Hot SpringsOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Sacred Ground to Federal Protection

The thermal springs of Hot Springs have drawn people for centuries. Native American tribes considered the area neutral ground, where even warring factions could coexist due to the springs' healing properties. The first Europeans to document the springs were likely Hernando de Soto in 1541, followed by Father Marquette and Jolliet in 1673, who claimed the territory for France. After changing hands between France and Spain, the land became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

The first permanent non-Native American settlers arrived around 1807. The Arkansas Territorial Legislature in 1820 requested federal protection for the springs and surrounding mountains. This led President Andrew Jackson to sign legislation in 1832, designating the Hot Springs Reservation as the first federal reservation, predating Yellowstone National Park by 40 years. This act safeguarded the thermal waters for public use, preventing them from being privately appropriated.

A Spa Town and a Gangster Haven

Following federal protection, Hot Springs developed into a spa town. The post-Civil War era saw a construction boom, with railroads and hotels built to accommodate visitors. Between 1912 and 1922, the original wooden Victorian bathhouses were replaced by the brick and stucco structures that form Bathhouse Row today, many featuring amenities like marble walls, gymnasiums, and stained glass.

From the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, especially in the 1930s, the city was known as a haven for organized crime. Figures like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and Owney Madden frequented Hot Springs, drawn by the illegal gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging. Mayor Leo McLaughlin, elected in 1926, openly allowed gambling. Under his 22-year tenure, the city became a protected site for mob bosses, who were guaranteed immunity from arrest or extradition. This era continued until a federal crackdown in the mid-1960s led to the closure of the city's casinos.

• —Bathhouse Row — This collection of eight historic bathhouses, constructed between 1892 and 1923, displays architectural styles including Art Deco and Neoclassical. It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.
• —Fordyce Bathhouse (National Park Visitor Center) — Opened in 1915, this was once the most elaborate bathhouse on the Row. Today, it serves as the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center and a museum, offering free self-guided tours through its preserved marble bathing halls, stained-glass ceilings, and a 19th-century gymnasium.
• —Quapaw Baths & Spa, Central Avenue — Opened in 1922 in a Spanish Colonial Revival style, this bathhouse is named after the Quapaw tribe. After closing in 1984, it reopened in 2008 as a spa, offering thermal mineral baths and other treatments.
• —Maurice Bathhouse — Opened in 1912, the Maurice was designed in an eclectic mix of Italian Renaissance Revival and Mediterranean styles. It was the only bathhouse on the Row to feature a therapeutic pool in its basement, added in the 1930s. It is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
• —Gangster Museum of America (former Southern Club / Ohio Club) — Located on Central Avenue, this museum details Hot Springs' past as a haven for mobsters from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s. It features exhibits with items such as roulette tables and vintage slot machines, and information on figures such as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano who frequented the city.
• —Grand Promenade — This paved walking path runs above Bathhouse Row, offering views of the historic buildings and access to several hot spring fountains where visitors can touch the thermal water. It was designated a National Recreational Trail.

The best times to visit Hot Springs are during spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these months, temperatures are mild, ranging from 15°C to 27°C, making it comfortable for outdoor exploration. Fall also brings foliage, especially in late October to early November, and fewer crowds after Labor Day.

Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, with average highs in July and August reaching 33°C to 34°C. While popular for lake activities, the heat can make hiking and walking less enjoyable. Winter (December to February) is quieter, with highs around 10-13°C and lows around -1°C, suitable for visiting bathhouses and museums, but outdoor activities are limited.

Hot Springs is served by Memorial Field Airport (HOT), located 3 miles southwest of downtown. It has limited commercial service. The larger Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock is about 50 miles away and offers more flight options, with shuttle services and rental cars available.

Downtown Hot Springs, particularly Bathhouse Row and Central Avenue, is walkable. For longer distances, the city operates Intracity Transit (IT) buses on three routes, running Monday to Friday from 6:10 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:10 AM to 6:00 PM. Fares are $1.25, with free transfers. Buses depart from the Transportation Plaza downtown. There is no bus service on Sundays or major holidays. Street parking is available, including free parking on the west side of Central Avenue and metered parking on Reserve Avenue and Fountain Street.