors may also watch a nine-minute film on the second floor about the traditional bath routine. The third floor houses a Music Room, State Room, and a Gym.
Photo by: Jacob Lips
Bathhouse Row
The row of bathhouses is more of an architectural display today. While it no longer functions as a bathhouse, it is significant because it houses the largest collection of bathhouses that still stand in the U.S., a reminder of the country’s spa movement from 1885 to 1959. Bathhouse Row is officially a National Historic Landmark.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Tired from all those touring? A brewski or two could take that fatigue away. This is the only brewery inside a national park. It is inside an old bath house that has since been remodeled. What makes this place even more special is that its beer is brewed, using Hot Springs water.
Gulpha Gorge Campground
Those who enjoy camping can do so at this campground in Hot Springs.
Flora and fauna
While the hot springs are the highlight of the Hot Springs Natural Park, it is still a natural park where flora and fauna naturally thrive.
Oak and hickory are the more dominant trees in the park. Some trees are as old as 200 years old, while the majority are over 130 years old.
Visitors may be lucky enough to spot the following animals while walking around the park: chipmunk, coyote, frog, gray fox, gopher, long-tailed weasel, mink, nine-banded armadillo, rabbit, raccoon, rat, skunk, squirrels, Virginia opossum, whitetail deer, and wild turkey.
Photo by: Jacob Lips