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Gangster Museum of America: Hot Springs' Underworld

Discover Hot Springs' hidden history of mobsters, gambling, and bootlegging at the Gangster Museum of America.

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Delve into the shadowy past of Hot Springs, Arkansas, at the Gangster Museum of America. Explore the city's notorious connections to organized crime during the 1920s-40s, when gangsters, gambling, and bootlegging thrived alongside the town's famed mineral waters.

A brief summary to Gangster Museum of America

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Tours are guided and start on the hour, lasting approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Check for special holiday hours before visiting.
  • Metered street parking is available, payable via app, or use nearby garages and paid lots.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Gangster Museum of America is located in downtown Hot Springs on Central Avenue, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby hotels and attractions. From the Arlington Hotel, head south on Central Avenue for about two blocks. The museum will be on your right. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Intracity Transit (IT) operates bus routes throughout Hot Springs. Check the IT schedule for routes that stop near Central Avenue and the intersection of Central Ave and Ouachita Ave. From the nearest bus stop, walk south on Central Avenue to 510 Central Ave. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Hot Springs. Request a ride to 510 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. The fare will vary depending on your starting location, but a short trip within downtown Hot Springs will likely cost between $12 and $21.

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Discover more about Gangster Museum of America

Step back in time at the Gangster Museum of America, where the dark history of Hot Springs comes to life. During the early to mid-20th century, Hot Springs was a haven for notorious criminals who flocked to the city for its gambling, bootlegging, and other illicit pleasures. The museum showcases this unique period when gangsters co-existed with the town's residents. The museum features seven galleries, each focusing on different aspects of Hot Springs' gangster past. These include the Power Brokers Gallery, which explores the political machine that allowed illegal gambling to flourish, and the Capone Gallery, dedicated to Al Capone's visits to Hot Springs. Other galleries cover figures like Owen Madden, the New York mobster who became a key figure in Hot Springs' underworld, and Alvin Karpis, the last Public Enemy No. 1. Through eyewitness accounts, artifacts, and exhibits, the museum reveals the stories of mob bosses, bootleggers, and the complex relationship between law enforcement and the criminal element. Visitors can learn about the inner workings of illegal casinos, the role of Hot Springs in the broader landscape of American organized crime, and even the connection between gangsters and baseball.

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