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A WEEKEND ITINERARY FOR HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
There’s something in the water…
Or at least that’s what people thought when they used to make the cross country journey to the healing powers of the natural springs in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Since that time, Hot Springs has ‘sprung up’ with so much more than just water. From hiking to horses races, there’s a little something for everyone in your family. Check it out!
Things to Do
Hot Springs, Arkansas has not shortage of things to do! In fact, there’s so much there, you might need more than just a weekend to fit it all in. Here’s a few things to choose from:
Hot Springs National Park
Of course, the number one thing to do in Hot Springs is going to be it’s namesake – Hot Springs National Park. It’s free to visit the park, so price-wise this place is perfect. This beautiful park is right in the middle of the city – in fact, on one side of the street you’ve got businesses and buildings and the other is national forest area. But once you get deeper into the park, you’ll find 26 miles of hiking trails and 8 historic bathhouses. On Bathhouse Row, you’ll see eight historic buildings that were constructed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, along with the Grand Promenade.
Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
If you’re an animal lover, this place is a must see place in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo has been there for over 100 years, so you know they treat their animals well and are doing a great job teaching the community about these dragon-looking creatures. While at the farm, you can hold a baby alligator, learn more about these powerful animals, and pet a few more cuddlier animals in the petting zoo.
Mid America Science Museum
Who says science museums are boring? This indoor/outdoor museum was so neat! For only $8.80 per person, you can see exhibits like the Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk, Light Bridge, Dinosaurs, Rowland Emett Collection (Rowland Emett was a constructor of whimsical kinetic sculpture and creator who made pieces like those in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), rope trampoline thing, dino trek, and the world’s largest tesla coil. Plan to spend a couple hours looking at all of the exhibits.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
This beautiful wooded wonderland is a place you just have to see! Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas located on the shores of beautiful Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Also no property, you can see the Anthony Chapel. This gorgeous glass and native wood beam chapel is the perfect spot for a fairytale wedding! It features a 57 foot ceiling tat seems to just reach right into the trees! We were able to stop in and see it and it just surreal! This is a must see for sure! While you can’t go inside right now (thanks, Covid!), visitors are still able to see it from the outside and take it all in.
Where to Eat
Superior Bathhouse Brewery
Get your fill of the geothermal waters that gave Hot Springs its name and its fame at any of the jug fountains in Hot Springs National Park. At Superior Bathhouse Brewery you can drink beer brewed with the park’s water. Housed in a historic bathhouse, it is the first brewery headquartered in a national park and is believed to be the only brewery using thermal spring water as its main ingredient. The water flows through Superior’s pipes at about 140 degrees, saving both time and energy in the brewing process.
Deluca’s
Would you believe you can find Brooklyn style pizza in the Northwest part of Arkansas? Yeah, I didn’t either. But here we are! Food & Wine said they had the best pizza in the state, and we agreed that it was pretty dang good. We ordered the Big Mike (sausage and pepperoni) and it was delicious! These 18” pizzas are big enough to feed the entire family for just $29 each! Pro tip: make a reservation. They only make so much dough per day, so when they sell out, they sell out. When you make your reservation, you’ll actually reserve a number of pizzas. So that way, they know they have enough saved for you. We loved it and the location was super convenient to go walk off all that pizza at Bathhouse Row afterwards.
Taco Mama
Away from the touristy spots, you’ll find a local Mexican food eatery. We had no wait and the food was good. I recommend getting the chicken enchiladas or the chicken and rice dish. Portions are a little on the small side from what we’re used to in Texas Tex-Mex joints, but the food had some great flavor.
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