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Fordyce Bathhouse: A Glimpse into Bathing History

Explore the opulent past of Hot Springs' spa culture at the meticulously restored Fordyce Bathhouse, now a museum and visitor center.

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The Fordyce Bathhouse, now a visitor center and museum in Hot Springs National Park, offers a preserved look into the luxurious spa culture of the early 20th century. Tour refurnished rooms and view exhibits detailing the history of thermal bathing.

A brief summary to Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center And Museum

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day for a quieter experience.
  • Check out the building's architecture.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Fordyce Bathhouse is located on Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs, making it easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels and attractions. From the Arlington Hotel, walk south along Central Avenue. The Fordyce Bathhouse will be on your right, between the Maurice and Quapaw Bathhouses.

  • Public Transport

    Hot Springs Transit City Bus Service provides public transportation in Hot Springs. Check the Hot Springs Transit website for routes and schedules. From the Transportation Plaza on Broadway, take the City Bus to a stop along Central Avenue near Bathhouse Row. The Fordyce Bathhouse is located at 369 Central Ave.

  • Parking

    Visitors can park in city parking areas to access Bathhouse Row and the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center. The city of Hot Springs maintains a parking garage at 128 Exchange Street, one block west of the visitor center. Metered street parking is available along major thoroughfares, with free parking on several side streets. As of 2025, the city of Hot Springs has implemented a paid parking system on major thoroughfares, adjacent side streets and parking garages. Limited RV and bus parking is available one block south of the Hot Springs National Park visitor center in the Hill Wheatley Plaza at 629 Central Ave.

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Discover more about Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center And Museum

Step back in time at the Fordyce Bathhouse, a beautifully restored bathhouse that now serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park. Located on Central Avenue, also known as Bathhouse Row, the Fordyce was once the grandest of the bathhouses, opening in 1915 at a cost of over $212,000. Designed by Mann and Stern, it featured marble walls, stained glass ceilings, and intricate statues. Tour the three floors and basement of this 28,000 square foot structure to see exhibits and refurnished rooms showcasing the bathing process and equipment from its heyday. The first floor features a marble lobby and the Men's Bath Hall. The second floor held dressing rooms and massage rooms, while the third floor offered a music room and gymnasium. Once known as the most complete and luxurious bathhouse, the Fordyce closed in 1962 but was restored in 1989 to become the park's visitor center and a museum. Today, visitors can explore the history of Hot Springs' thermal waters and the cultural significance of spa treatments in American society.

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