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Ozark Bathhouse: A Window to Hot Springs' Past

Explore the historic Ozark Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row, now a cultural center showcasing art and Hot Springs' spa heritage.

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The Ozark Bathhouse, located on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, is a historic building that once offered traditional bathing services. Constructed in 1922 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, it now serves as a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions and park events, offering a glimpse into the city's spa heritage.

A brief summary to Ozark Bathhouse

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours of the Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center, as they may vary seasonally.
  • Explore the surrounding Hot Springs National Park for beautiful hiking trails and scenic views.
  • Visit the Fordyce Bathhouse, now the park's visitor center, to learn more about the history of Bathhouse Row.
  • Take a stroll along the Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row for a different perspective of the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center at the Fordyce Bathhouse, head south on Central Avenue. The Ozark Bathhouse is located at 491 Central Avenue, approximately a 15-minute walk along Bathhouse Row. Enjoy the historic architecture and scenic views along the way.

  • Public Transport

    The Hot Springs Intracity Transit has bus routes that stop near Central Avenue. Check the current schedule and take any bus that stops on Central Avenue. From the bus stop, walk to 491 Central Ave. Single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Parking

    If driving, navigate to Hot Springs National Park and then to Central Avenue. Limited metered street parking is available along Central Avenue. Alternatively, a parking garage is located at 128 Exchange Street, one block west of the visitor center. Metered parking costs vary, and the parking garage has hourly and daily rates. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak season.

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Discover more about Ozark Bathhouse

The Ozark Bathhouse, gracing Central Avenue in Hot Springs National Park, stands as a testament to the city's rich history as a premier spa destination. Designed by Mann and Stern of Little Rock, the bathhouse was completed in 1922, showcasing a Spanish Colonial Revival style with nascent Art Deco influences. Its architecture features low towers and unique plaster-cast window boxes, with cartouches depicting the Tree of Health or the Tree of Life. Originally, the Ozark catered to a middle-class clientele seeking therapeutic bathing without extravagant frills. It featured 27 tubs within its 14,000 square feet. The bathhouse closed in 1977, marking the end of an era. In the late 1990s, efforts were made to restore the building to its original appearance, including the removal of a painted wooden porch enclosure. Today, the Ozark Bathhouse serves as a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions, park events, and community programs. It provides a space for visitors to connect with the park's history and appreciate the unique architecture of Bathhouse Row. Currently, Mid-America Science Museum is developing an interactive experience called Mystic Ozark inside the bathhouse, scheduled to open tentatively on May 17th. This immersive exhibit will highlight the geothermal waters of Hot Springs National Park through themed environments, projection mapping, and historical exhibits.

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