Hot Springs Tourism
Hot Springs Tourism
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Hot Springs has a long history of attracting tourists - in fact, it might be the first American tourist destination! Native Americans have visited for thousands of years, from as far as South America. Hot Springs was the first Federally protected land for recreation, predating the National Park System by over 40 years. Throughout the 1900s, Presidents, celebrities, sports teams, and countless visitors have flocked to Hot Springs to experience the healing and relaxing waters.
While things slowed down in the 80s and 90s, tourism is now roaring back. Hot Springs gets over 8 million visitors per year, and that number is continuing to accelerate. History is the #1 driver of tourism, with Hot Springs steeped in nostalgia.
In 2019, Arkansas re-legalized gambling, and in 2021, The Oaklawn Racetrack opened a brand new, $100 Million World Class Casino, Spa and Hotel. And in June 2021, they just announced adding 2 months to the racing season, which will surely boost tourism.
Hot Springs has different areas and neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences. Majestic Magnolia is in the heart of Historic Downtown, which is noted for Bathhouse Row, and historic destinations with live music, like the Arlington Hotel, Ohio Club, and newly re-opened Vapors Lounge. This is all walkable and is full of options for food and fun. In the heart of the National Park, you can also walk to hiking trails, or bike to Northwoods Trail. Hot Springs is the Oldest National Park, the smallest National Park, and the only town right inside of the Park.
Less than two miles down the road is Oaklawn Race Track, and the brand new Oaklawn casino. During the newly expanded racing season, this is bustling and exciting, and is now one of the only places in the world where one can experience live horse racing inside of a world class casino. The Arkansas Derby is the kickoff to the Triple Crown, and the largest purse in Horse Racing. Some people come just for the horses!
Just a few miles down the road, and you have a whole other region of Hot Springs - the lakes. Lake Hamilton is right in the city and offers ample restaurants, boat rentals, and entertainment, including Garvan Woodland Gardens. Lake Catherine is part of a State park, surrounded by cabins, campsites, and also offers boat tours. Lake Ouchita is the cleanest lake in the Country, and is renowned for competition fishing.
About 25 minutes North into the Ouachita Forest, and you are in Crystal Country. Here, museum grade crystals are mined and sent around the world, to the Crystal Bridges Museum, to private collectors, and to celebrities like Paris Hilton. And you can mine crystals yourself! Here you can see for your own eyes, that Hot Springs is literally built on top of a giant Crystal Mine, as the ground glitters with quartz.
2024 Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, the Total Solar Eclipse will occur directly over Hot Springs. This will bring more tourists than have ever been to Hot Springs, and will introduce the town to new people. For years to come, Hot Springs will continue to grow.
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