6 Best Natural Hot Springs to Soak in Arkansas - Mapped and Ranked
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas. Photo Courtesy of: Ken Lund
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The state of Arkansas has been famous for its thermal waters since the early 1920’s and even has a city named “Hot Springs”, with its adjacent Hot Springs National Park. At the beginning of the 20th century the city of Hot Springs became a top tourist destination for visiting its acclaimed Bathhouse Row, which provided mineral hot springs bathing experiences for visitors.
Surprisingly, there are no hot springs that are set in nature and open to the public for soaking in Arkansas. The good news is that there are multiple bathhouses and hotels that pipe in the natural hot spring water for taking a soak.
Here are our 6 best hot spring experiences in Arkansas, ranked with our favorites first.
1. The Quapaw Baths and Spa
Photo Courtesy of Lauryncakes
Historic Building: The place is housed in a stunning, historic bathhouse that’s been around since the 1920s. Walking in, you're basically stepping back in time.
Thermal Waters: They utilize the natural hot springs water famous in the area, known for its mineral-rich properties. It’s like soaking in history.
Variety of Pools: There are several large, communal pools with different temperatures, so you can find your sweet spot. Plus, the mosaic tile work is pretty cool to look at.
Private Baths: If you're not into the communal vibe, they offer private bathing experiences that let you enjoy the thermal waters in solitude.
Spa Treatments: Beyond just baths, they have a full menu of spa treatments, from massages to facials, all with an emphasis on relaxation and wellness.
Sustainable Practices: They’re big on sustainability, using geothermal cooling to keep the place environmentally friendly.
Accessibility: Unlike some historic places, they've made efforts to be accessible to visitors with mobility issues, which is a big plus.
Quapaw Baths and Spa is our favorite hot spring experience in the state of Arkansas. Primely located right on the historic Bathhouse Row, visitors have been coming to this bathhouse since 1922. The Quapaw name comes from a native American tribe that once lived in this area. The beautiful historic building is constructed in Colonial Revival style and the interior was remodeled in 2007 to provide a modern bathing experience.
Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Vardeman
The resort provides four natural mineral hot spring fed pools for bathing, private baths, a steam cave, spa treatments, and even a cafe for dining. The pools vary in temperature from 98° to 104° degrees Fahrenheit. The pools are open on a first come, first serve basis (no reservations available) at a cost of $25. The spring that feeds the pools here is said to have a particularly high concentration of healing minerals including magnesium, calcium, and silica. The steam cave at Quapaw is a particularly unique offering, as it is a steam room that pipes in naturally occuring steam from the springs (that radiate heat at above 140° degrees Fahrenheit at their source).
Is it worth it? I would say… absolutely! Tha is, if you’re interested in soaking up some history along with the thermal waters.The architecture alone, with its grand façade and stained-glass details, tells a story of the early 1900s. Inside, you can choose a communal bath experience or a private soak. They also offer spa treatments, like massages and facials, adding to the pampering. Plus, the staff are known for being friendly and helpful, making you feel welcome from the moment you step in. The cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities are top-notch, ensuring a pleasant experience.
2. The Buckstaff Bathhouse
Photo Courtesy of @daveynin
No Reservations: They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early, especially during peak times.
Traditional Experience: Expect a classic, traditional bathing experience. This means communal baths and following a historic bathing routine that hasn’t changed much since the early 1900s.
What to Bring: You really only need yourself; they provide everything from towels to robes. Leave your swimsuit at home; it’s old-school European-style bathing here.
Services Offered: Beyond the thermal baths, they offer massages, loofah scrubs, and sitz baths. It’s all about relaxation and rejuvenation.
Duration: The whole experience can last a couple of hours, so plan your day accordingly.
Age Limit: Only visitors 14 and older can partake in the bathhouse services, so it’s more adult-oriented.
History in the Walls: The building itself is a piece of history, and you’ll feel that historical charm the moment you step inside.
Would you like to experience the same traditional bath house hot spring bathing experience as offered in 1912? If so, Buckstaff Bathhouse is a must-visit. Constructed in the 1900's in Roman Gothic style, this is one of the original eight bath houses that were constructed in the famous Bathhouse Row.
The resort offers a 20 minute whirlpool mineral bath experience for $40. However, we really recommend going all in for the full traditional bathing experience package for $89. This experience begins with an old claw foot tub soak, followed by a relaxing massage, and finally a steam room experience. The legendary mineral waters here flow directly from the protected springs of Hot Springs Mountain that are over 140° Fahrenheit at their source.
3. Hotel Hale
Image courtesy of @hotelhale
This historic boutique hotel was originally one of the 8 bathhouses of Bathhouse Row, originally constructed in 1892. Hotel Hale has been fully renovated to provide a luxurious modern experience. Our favorite part is that each hotel room has a private tub that pipes in natural hot spring mineral water for your soaking pleasure. If you’re looking to experience the thermal waters of Arkansas in privacy for maximum relaxation, this is your spot.
4. The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Photo Courtesy of Ken Lund
The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is a historic resort located in a prime location of Hot Springs Arkansas, with many attractions within walking distance. The hotel is the largest in Arkansas and boasts 500 rooms and suites. The history here is legendary with everyone from Babe Ruth to Tony Bennett having stayed at the resort. Even Al Capone stayed here and would always reserve room 443. The resort is charming, but a bit dated so be prepared to stay in an older building that shows its age in some regards. At the resort's Thermal Bathhouse and Spa you can enjoy a hot spring mineral bath for $40 and have the option of adding on other spa treatments such as a massage or dry sauna session.
5. Chrysalis Day and Med Spa
The Chrysalis Day and Med Spa is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, now boasts two locations, and offers modern spa treatments alongside baths that pipe in water from the natural mineral hot springs. The spa is owned by Cathy Caver and she's a medical esthetician, certified laser technician, microbladeologist and phlebotomist. To get the full experience, we recommend the "Day at Chrysalis" package which includes a hydrotherapy bath, clay wrap, sea salt scrub, 50 minute massage, lunch, and a facial (a half day 4.5 hour experience!)
6. Hot Springs National Park
Photo Courtesy of Daniel X. O'Neil
Hot Springs National Park is located in the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas. At the park you can tour the historic bathhouses, explore 26 miles of nature trails for hiking, and camp at Gulpha Gorge campground. The area has historically been known as "The American Spa" and Hot Springs National Park hosts 47 natural hot springs. Unfortunately, although there are many springs flowing here, there are no free ones in the park that are safe to take a dip in! The thermal waters here emerge at an average water temperature of 143° Fahrenheit, and so they are not safe to swim in. However, the good news is that since the early 1900's these waters have been piped into the local Bathhouses on Bathhouse row for your bathing pleasure. Additionally, there is one spot in the park where you can dip a finger or toe into the water, but be very careful not to burn yourself!
Arkansas Hot Springs Map
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is Better Quapaw or Buckstaff?
In our opinion, Quapaw Baths are better for their modern clean amenities and ability to soak in the hot springs waters as long as you want (as opposed to a 20 minute bath at Buckstaff). However, if you are looking to get a more historic and traditional bathing experience, then Buckstaff is a great option as well. Finally, at the time of this writing Quapaw outranks Buckstaff on Google with a 4.5 star rating, while Buckstaff is at 4.2.
Can you tour bathhouses in Hot Springs Arkansas?
Yes, you can tour the Fordyce Bathhouse that is new a museum and also experience the other historic bathhouses that have been renovated to be everything from a spa, to a boutique hotel, to even a brewery. The 8 Bathhouses in Hot Springs Row including: Fordyce Bathouse, Lamar Bathouse, Hale Bathhouse, Ozark Bathouse, Quapaw Bathouse, Superior Bathhouse, Buckstaff Bathhouse and Maurice Bathhouse. Below is more information on these bathhouses and how to experience each one.
Fordyce Bathhouse - Now a National park Visitor Center and museum that can be toured.
Lamar Bathhouse - Now a Bathhouse row gift shop.
Hale Bathhouse - Now a Boutique Hotel with hot spring fed bathtubs available in every room.
Ozark bathhouse - Now a town cultural center.
Quapaw Bathouse - Now the Quapaw Baths and Spa providing hot spring soaking and spa treatment.
Superior Bathhouse - Now a brewery. The beer here is brewed with water from the hot springs!
Buckstaff Bathouse - Still operating as the Buckstaff Bathhouse providing hot spring soaking and spa treatments.
Maurice Bathouse - The only bath house on Bathhouse Row that has not yet been restored and is not open to the public.
Can you swim in hot springs at Hot Springs National park?
You cannot swim directly in the hot springs at Hot Springs National Park. The temperature of the waters here are in excess of 140° Fahrenheit and therefore very dangerous to swim in. However, the healing waters from these springs are piped into various bathhouses and hotels where you can swim in a pool or soak in a tub.