Mar 102011
It has been many many years since I had visited Hot Springs so I was excited to get back and see what I could remember. Fact is there was not much. I guess things change a lot in 30+ years. Considering that much of the park is located in downtown Hot Springs I can see how it would be easy for things to change.
The 8 remaining bath houses are now designated historical sites and is maintained by the National Park Service. Only the Fordyce Bathhouse is open to the public. No, there are no baths available but it has been restored to the opulence of the early 1900s when it was in its hay-day.
The bathhouse was basically split in two parts with men one side and women on the other. Even the elevator had two doors in it where women entered and exited on one side and men on the other. The facilities were duplicated on each side except for a few specialized areas such as a gym for the men and beauty shop for the women.
Touring the Fordyce Bathhouse was interesting well worth the time it took to get there, park and take the tour. There used some strange looking contractions in those days that I would be afraid to subject my body to today. Don't forget that Bathhouse Row is located in downtown Hot Springs so you have to find parking on the street just like you would in any town.
From there I took the drive up the winding Hot Springs and North Mountain roads up to the top of Hot Springs Mountain where the Hot Springs Mountain Tower is located. The tower is 165 feet high and gives you a 140 mile view of Hot Springs, the Ouachita Mountains and the surrounding Diamond Lakes area.
This is something you shouldn't miss. It's worth the small amount of time it takes drive there and take the elevator to the top. There are also picnic areas on the mountain if you want to stop to fix a sandwich or take in the sights. If you are into hiking there are over 20 miles of trails in the area.
Hot Springs National Park is an interesting stop. It shouldn't take most more then a day to take in the area and it is interesting in that it is part of the town of Hot Springs. Much different then most national parks we visit.
See more photos in the Photo Gallery.