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Hot Springs Visitor Center: Gateway to Thermal Delights

Your adventure starts here! Discover Hot Springs National Park: history, trails, thermal waters, and local tips at the Visitor Center.

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The Hot Springs Visitor Center, located in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Hot Springs National Park and the city's attractions. Housed at 629 Central Avenue, it provides information, maps, and guidance to help visitors make the most of their trip to this unique national park and spa city.

A brief summary to Hot Springs Visitor Center

Local tips

  • Pick up a free map and brochures to plan your exploration of Hot Springs National Park and the surrounding area.
  • Ask the staff for recommendations on hiking trails, bathhouses, and other attractions based on your interests and fitness level.
  • Take advantage of the Visitor Center's amenities, including parking, restrooms, and electric charging stations.
  • Learn about the history of Hot Springs and the unique geology of the thermal springs.
  • Check the Visitor Center for information on ranger programs and guided tours.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Bathhouse Row, walk one block south on Central Avenue. The Visitor Center is located in Hill Wheatley Plaza at 629 Central Avenue.

  • Public Transport

    The Hot Springs Trolley may have a stop near the Visitor Center, check the trolley route for the most up to date information. From the Transportation Depot, the Visitor Center is approximately a 10-minute walk.

  • Driving

    From the north, follow Central Avenue south. The Visitor Center will be on your left in Hill Wheatley Plaza. From the south, follow Central Avenue north. The Visitor Center will be on your right after Reserve Street. Parking is available in the plaza. Metered street parking is available throughout downtown, and there is a parking garage at 128 Exchange Street. Expect to pay around $1-$2 per hour for metered parking and a similar rate at the parking garage.

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Discover more about Hot Springs Visitor Center

The Hot Springs Visitor Center is more than just a place to grab a map; it's the welcoming heart of Hot Springs National Park. Situated in Hill Wheatley Plaza at 629 Central Avenue, just a block south of historic Bathhouse Row, the center offers a wealth of information about the park, the city, and the surrounding area. Here, you can discover the unique history of Hot Springs, from its ancient thermal springs to its heyday as a spa destination and its time as a haven for baseball spring training and even gangsters. The friendly staff can provide brochures, maps, and details on local restaurants, attractions, and lodging options. You can also learn about the park's 26 miles of hiking trails, the three area lakes, and other state parks in the region. The Visitor Center itself offers convenient amenities, including parking, electric charging stations, and restrooms, making it an ideal first stop upon arrival. Hot Springs National Park is unique in the National Park system. Originally established as a reservation in 1832 to protect the thermal springs, it predates the National Park Service itself. The park is known for its blend of natural beauty and urban charm, nestled in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. The thermal waters, which emerge from the ground at approximately 143 degrees Fahrenheit, have been enjoyed for their therapeutic qualities for centuries. While outdoor soaking is limited to designated areas, visitors can experience the thermal waters at the Buckstaff and Quapaw bathhouses or the Arlington Hotel and Spa.

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