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Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo: A Hot Springs Tradition

Hot Springs' oldest attraction! Get up close with alligators & other animals at this family-friendly zoo and petting zoo.

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Established in 1902, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is Hot Springs' oldest attraction, offering a unique blend of wildlife encounters and historical charm. Home to over 200 alligators, plus a variety of other animals, it provides an engaging 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, held on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during warmer months.
  • Arrive early, especially during peak season (July and March), to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.
  • Take advantage of the free feed provided to interact with the friendly animals in the petting zoo.
  • Look for coupons on the zoo's website or inquire about military and senior discounts for potential savings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is located at 847 Whittington Ave, a short walk from many downtown Hot Springs hotels and attractions. From Central Avenue, head east on Whittington Avenue. The zoo will be on your left. Walking is a convenient option for those staying nearby.

  • Public Transport

    Hot Springs Intracity Transit provides bus service in the area. Check their routes and schedules for the most convenient option from your location to the vicinity of the zoo. From the nearest bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Hot Springs. Request a ride to 847 Whittington Ave. A short trip from downtown Hot Springs will likely cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and distance.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 847 Whittington Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Parking is available at the Alligator Farm, with overflow parking on the adjacent field that was once Fogel Field. Parking is free. Several hotels near the Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo offer free parking.

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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 visitors a chance to get up close and personal with a fascinating array of animals. Founded by H.L. Campbell to complement the city's thermal baths, the farm has evolved from a simple alligator exhibit to a diverse zoo and petting zoo. The main draw, of course, is the alligators. The farm houses over 200 of these impressive reptiles, allowing visitors to observe them in their enclosures and learn about their behavior and habitat. The farm does not breed alligators, but instead houses them. Don't miss the live alligator feeding shows, held on select days, for an exciting and educational experience. Beyond the alligators, the petting zoo offers hands-on encounters with friendly animals like goats, emus, llamas, and more. Feed is provided, allowing guests to interact closely with the animals. Other animal exhibits include cougars, bobcats, monkeys, and lemurs. The farm also features a small museum with a collection of mounted alligators and a mummified "merman". Baseball fans will appreciate the connection to Babe Ruth. A marker inside the Alligator Farm commemorates the location where Ruth hit a 573-foot home run in 1918, landing the ball inside the original alligator pit. The field next to the parking lot was once Fogel Field, a spring training site for Major League Baseball teams.

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