Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Hot Springs

"Anyone visiting Hot Springs is likely to know about this place, either by word of mouth praises from the native folks or by reading about it on the internet. Yes, it is as famous as that. Being one of the top botanical gardens in USA, this beautiful paradise of flora and beauty is renowned among people for its picturesque landscape spanning the shorelines of Lake Hamilton and beautiful Japanese...Read more"

"The botanical garden of the University of Arkansas is home to a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. Travel the wooded shoreline and see the rocky inclines where the greenery grows in the Ouachita Mountains. Also, visit the picturesque Anthony Chapel on the grounds."

"Garvan Woodland Gardens, Arkansas' premier botanical garden is located on a 210-acre peninsula on Lake Hamilton ...... More About Garvan Woodland Gardens"

"Hot Springs Reservation, the first designation of Hot Springs National Park, was set aside by Congress in 1832. This makes Hot Springs National Park the oldest unit in the national park system, 40 years older than Yellowstone National Park. The hot springs flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain, part of the Ouachita Mountain range."

"The oldest park in town, it can be found sitting right in between the surrounding mountains. Hot Springs National Park is like a hub for the city for outdoors lovers. You have access to multiple trails, a public bathhouse with natural mineral baths, and plenty of outdoor amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible."

"Situated at the pinnacle of Hot Springs Mountain overlooking the town, the tower was built in the early ‘80s. A view from the top will give guests an unobstructed view of the countryside. On a clear day, it’s possible to see more than 100 miles away according to locals."

"A mountain tower has been on top of Hot Springs Mountain or North Mountain as some call it since 1877. The current Hot Springs Mountain Tower opened in 1983. It stands 216 feet tall and rises up 1,256 feet above sea level."

"401 Hot Springs Mountain DrHot Springs, AR 71901(501) 881-4020. With a whopping elevation of over 1,250 feet above sea level, this tower rewards visitors with unrivaled vistas of the area."

"At just shy of two million acres, Ouachita National Forest covers vast expanses of forested and mountain land between the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma. With dozens of miles of trails, numerous campsites and a host of other activities available to outdoor lovers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations. Amateur rock hounds are attracted by the huge vein of crystals that runs through the area, and hunters and fisherman are drawn here as well."

"The forest is over 1.8 million acres that stretches between Arkansas and Oklahoma. The forest is used for timber harvesting, mineral leasing of course lots of recreation opportunities. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the winding roads, canoe down the river, hiking, ATV rides, and horseback riding."

"Back in the day, the Fordyce Bathhouse was one of the town’s swankiest. It’s now a museum and visitor’s center that would be a great place to stop not long after you’ve gotten into town. The building has been restored to near original condition and includes many of the amenities that it featured in years past, like interesting, antiquated exercise equipment and therapy devices that purportedly relieved symptoms from a long list of ailments."

"Take a self-guided tour of the bathhouse that operated from 1915-1962. Step back in time as you view the dressing rooms, electrotherapy beds, music room, gymnasium, and of course the bathtubs. The building has beautiful stain-glass windows throughout and is certainly a stop that even the kids will enjoy."

"Named after its original owner, Samuel Fordyce, this site served as a bathhouse between 1915 and 1962. Today, it functions as a visitors center housing an array of exhibits."

"Hot Springs has 186 miles of trails including; The Northwoods Trails, Cedar Glades Trails, Entergy Park, The Greenway and three IMBA Epic Rides, ranging from the heart-pumping 33-mile Womble Trail to the grueling 108-mile Ouachita National Recreational Trail. Hot Springs was designated as a IMBA Bronze-level Ride Center in 2015. Whatever level you’re on, take your ride to the next one in Hot Springs."

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