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Ozark Bathhouse: A Window to Hot Springs' Past

Explore the historic Ozark Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row, a cultural center showcasing art and the legacy of Hot Springs' thermal waters.

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The Ozark Bathhouse, part of Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, offers a glimpse into the town's history as a premier health and wellness destination. Built in 1922 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, it catered to a middle-class clientele seeking the famed thermal waters. Today, it serves as a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions and park events.

A brief summary to Ozark Bathhouse

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours of the Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center, as they are limited to Friday through Sunday afternoons.
  • Explore the unique architecture of the building, paying attention to the Spanish Colonial Revival style and the Tree of Life cartouches.
  • Visit the art gallery inside to view artwork from the park's Artist-in-Residence Program and other temporary exhibitions.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Bathhouse Row to see the other historic bathhouses.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to the Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ozark Bathhouse is located at 491 Central Ave, within Hot Springs National Park. From the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center, walk north along Central Avenue. The Ozark Bathhouse will be on your left, a short walk along Bathhouse Row. This is a free and scenic way to reach the bathhouse.

  • Public Transport

    The city of Hot Springs has a bus system, Intracity Transit, with routes that service the major streets in town. Check the Hot Springs Transit schedule for the most up-to-date routes and times. Take any bus that stops near Central Avenue and walk to 491 Central Ave. A single ride fare is around $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 Hot Springs National Park visitor center. Metered parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $1-2 per hour. The parking garage also charges hourly/daily rates.

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Discover more about Ozark Bathhouse

The Ozark Bathhouse, located on Central Avenue in Hot Springs National Park, stands as a testament to the city's rich history as a spa destination. Constructed in 1922, it was designed by Mann and Stern of Little Rock in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The bathhouse was intended to serve a middle economic class, offering a more accessible option than some of the fancier establishments on Bathhouse Row. The Ozark Bathhouse replaced an earlier Victorian structure that was prone to rot and fire, like many of the primitive bathhouses before it. The building's design features low towers and unique plaster-cast window boxes. A renovation in 1942 brought the wings forward and enclosed the front porch, though the porch enclosure was later removed to restore the building's original appearance. The cartouches on the building depict the Tree of Health or the Tree of Life. The bathhouse closed in 1977, but it has since been repurposed as the Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center. It now hosts art exhibitions, park events, and community programs. The Ozark Bathhouse provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the architectural style of the early 20th century and learn about the history of Hot Springs as a spa city. In March 2025, Mid-America Science Museum signed a lease agreement to develop an interactive experience in the Ozark Bathhouse. Tentatively scheduled to open on May 17th, 2025, Mystic Ozark will highlight the geothermal waters of Hot Springs National Park through four themed environments featuring a water element, projection mapping, and historical exhibits.

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