Hot Springs
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Hot Springs, 55 mi. south-west of Little Rock, is one of the most popular spa resorts in the United States. The heyday of this little town of rather European aspect was in the 1920s and 1930s, but it still attracts large numbers of visitors to Hot Springs National Park take the cure, practise various sports or walk in Hot Springs National Park, part of the Ouachita Mountains. The old Fordyce Bathhouse still gives some impression of spa life in earlier times.
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Related Attractions
Hot Springs National Park
Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs National Park occupies almost 6,000 acres. Long before the Spanish arrived, the American Indians thought the thermal hot springs had beneficial qualities.The early Europeans also recognized the springs as having healing properties. A number of bathhouses were erected and the area became a popular area with the wealthy as well as those interested in health. A number of bathhouses still stand and have been declared a National Historic Landmark. Visitors may tour the Fordyce Bathhouse, the most elegant on Bathhouse Row, now housing the park visitor center. It has 24 historically refurnished rooms, modern exhibits, and two video presentations.Hot Springs Reservation was established in 1832, making it the oldest park in the national park system. It became Hot Springs National Park in 1921.
Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center
The Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center is housed in the 1915 Fordyce Bathhouse, with marble and mosaic tile flours and stained-glass windows and ceilings. On display is historical information on the area, as well as a 20 minute video presentation.The Fordyce Bathhouse has 24 rooms that are refurnished as they were when the building opened for baths in 1915. It was considered an elegant bathhouse in its day and today it is protected along with seven other bathhouses.
Hot Springs Mountain Observation Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Observation Tower stand 216 feet, offering impressive views of the park and surrounding area. In 1877, a 75-foot wooden fire tower was constucted but burned to the ground. In the mid-twentieth century a 175-foot steel structure was built which later proved unstable and was torn down. The current Hot Springs Mountain Observation Tower was built in 1983.
Mountain Valley Water Spring Visitor Center
The Mountain Valley Water Spring Visitor Center offers self-guided tours and information on this mineral water company. The building that houses the Visitor Center is a fine example of the Classical Revival style. It was constructed in 1910 and was originally home to the DeSoto Mineral Springs.A collection of Mountain Valley bottles and memorabilia are on display.
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo
The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo houses alligators in four ponds. Also on the site is a small petting zoo featuring a variety of deer, ostrich, and llama. Visitors to the Arkansas Alligator Farm can watch alligators as they are being fed or see turtles that weigh as much as 150 pounds.
Magic Spring and Crystal Falls
Magic Spring and Crystal Falls is an amusement park that offers rides, games, a water park and water activities. Over 25 rides including a 100 foot high wooden rollercoaster and a suspended looping coaster.The water park features a wave pool, lazy river slides and a splash zone.
Mid America Science Museum
The Mid America Science Museum offers educational exhibits in a variety of areas and visitors can participate in the demonstrations. There is also a laser light show set to music.The Night Crawler exhibit allows visitors to enter the world of an earthworm, while the indoor cave give them a sense of underground Arkansas.
Window to the World Museum (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.Window to the World Museum features interactive displays and items dealing with the past millennium. A cultural adventure is presented covering the Far East, the Middle East and Africa including African huts and temples in Thailand.
Educated Animals and Petting Zoo (closed)
THIS ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.Educated Animals and Petting Zoo presents on stage animal shows featuring wild and domestic animals run daily. The animals can also be visited in the petting zoo area.
Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs
The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs features changing exhibits as well as hosting special events and presentations. Exhibits at the Fine Arts Center highlight Hot Springs' resident artists and craftspeople.
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum presents a wide range of wax figures from throughout history. There are 30 settings covering seven different worlds including celebrities, royalty and presidents as well as historically accurate battle scenes.
Museum of Hot Springs
The Hot Springs Museum focuses on the history of Hot Springs from 1850 to 1950 including the bathing industry, and the general progression of the town. The Hot Springs Museum is housed in the historic 1920 Howe Hotel Building.
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