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Gangster Museum of America: Hot Springs' Sinister Secret

Uncover Hot Springs' scandalous past at the Gangster Museum of America, where mobsters and gambling ruled in this unique spa city.

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Delve into the dark and intriguing past of Hot Springs, Arkansas, at the Gangster Museum of America. Explore the city's history as a haven for notorious gangsters during the 1920s-40s, with immersive exhibits and eyewitness accounts.

A brief summary to Hot Springs, AR

  • Lake Hamilton, Arkansas, 71913, US

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current hours, as they can vary.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the museum's exhibits and presentations.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid potential lines, especially during peak season.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Gangster Museum of America is located at 510 Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. From the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center at the Fordyce Bathhouse, walk south along Central Avenue. The museum will be on your left, across the street from Bathhouse Row. Parking is available in metered street spaces or parking garages in the downtown area. Metered parking costs vary, with priority spaces having tiered rates. Secondary parking is around $1 per hour. The Park Smarter app can be used to pay for parking. Alternatively, you can park at the Transportation Plaza on Broadway and walk to the museum. This location offers access to the downtown area.

  • Public Transport

    Intracity Transit (IT) provides bus service in Hot Springs. Check the IT website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. The Transportation Plaza on Broadway serves as the central hub for all bus routes. From the Transportation Plaza, the Gangster Museum is a short walk north on Central Avenue. A single ride fare on Intracity Transit is $1.25. Transfers are free.

Unlock the Best of Hot Springs, AR

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Discover more about Hot Springs, AR

The Gangster Museum of America unveils the hidden history of Hot Springs, Arkansas, during its reign as a gambling mecca and a sanctuary for infamous gangsters. From the 1920s through the 1940s, figures like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Bugs Moran flocked to this spa city, drawn by the promise of mineral waters, bootlegging, and other illicit pleasures. The museum's seven galleries offer an audiovisual journey through this era, featuring firsthand accounts from FBI agents, U.S. Marshals, and even a brothel madam who worked in the largest illegal gambling operation in the United States. Explore the Power Brokers Gallery, which chronicles the political machine that enabled Hot Springs to become a gambling hub. Discover how Owen Vincent Madden shaped the city's operations in defiance of state laws. The Al Capone Gallery showcases the gangster's fondness for Hot Springs, with insights from his granddaughter. Visitors can also try their luck in an antique casino and hear captivating stories from the museum's historian. The museum reveals a slice of history that has largely remained in the realm of legend, offering valuable lessons about power, corruption, and the law.

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