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*Last updated March 16, 2024
Best Things to Do in Hot Springs National Park
Table of Contents
How Long to Stay at Hot Springs National Park
We stopped for a few hours during our drive to Texas, which was enough time to visit the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum. If you are short on time, then Fordyce is where you should go. Additionally, it houses both the visitor center and you can do a self-guided tour of the Fordyce Bathhouse. However, if you have more time, you could spend a weekend and make an appointment at one of the bathhouses, hike some trails or spend some time in the town. Also, I’d like to stop back again when we could spend a little more time than we had on this trip.
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park makes a lot of people’s “least favorite national parks” lists. If you are looking for a quiet and tranquil natural setting away from crowds, then this park might be the wrong choice. However, I thought it was a fun visit to learn about the history of the area.
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum
The first place for your stop could be Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center. If you only have a little time, it is a good stop since you can tour the Fordyce Bathhouse. However, be aware that it does not have a dedicated parking lot so you will have to find somewhere to park and then walk over.
The Hot Springs
The hot springs flow from and underground source. However, they not only fill the bathhouses, but there are also fountains where we could see the steam rising in the winter. Also, there are water stations, where a lot of people fill up jugs of water for their healing properties.
The Bathhouses
We only walked Bathhouse Row, but some of the baths are still in operation if you are interested in a soak. Additionally, I’d like to come back for longer some time. I’d spend a few days to take in more of history of the area and tour the town.
Shops
Even if you aren’t looking for souvenirs, it can be fun to peruse the the shops in town to see all of the hot springs related items such as soaps, lotions and more. There are numerous shops, but we stopped by the Bathhouse Row Emporium on Bathhouse Row. There were also some fun props that the kids enjoyed for pictures.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower overlooks the area. You can take an elevator to the summit. Additionally, the price as of 2024 is $13 per adult, $9 for children, and 4 and under are free.
Hiking Trails
There are some trails you can hike in Hot Springs National Park. We did not have time for hiking, but I have included some of the options listed here.
Also Consider Nearby
Check out some of the other sighs in the Southwest page. That would include visiting Carlsbad Caverns NP, Big Bend NP and Big Bend Ranch State Park.