Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a beautiful city nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, known for its natural hot springs and rich history. While the city offers many popular attractions, there are also several hidden gems waiting to be discovered. If you’re planning a trip to Hot Springs in July 2024, here are eight hidden places you won’t want to miss:
Hot Springs is a vibrant city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just relaxing in the hot springs, you’re sure to have a memorable experience. So mark your calendars for July 2024 and start planning your trip to Hot Springs today!
Whittington Park
This hidden gem is a beautiful 40-acre park that offers a variety of activities for visitors. There are hiking trails, a playground, a fishing pond, and a picnic area. Whittington Park is also home to the Whittington House, a historic mansion that is now a museum.
Things to do in Whittington Park:
- Hike the trails
- Play on the playground
- Fish in the pond
- Have a picnic
- Visit the Whittington House Museum
Quapaw Baths & Spa
The Quapaw Baths & Spa is a luxurious spa that offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa also has a mineral pool and a thermal pool.
Things to do at Quapaw Baths & Spa:
- Get a massage
- Get a facial
- Get a body wrap
- Swim in the mineral pool
- Relax in the thermal pool
Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center
The Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center is a great place to learn about the history of the Mountain Valley Spring Water Company. The center has exhibits on the company’s bottling process and its history. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase Mountain Valley Spring Water products.
Things to do at Mountain Valley Spring Water Visitor Center:
- Learn about the history of the Mountain Valley Spring Water Company
- See exhibits on the company’s bottling process
- Purchase Mountain Valley Spring Water products
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden that features over 200 acres of gardens and trails. The gardens are home to a variety of plants, including azaleas, camellias, and roses. There is also a Japanese garden and a children’s garden.
Things to do at Garvan Woodland Gardens:
- Walk the trails
- Admire the flowers
- Visit the Japanese garden
- Visit the children’s garden
Mid-America Science Museum
The Mid-America Science Museum is a great place to learn about science and technology. The museum has exhibits on a variety of topics, including space, energy, and the human body. There is also a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
Things to do at Mid-America Science Museum:
- Explore the exhibits
- Watch a movie in the IMAX theater
- Visit the planetarium
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is a beautiful park that is home to a variety of hot springs. The park also has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a museum. Hot Springs National Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains.
Things to do in Hot Springs National Park:
- Soak in the hot springs
- Hike the trails
- Have a picnic
- Visit the museum
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is a fun place to learn about alligators and other reptiles. The zoo has a variety of alligators, as well as other animals, such as turtles, snakes, and birds. You can also feed the alligators and pet some of the other animals.
Things to do at Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo:
- See the alligators
- See the other animals
- Feed the alligators
- Pet the other animals
The Gangster Museum of America
The Gangster Museum of America is a fascinating museum that tells the story of organized crime in America. The museum has exhibits on a variety of gangsters, including Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Bonnie and Clyde. There is also a collection of gangster memorabilia.
Things to do at The Gangster Museum of America:*
- Learn about the history of organized crime in America
- See exhibits on famous gangsters
- View a collection of gangster memorabilia
Culture, Best Months to Visit, Nearby Transportation, Local Food, and Best Hotels
Hot Springs is a city with a rich culture that is influenced by its Native American, European, and African American heritage. The city is home to a variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters. Hot Springs is also known for its music scene, with a variety of live music venues.
The best months to visit Hot Springs are April, May, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Hot Springs is accessible by car, train, and plane. The nearest airport is Little Rock National Airport (LIT), which is about an hour’s drive from Hot Springs.
Hot Springs has a variety of local food options. Some of the most popular dishes include catfish, barbecue, and fried pies. Hot Springs is also home to a number of wineries and breweries.
There are a variety of hotels in Hot Springs to choose from. Some of the most popular hotels include The Waters Hotel, The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, and The Hot Springs Hotel & Spa.
Hot Springs is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just relaxing in the hot springs, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
