A small unique park, Hot Springs National Park, was the highlight of our recent road trip. As explained in my post here, our 17 day vacation unexpectedly hit a snag when my husband ended up in the hospital with appendicitis. After nine night nights in the hospital, and one recovering in the hotel in Ft. Worth, TX, we headed up to take advantage of our two remaining nights in Hot Springs.
It was beautiful, and a lovely escape after our long days in Texas. Although my husband was tired, we saw what we could of the park. Because our hotel was on Bathhouse Row, I was able to spend some time walking around and exploring on my own. We made the most out of the time we had.
Our hotel was an old bathhouse, recreated into a lovely boutique hotel with all the historic beauty as well as modern day luxury. Watch for a future post that will include more detail and a few photos. A wonderful way to recover from the previous stressful days.
Our primary focus was to take the scenic drive around the park, visit the tower, and explore the museum within walking distance of our hotel. Because of time, and need of rest, we did not take advantage of the multiple hiking and walking trails.
Given the opportunity, I would certainly welcome a return visit.
The history of the hot springs is quite fascinating. Hot Springs National Park is located next to the town of Hot Springs. You can't get into the hot springs water in the park, but one of the bathhouses has a public bath that you can visit. The other old bathhouses have been transformed, and one is in the process of being refurbished. One is the hotel we stayed in, one is a brewery (the only brewery using hot spring water), there is the visitor's center and one is the museum.
When modern medicine provided alternative treatments to the hot springs, bathhouse business died. Buildings began to deteriorate. In 1974 the bathhouses gained listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the National Park service worked to obtain funding to protect the buildings from further deterioration. They also made plans to figure out how to move forward. The book "Images of America Hot Springs National Park" (Mary Bell Hill) was a great source of history for me as I read it, cover to cover, on our drive back home.
I will share more information when I post some photos from the museum.
Hot Springs National Park is an experience all in itself. Fall colors were starting to emerge and created a lovely atmosphere on our scenic drive. Although our morning started out with clouds, the sun broke through and provided a wonderful day. I think it is important to understand the history in order to fully appreciate this park.
Scenic drive up the mountain (one way road):
The start of a walking/hiking path:
Looking down from the tower, which thankfully had an elevator!
One of the stops along the drive:
This is the main street in the park:
Just a couple of blocks from our hotel is The Vault Restaurant where we ate the night we arrived. The lighting was beautiful and very relaxing. Food was delicious! The restaurant is on the main floor of the original 1890's Bank Building in Historic Downtown Hot Springs. They have preserved the original bank vault that allows for private dining for special occasions.
One of the hot spring fountains. Yes, the water is very hot!
Back when the bathhouse spas were in full use, visitors wanted more to do when visiting. The walking paths and rugged roads were created. These are beautiful paved walking paths above Bathhouse Row.
The main hot spring:
Superior Baths Brewery:
There is a park sign on each end of Bathhouse Row. Below has the old Army Navy Hospital in the background. Located just to the right of the photo below is one of the two public water filling stations where people can fill their bottles with safe drinking spring water.
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