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Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo: A Hot Springs Tradition

Experience a unique blend of wildlife and history at Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, Hot Springs' oldest family-friendly attraction since 1902.

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Established in 1902, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is one of Hot Springs' oldest and most unique attractions. Home to hundreds of alligators, plus a variety of other animals, it offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

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

Local tips

  • Check the feeding schedule in advance to witness the exciting live alligator feeding shows, typically held on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the warmer months.
  • Take advantage of the free feed provided to interact with the friendly animals in the petting zoo, including emu, goats and sheep.
  • Don't miss the quirky museum featuring mounted alligators and the mummified "merman" for a glimpse into the farm's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is located on Whittington Avenue, a short distance from downtown Hot Springs. If you are near the Hot Springs Convention Center or the historic Bathhouse Row, head east on Central Avenue, then turn left onto Whittington Avenue. The farm will be on your left. Walking from these central locations will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Hot Springs Intracity Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Check the bus schedule for Route 1 or any route that services Whittington Avenue. The bus interchange is located downtown. 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. A short taxi ride from downtown Hot Springs to the Alligator Farm will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is located at 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. From Central Avenue, turn onto Whittington Avenue. The farm will be on your left. Parking is available in the adjacent lot, which sometimes uses the old Fogel Field as overflow parking. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, a Hot Springs institution since 1902, offers a delightful blend of wildlife encounters and historical charm. Founded by H.L. Campbell, who thought the Hot Springs area needed a tourist attraction in addition to the thermal baths, the farm has evolved over the decades, adapting to changing times while retaining its unique character. Originally known as the Alligator Farm and Marine Museum, the attraction once housed over 1,500 alligators and even featured a small museum with oddities like a "merman". Today, visitors can still see a large collection of alligators, ranging from babies to adults, and even witness live feeding shows during the warmer months. These shows, held on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 12 p.m. from May through October, are both thrilling and educational. Beyond the alligators, the farm is home to a diverse array of animals, including primates, ducks, wolves, turkeys, peacocks, and more. The petting zoo offers a hands-on experience, allowing guests to interact with friendly animals like emu, pygmy goats, and sheep. Feed is provided, making it easy to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures. The Arkansas Alligator Farm also boasts a quirky museum with mounted alligators and the infamous mummified "merman," reminiscent of Ripley's Believe It or Not! exhibits. A headstone in the main alligator pit marks the final resting place of a fox terrier who met its unfortunate end there in 1906, adding a touch of local lore. Baseball enthusiasts might be interested to know that the field adjacent to the parking lot, now used for overflow parking, was once Fogel Field, a spring training site for Major League Baseball teams. Babe Ruth even hit a 573-foot home run that landed inside the alligator farm in 1918.

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