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The Grand Promenade: A Stroll Through History
Stroll along a brick-paved path through history, nature, and stunning views at Hot Springs National Park's iconic Grand Promenade.
The Grand Promenade, a half-mile brick-paved National Recreation Trail in Hot Springs National Park, offers a blend of natural, cultural, and geological history. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it separates the forested Hot Springs Mountain from the landscaped setting of Bathhouse Row.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to The Grand Promenade
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Walking
From the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center at 369 Central Ave, walk east on Central Ave for about 0.3 miles. Turn left onto Whittington Ave and continue for about 0.2 miles. The entrance to The Grand Promenade will be on your right. The entrance is marked and leads directly into the promenade area. There is no fee to access the Grand Promenade.
Public Transport
Take the City of Hot Springs bus to a stop along Central Ave near the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center. Check the bus schedule for routes heading towards the park area. From the bus stop, walk east on Central Ave, then turn left onto Whittington Ave. The entrance to The Grand Promenade will be on your right. Bus fare is typically around $1.25 for a single ride. There is no fee to access the Grand Promenade.
Parking
Several parking options are available in downtown Hot Springs. Metered street parking is available along Central Avenue, but it has a two-hour time limit. A parking garage is located at 128 Exchange Street, one block west of the visitor center. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around $1-$2 per hour. From the parking areas, walk to Central Avenue and then to Whittington Avenue to access the Grand Promenade. There is no fee to access the Grand Promenade.
Local tips
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Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the Promenade is ideal for walking.
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Bring a camera to capture the beautiful views and historic landmarks.
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Take time to read the interpretive signs to learn about the area's history.
Discover more about The Grand Promenade
The Grand Promenade is a historic walkway offering visitors a unique perspective on Hot Springs National Park. Constructed in the 1930s and completed in the late 1950s, this half-mile brick path runs parallel to Bathhouse Row, providing access to trails and scenic views.
Originally conceived to create an architectural transition between the town and the mountain, the Promenade has become a destination in its own right. As you stroll along the brick path, you'll encounter interpretive signs detailing the history of the thermal springs and the surrounding area. Outcrops of Hot Springs Sandstone can be seen along the Promenade, and several trails, including the Tufa Terrace Trail and the Peak Trail, branch off from it.
The Grand Promenade provides access to several points of interest, including the former Army & Navy General Hospital, which once utilized the thermal waters for veteran treatments. The Promenade is easily accessible from downtown Hot Springs, with entry points at Reserve Street, Fountain Street, Stephen's Balustrade, and behind the Fordyce Bathhouse. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, offering benches, picnic tables, and scenic overlooks.
A brief summary to The Grand Promenade
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