About the Hot Springs
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The Best Places to See Hot Springs in Hot Springs National Park
Hot Water Cascade
Hot Water Cascade is largest and most prominent hot spring in Hot Springs National Park. Located near Arlington Lawn and the heart of the downtown historic district, it’s easy to find and well-marked. The large spring starts at the top of the hill and flows down under the trail and into two pools near the Arlington Lawn. The spring can be viewed from the Arlington Lawn and near the Grand Promenade area.The Display Spring
The second spot to see hot springs in Hot Springs National Park is located directly behind Bathhouse Row near the park’s visitor center. Tucked behind the Maurice Bathhouse, this hot spring is much smaller than Hot Water Cascade. But given it’s more secluded location, it tends to be less busy and a good spot to observe the hot spring in detail.Tufa Terrace Trail
While not marked on the National Park Service map of Hot Springs because the spring waters don’t always consistently flow here, another spot to catch steam rising and some spring action is along the Tufa Terrace Trail. The trail gets its name from huge calcium carbonate deposits called tufa, formed as the hot springs water used to flow out of the ground in this area. Along the way you may spot signs of spring waters.
Watch for Green Boxes - They're Actually Hot Springs!
Other Ways to Experience the Hot Springs
TAKE A BATH.
The Buckstaff and Quapaw are the only two bath houses operating within the park boundaries to try a soak in the famous hot springs waters. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance. They're booked full of bathers most days of the year.
DRINK UP.
Bathing isn't the only way people like to use the water in Hot Springs National Park. There are drinking fountains and bottle filling stations around the park for you to try a taste. The fountain in front of the National Park Service Administration Building is even suitable for filling jugs. Just beware, the water here is meant for sipping, not chugging. It's high in minerals like magnesium that may cause some digestive issues if you're not used to them.
SHARE A BREW
If beer is more your style, enjoy a cold brew at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery located on bathhouse row. The first brewery inside the boundaries of a U.S. National Park, they're also the first to use the thermal spring water as the main ingredient in brewing.
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