This was the first stop on our quick visit to Hot Springs and Bathhouse Row during a roadtrip from Chicago to Houston. So interesting to hear from Bill about not only about the history of this and other bathhouses, but also how the thermal springs water is collected, what caused the decline in the 70s and 80s and the measures in place designed to prevent the spread of illnesses, like frequent testing of the water for viruses and bacteria. Very interesting to hear about the fears and impact of the AIDS epidemic in the 80s on Hot Springs as a contrast to the current pandemic. The current Lamar Bathhouse is a stone, brick and stucco Spanish style structure. It replaced an earlier Victorian building that honored US Supreme Court Justice Lamar. The bathhouse was unique in that it offered 5 different tub lengths to accomodate a variety of heights. Several of the original tubs are on display (or can be used for a photo op). Murals and stencils were added in the 20s to elicit a more European flavor. Today, Lamar Bathhouse functions as an admininstative building and has the park store, Bathhouse Row Emporium. Ask for Roxana for fun gift ideas. Make sure to stamp your Park Passport here and at Fordyce Bathhouse if you collect stamps. They are different at each site. read more

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Posters were ridiculously expensive. Seriously? 50 bucks for a small printed poster? However other things were well priced. Stuffed bat surprisingly cheap. Great selection of pins, badges, and stickers. Employee had a stardew valley pin which was really cool. read more

Bathhouse Row Emporium - Gift Shops Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

When I visit every National Park, I always have to stop at the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs. Typically my souvenirs are in the form of patches, magnets, stickers, and postcards but sometimes it includes a couple other items of interest that are representative of the park. I was surprised when the ranger informed me the gift shop was not in the visitor center but rather on the southern end of Bathhouse Row, a couple bathhouses away from Fordyce, in the Lamar Bathhouse. After visiting Fordyce and before receiving a traditional bath at Buckstaff Bathhouse, I made my way to Lamar Bathhouse and was greeted by such a wide variety of national park paraphernalia and spa-related gifts - perfectly representing Hot Springs National Park and Hot Springs, Arkansas as a whole. The male employee who was working was so incredibly helpful. He pointed out some of the sale items, told me about the hot spring water that visitors can actually drink, and even offered to take a photo for a group of girls who wanted to pose in the replica tub. The prices were definitely reasonable, especially for a National Park gift shop and there was a great selection. The customer service was fantastic and I just loved the fact the gift shop was located in an old bathhouse that may otherwise be vacant. Take a break from shopping and marvel at the intricate details of the bathhouse. Note that the store sells hot drinks (great for a cold November day) but there's also a water fountain with the hot spring water available for tasting for free! And, they cool it off :) Bathhouse Row Emporium is open 9am-5pm daily although it's closed on some holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Although, they are open late for Gallery Walk on the first Friday of every month. I do wish the National Forest headquarters across the street was open but I guess that's closed on weekends. Either way, I found plenty of souvenirs all within Bathhouse Row Emporium... Check it out! read more

Bathhouse Row Emporium - Gift Shops Near Me - Hot Springs, Arkansas

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We stopped in the Emporium to pick up some gifts for our friends and family. They have a wonderful selection of shits, soaps and National Park oriented things at fairly reasonable prices. They even have glass bottles you can purchase to fill up with the actual Spring Water. They also have a large section with all kinds of things for kids. You can even sit in an antique tub and have your picture taken at no cost. read more

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The Bathhouse Row Emporium is a bookcase/gift show and general spa-oriented merchandise shop run by the National Park Service and it is housed in one of the former bathhouses along bathhouse row. This is a purely commercial venture and is separate and distinct from the National Park Service Visitor's Center which is also housed in a former bathhouse just a few doors down the street. If I hadn't been told that this was being run by the Park Service, I would never have guessed it. I'm more accoustomed to the very professional and somewhat educational endeavors of the Park Service. I found this place to have a lot of over-priced merchandise -- granted, it was mostly all spa-oriented but not what I would typically expect from the Park Service. read more

It's a nice place but is more of a gift shop. The staff is friendly and very informative.

This historic bath house is now a gift shop where you can pick up some bath-themed souvenirs. You can also get park information here. They sell glass jugs for the spring water, water bottles, soap, etc. There are spring water spigots around the corner to fill up. read more

Formerly the Lamar Bathhouse, it has been converted into a gift and spa merchandise shop run by the National Park Service. Decent selection of bath items, shirts and mugs with Bathhouse Row logos, books, children's clothes and toys, and local items. Park information is also available and the employees/volunteers were super helpful. read more

Very friendly and helpful staff. I found unique local gifts for the kids there. I found a really cute Dr Suess book on birds and an owl purse. My husband was impressed with the historical DVDs and books. They also have spa gift sets and such there. Lovely place. read more