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Gangster Museum of America: Hot Springs' Notorious Past

Explore Hot Springs' notorious past at the Gangster Museum of America, where gangsters, gambling, and political corruption ruled the spa city.

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Delve into the dark and intriguing history of Hot Springs, Arkansas, at the Gangster Museum of America. Explore the city's past as a haven for notorious criminals during the Prohibition era and beyond, with seven galleries showcasing artifacts, photos, and stories of mobsters, gambling, and political corruption.

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, so arrive a few minutes early to purchase tickets and avoid waiting.
  • Consider visiting during the off-season (October to February) for smaller crowds.
  • Check out the gift shop for unique souvenirs, including vintage baseball caps and gangster-themed memorabilia.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in downtown Hot Springs, near the Hot Springs Convention Center, head east on Convention Blvd towards Central Ave. Turn left onto Central Ave and walk north for about 0.5 miles. The Gangster Museum of America will be on your right at 510 Central Ave.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Gangster Museum of America via public transit, locate the nearest City of Hot Springs bus stop that heads towards Central Ave. Ask the driver for a stop near 510 Central Ave. The bus usually runs every hour. Once you get off the bus, the museum will be within walking distance, a short stroll down Central Ave. Bus fares typically cost around $1.25 - $1.75.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    For a convenient option, use a taxi or rideshare app like Uber or Lyft. Enter 'Gangster Museum of America' or the address '510 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901' into the app. A 5km ride in Hot Springs costs about $20.6 USD. Taxi rates start @ 1.00 $ per mile for Uber, local taxis.

  • Car

    If driving, navigate to Central Avenue in Hot Springs. The Gangster Museum of America is located at 510 Central Ave. There is no designated parking for this mob museum however, you can find metered street parking (pay with app) or park in one of the nearby garages or paid lots. A city parking facility is located directly behind the museum on Exchange St. Valet parking is available at the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa for USD 30.00 per night.

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Discover more about Gangster Museum of America

The Gangster Museum of America offers a fascinating glimpse into the underbelly of Hot Springs during its heyday as a gambling and vice destination. Founded in 2008, the museum showcases the era when gangsters, politicians, and celebrities mingled in this spa town. The museum features seven galleries, each focusing on different aspects of the city's criminal past : * **The Madden Gallery:** Explores the influence of Owney Madden, a New York gangster who shaped Hot Springs' gambling scene. * **The Power Brokers Gallery:** Uncovers the political machine that allowed illegal gambling to flourish, highlighting figures like Mayor Leo Patrick McLaughlin. * **The Capone Gallery:** Details Al Capone's connection to Hot Springs, where he frequented the Arlington Hotel. * **The New York Connection Gallery:** Reveals the ties between New York gangsters and Hot Springs. * **The Outlaw Gallery:** Highlights notorious criminals like Alvin Karpis, who found refuge in the city. * **The Casino Gallery:** Showcases the history of gambling in Hot Springs, with antique casino equipment on display. * **The Baseball Gallery:** Explores the surprising link between gangsters and baseball, as Hot Springs was a popular spring training location. Visitors can expect an immersive experience with guided tours, eyewitness accounts on video, and a collection of artifacts from the Prohibition era. The museum reveals the hidden history of Hot Springs, where mineral waters and criminal activity coexisted.

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