The Natural State of Arkansas:

Hot Springs, AR...

  Hot Springs National Park is the most popular vacation destination in Arkansas.  There is a wide range of activities to do in Hot Springs, but much of it is seasonal.  This packet is broken down according to year-round activities and then seasonal activities.

Year Round Activities:

  The best website for activities and special events not listed in this packet is www.hotsprings.org.  Check the "things to do" listing.  You can also receive a free visitor's guide by calling 1-888-SPA-CITY.

Thermal bathing and Massages

  Hot Springs is famous for its bathhouses and massages.  Reservations are highly recommended, and contact information is included.

Buckstaff Bathhouse on bathhouse row is the oldest thermal bath facility in Hot Springs.  You can contact them at (501) 321-2277.

The Arlington Hotel is a Hot Springs Landmark and also offers spa services.  You can contact them at (501) 623-2243 or at www.arlingtonhotel.com.   They are located at 239 Central Avenue in the historic downtown district of Hot Springs.

  Turtle Cove Spa on Lake Ouachita is 22 miles west of Hot Springs and is located on Mountain Harbor Resort.  It is a full service spa and is the only spa in Arkansas on a lake.  You can contact them at (870) 867-2191, or at www.mountainharborresort.com.

Arts

  There are tons of art galleries in Hot Springs, and most are in the downtown area.  There is a gallery walk the first Friday night of each month.  Galleries are open late, serve refreshments, and artists are available to chat.  For more information on the "gallery Walk", you can call (501) 624-0489.  More information on individual galleries and locations is available on www.hotsprings.org.  Most galleries are open year round.

 Museums and Gardens

   Mid-America Science Museum is interactive, and focused on explaining scientific principles.  They have laser light shows and a cave exhibit.  Very fun place for children, especially those interested in science.  They are located at 500 Mid-America Blvd., off U.S. 270 West.  You can contact them at (800) 632-0583, or at www.midamericamuseum.org.

 National Park Aquarium has native and exotic species of fish displayed in their natural habitat.  They are located at 209 Central Ave., and you can contact them at (501) 624-3474.

 Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210 acre botanical garden on Lake Hamilton.  It has a children's garden and bird sanctuary.  You can contact them at (800) 366-4664, or at www.garvangardens.org.   They are located at 550 Arkridge Rd.

 Outdoor Recreation

   With endless rivers, lakes, mountains, and forested areas there is an endless supply of outdoor activities in the Hot Springs area.  There are several Sate Parks, National Forests, and National Park areas within 30 minutes of downtown.  Whether you want to fish, hike, camp, canoe, or picnic, Hot Spring offers the space to do it.

 Fishing

   Mid-Spring and fall are the prime times for fishing in the area, but good action can be had year-round.  In the Hot Springs area you will find rainbow trout, all black bass species, smallmouth Bass, crappie, catfish, various species of panfish, and outstanding striped, white and hybrid Bass fishing.

   Lake Catherine is the smallest of the lakes in the area, but has good rainbow trout Fishing below Carpenter Dam.  During the different seasons you can also catch walleye, stiped and hybrid bass, crappie, and panfish.  When the lake is drawn down in the winter you can flyfish the area for trout.  Other times of the year, bankfishing is the norm.  For fishing other parts of the lake, you can rent a boat at Lake Catherine State Park.  Their phone number is (501) 844-4176.

   Lake Ouachita is the largest of the area lakes and has fabulous white, hybrid and striped bass action.  It was also a very popular stop on the Bassmasters circuit in the early days of the tour.  Lots of feeder creeks and streams provide good fishing for various species of black bass and panfish.  Boat Rental is available at Lake Ouachita State Park, and you can contact them at (501) 767-2101.

   Caddo River  flows into Degray lake and is 40 miles long.  Few rapids makes easy canoeing and for good fishing from a canoe.  Smallmouth are the prized fish, but you can catch black bass and panfish.  Flyfishing is good, as is live bait.  The caddo is not pressured fishing wise, but the is a lot of development along the river.  Be careful not to trespass.  Canoe rental and shuttle services are available along different points.  You can also float an inner tube down the river if you just want to float.  Some outfitters for the Caddo River are Ouachita Outfitters, who are located in Hot Springs.  You can contact them at (501) 767-1373.  Arrowhead Cabin and Canoe Rental in Caddo Gap also has rentals.  You can contact them at (800) 538-6578.

 Little Missouri River flows into Lake Greeson and is 29 miles long from its headwaters.  It is best to float in the spring and you can rent canoes at Little Missouri Cabin and Canoe Rental in Glenwood.  Their phone number is (870) 398-4700.  Most of the river is in the Ouachita National Forest and can be accessed at bridge crossings.  Most of the river can be wet-waded and can be fished effectively that way.  There are rainbow trout stocked in the late fall and winter, but there are no holdover population.  Smallmouth fishing can be awesome.  Be stealthy and fish the faster water.

 Hiking

   With all the park areas around Hot Springs, it is impossible to list all the areas available, but here is a short list of trails in the area.  There are trails in the state parks, some in town, and throughout the Ouachita National Forest.

 The Grande Promenade is in downtown Hot Springs, fun for families and is extremely easy.  1/3 of a mile long and brick-paved, it may be the easiest trail to hike in America.  It is located behind bathhouse row, and has many hot springs beside it.  Good for a romantic walk or for families to take a short hike.

 Lake Catherine Sate Park has three trails from easy to moderate.  The longest is 5 1/2 miles long and has some steep hills.  They all cross a waterfall, which is beautiful, and you can see wildlife up close.  (You can literally get within 15 feet of whitetail deer here in the winter.)  Information is available at (501) 844-4176.

 Ouachita National Forest has dozens of trials which range from easy to hard, 1/3 of a mile to 18 1/2 miles.  For maps and information on all trails you can contact the Forest Supervisor at (501) 321-5203 and there is a website; www.fs.fed.us/oonf/ouachita.

 Shopping and Antiques

   www.hotsprings.org has listings of the antique shops (which there are many in the area), and other shopping opportunities in Hot Springs.  There is an outlet mall (small) on Hwy 7 S and various specialty shops downtown.

 Lodging

   There is no other town in Arkansas with the range of lodging than that of Hot Springs.  You can rent a condo on the lake, a suite in downtown, camp in a National or State Park, or a regular hotel room here.

 Hotels and Suites

 Downtown Hot Springs

   Arlington Hotel is a local landmark, and is in the heart of downtown Hot Springs.  You can contact them at (501) 623-7711.  Their website is www.arlintonhotel.com.

   Downtowner Hotel and Spa is also located in downtown Hot Springs.  For information call (501) 624-5521, or look up their website at www.anglefire.com/ar/downtownerhs.

   The Austin is adjacent to the convention center and is also in downtown Hot Springs.  Contact them at (501) 623-6600, or www.theaustinhotel.com.

 On Lake Hamilton

 South Shore Lake Resort Condo Rentals have two and three bedroom units, swimming pools, tennis courts, hot tubs, and lake access.  They are located off Hwy 7 S, near many boat rental locations, restaurants, and nightclubs.  You can contact them at 1(800) 525-8688 and www.southshorelakeresort.com.

 Baymont Inn & Suites are also located off Hwy 7 S near all hot spots of Lake Hamilton.  Contact them at (501)520-5522, or www.baymontinns.com.

 Lake Ouachita

 Mountain Harbor Resort on Lake Ouachita has cottages, motel rooms, and condos available for rent.  The have a marina with rentals available on-site.  They offer horseback riding, swimming poools, houseboat rentals, etc…  Contact them at(870)867-2191, or at www.mountainharborresort.com.

 Degray Lake

 Iron Mountain Lodge & Marina on Lake Degray has cottages and a full service marina, with rentals available.  25 miles south of Hot Spring off Hwy 7.  Golf Courses nearby.  Contact them at (870) 246-4310, or at www.Iron-Mountain.com.

 Camping

 Lake Catherine State Park has tent sites and RV hook ups.  Open year round, and is 20 minutes from downtown Hot Springs.  Contact them at (501) 844-4176.

 Charlton is 20 miles west of Hot Springs and has a mountain stream deep and wide enough to swim in, that runs cool water throughout the year.  Great break from the summer heat.  Near Lake Ouachita.  Call (501) 867-2101 for information.

 Dining

   There are tons of restaurants in the area and to list them is impossible, but here are a few can't miss. 

McClards Bar-B-Que is the best in the state.  Located on Albert Pike, expect to wait in line, but its well worth it.  The ribs, beans, and tamales are favorites.  Where all locals eat their Bar-B-Que in Hot Springs.  Closed on Sundays and Mondays.  Prices are bargain.

 Coy's Steakhouse located on the East side of town, near Magic Springs.  Good steaks, chicken, some seafood.  Prices are moderate to high for local restaurants.

 Cajun Boilers located on Lake Hamilton on the west side of town.  Good seafood and cajun/creole dishes.  Owners are from Louisiana and know their seafood.  Prices are moderate to high.

 Golf

   Hot Springs has a lot of courses, from semi-private to public.  Prices range, so call ahead to reserve tee time and cart.

 Hot Springs Country Club has two 18 hole courses and is semi-private.  Contact them at (501) 624-2661.

 Belvedere Golf Resort near Magic Springs, has one 18 hole course and is semi-private.  Contact them at (501) 321-3591.

 Degray Lake Resort is a 18 hole public course beside lake degray.  Contact them at (501) 865-2807.

 Cortez Golf Course located in Hot Springs Village, which also has several more 18 hole courses, and is a private course.  Contact them at (501) 922-1590.

 Seasonal Activities

   Seasonally in Hot Springs you can ride horses, visit a theme and water park, take "duck boat" tours on Lake Hamilton, and attend shows.

 Shows

 Bath House Show is live music and comedy from the 1930's through today.  They are located at 701 Central Ave. and you can contact them at (501) 623-1415.

 The Witness is a contemporary Christian musical drama.  June-Sept, Friday and Saturday evenings.  They can be contacted at (501) 623-9781, or at www.witnessproductions.com. 

Horse Racing

 Oaklawn Park is one of the top thoroughbred race tracks in the country.  Late January through early April.  Simulcasting is year round.  You can contact them at 800-OAKLAWN, or at www.oaklawn.com.

 Theme and Water Parks

 Magic Springs & Crystal Falls has more than 80 attractions and can fill a day for a family.  Four roller coasters and a 350,000 gallon wave pool are the highlights of a trip here.  Contact them at (501)624-0100, or at www.magicsprings.com.

 Horseback Riding

   Horseback riding season usually runs from April through October in Hot Springs.  Call ahead to make reservations. 

Panther Valley Ranch is also home to the musical "The Witness", so you can see two attractions in one with a trip here.  Located on Mill Creek Road, near Magic Springs, you can contact them at (501)623-5556, or at www.panthervalleyranch.com.

 Castleberry Riding Stables offer mountain trail horseback rides.  You can contact them at (501) 623-6609.

Web updated:  July 2004; 

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