On our visit to Hot Springs, we were told to check out Garvan Woodland Gardens. It was definitely a…read moregreat decision to come by and have a nice long stroll through the various gardens, forests, streams, and just nature. Its not too hard to find and there's plenty of parking out front. Leaving the parking lot is a little confusing though (signs would be helpful...). But its well worth the trip out! There were a variety of slices of nature and we spent a few hours here and still did not get to see it all. There's a whole nature preserve that's part of it and apparently great in the dawn/dusk to spot and hear various birds. We did see quite a bit of wildlife and fun plants around so even if we missed the preserve it was fun to see everything else. I think this is a great spot to reconnect with nature for a bit. There were well marked paths so it wasn't too strenuous and there were some more kid friendly areas as well for them to explore and run around.

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (1 of 2)…read more - - - - - Covid may seemingly be a thing of the past, but, for some, it will never be forgotten because it affected them or their loved ones in far more serious ways. It changed how we shopped, circulated, and limited our options as to where we could travel. For a while, Canada was closed and that always comes to the top of my list when it comes to fall colors. That said, other options became New England, the Upper Peninsular o Michigan, or the Ozarks. Garvan Woodland Gardens is located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, thus in the general Ozarks area. Hot Springs itself was already on the map as place of touristic import. Along a major avenue there is "Bathhouse Row," a string of private spas in ornate mansion sized facilities that came to be during the 20th Century. Its most famous visitor may have been Al Capone. I came to learn that Capone died a natural death. One would have thought otherwise. I vaguely knew about these gardens - the Garvan Woodland Gardens. However, if in town and you ask any questions, their existence, and their details, will become a certainty. It's an easy drive from Hot Springs. The gardens began as a private garden that then flourished when they were donated and privatized, and operated by the University of Arkansas. As such, there is an admission fee. As can be expected, the gardens are segmented and themed. The most notable might be the Japanese Garden and the manicured plantings that go with that. There are also other themed areas, including some areas which are a little natural, or scruffier, if you prefer that word. There are other areas such as a toy railroad sort of old town, walkways abutting the lake, and odd contraptions that serve as stairs, bridges, and tree houses. Then, there are some areas with art installations of sort that look sort of granola. I didn't have time to read every placard explaining the logic, if any, of some of these things. There is also a non-denominational chapel on the grounds and it closely resembles the state's Thorncrown Chapel designed by the University of Arkansas's famed alum E. Fay Jones. I had already seen that chapel in Eureka Springs, but, if you can't make it to that remote corner of the state (that's actually somewhat close to Branson, Missouri), this will almost enable you to check that off your list. Seasonal blooms will affect what you see. Note that, if seeking fall color in the state, it will come later than other parts of America owing to the more southerly latitude. The forested lands in which Garvan Wooodlands Gardens sits appear to be studded in Southern pine, and reminded me of the vegetation surrounding the Atlanta area. The employees on hand are very helpful. Note that, in this state, your bucket list would be, at the very minimum, about 3 state parks, 2 more rugged natural areas, Eureka Springs, the historic areas of Little Rock, and Hot Springs, which would include these gardens. The beauty of everything you see may exceed your expectations. Just about everyone is giving Garvan Woodlands Gardens 5 stars. For its context and area, it would fetch 5 stars. However, compared to other places with a similar admission fee, I felt it was closer to 4 stars. It is nonetheless impressive and recommended. However, it could also be that the few hippie-dippy things there made for an eye roll. They always do.

We spent a day here and got through all the visitor center and the displays it has on all the…read morelevels. We drove to the mountain lookout and paid to go up there and spent more time there. We also drove the weather mountain loop and stopped at the pull off areas. The history and the geology is really neat. You need a full day if you plan to drive the park roads. If you want to hike then you need 2+ days.

On top of Hot Sprigs Mountain this 216ft tower hs spectacular views of the surrounding mountains…read morecovered with dogwood, hickory, oak & pine. We winded up a single lane road passing Picnic areas and rest stops before we got to the top. There was a small parking lot with magnificent views. We walked to the gift shop & found the register. We have a parks pass & paid $12 pp to take the elevator to the top of the tower. We took in the view on the top and then went down a floor to see the history of Hot Springs starting in 1875. Photos and artifacts from the old hotels and bath houses were presented with a timeline.

My husband and I always choose Hot Springs for a relaxing getaway. After several trips we decided…read moreto eat at the Ohio Club and wow! The food was amazing, service was wonderful, and the history was so interesting! Especially because the servers went out of their way to share the stories instead of just leaving us to read it on the menu. Now I'm coming back this weekend for a girl's trip, and we will be at the Ohio Club for dinner for sure!

Everything went well!…read more Just loved being in this historic place and glad they provided information on its history. We sat upstairs at the balcony overlooking the bar from above. Cool view! Our round table was a glass covered roulette tabletop. What an expansive bar. They are known for their burgers so we had to indulge. We had the Blu on Black Burger and subbed for sweet potato fries. Yummy! Maybe a little small to share, but time will tell if we get hungry later. I also had a John Dillinger Gin Fizz. Cortney W took care of us and said we ordered well. The music just started as we finished up. We stayed through a couple of songs, but decided to give up our table for those waiting and to allow Courtney to continue earn more money.

Just home from early voting. It was all very easy. They have electronic and paper voting. Was…read morein and out in just a few minutes!!!

I loved this pottery place so much. We got to watch one of the Drydens throw two bowls with ease. I…read moregot two little cute pots. Would different come back. The pieces are worth the prices and you can find a reasonable piece that you love.

I grew up eating off Dryden's famous drip glaze dishes, but the stuff offered by the (family owned)…read morepottery now is (generally) more artistic and thoughtfully made. (You can still find the stuff I grew up with, though. And it's surprisingly popular.) You'll find pieces ranging from ten bucks to hundreds of dollars. Friendly, engaging staff. Gorgeous surroundings

My husband and I loved it here! They stayed open a little later so we could visit while we were…read morepassing through Hot Springs, and they were so easy to communicate with and really went our of their way for us! We didn't mind the price of admission, since they give so much back to the community. Excellent cause, such cool selection of collections, and a great tour with fun backstories! We came specifically for Star Wars nostalgia, but were pleasantly surprised with how much else was there! We would definitely come back if we are ever passing through Hot Springs again!

This is a great place to go for a little nostalgia. If you grew up in the '70s, '80s, or '90s--or…read morejust love vintage toys--you have to check out the Retroverse Museum. The toy collection is insanely fun and super well-curated. I saw everything from original Star Wars figures to Matchbox cars and He-Man. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the collections. You can tell a lot of love went into this place. New pieces are added as they are found "in the wild" or donated by collectors and families of collectors that have passed. They even have some duplicate/overflow items available to purchase in a little gift shop area. Tickets are a little pricy, but proceeds are used to maintain the museum, as well as a variety of community events.

I recently visited Hot Springs, Arkansas national Park and me and my family spent several hours…read morethere. We're walking in and out of the bath houses and looking around the area even took some time to ask the gentleman who works for the national parks inside of the main building. Where is some things that we could see around the area? He of course, handed me a map and he said well the best thing we got is right outside the door. There's a fountain outside. For me I was hoping there would be more to that national park than just a few bath houses and a few fountains with hot water now I understand that that is amazing but it definitely under performs as a national park. We did take time to walk around the trails. We did take time to see the other areas, but there's really not much here other than a few hot water springs and some trails to walk on. Now don't let this take away from Hot Springs the city. It is a great city a lot of vibrant shopping in restaurants along Hot Springs. If you're going just to go shopping then you won't be disappointed. There was a lot to do as far as that but from the national Park perspective it was a letdown.

I'm probably going to catch some flak for this because it's not 5 stars, but this was my…read moreexperience... Hot Springs National Park was truly unique. At first I admit I was underwhelmed actually. Then we explored several key features: + Hot Springs Mountain Tower (we drove & didn't go up to the top because we had our dog with us) + Bathhouse Row (viewed everything from outside) + Grand Promenade (dog-friendly path & park area) + Fordyce Bathhouse Visitors Center (dogs not allowed, we found a dog boarder and came back to explore it) The old cranky park ranger that we spoke to inside the Fordyce Center was not friendly at all on 7.21.2025. He was very dismissive and not willing to share any insight beyond the two questions I asked him. Not welcoming. Between my picking up trash scattered throughout the Grand Promenade and his attitude, that's primarily the reason for a star knocked off. It's not operated by the National Park Service, but the Buckstaff Bathhouse is regulated by the NPS. My daughters, ages 12 and 10, really enjoyed a mini spa day there. We bought passes at about 9:30 AM and had no wait. We were out by 11:00 AM. Yes, I recommend you experience this old-fashioned body treatment at least once. There are several wonderful shops and some restaurants within walking distance. On Sunday, metered street parking was free. On Monday, I paid for all-day parking (just a little over $8) in the Exchange Street Parking Plaza garage on Exchange Street. All three of us are highly active, so this was an easy walk for us even in the late July 2025 heat. TIPS + Residents really do fill up every plastic jug they can find at the water fountains. Lol. It's free! There were two cold water springs that I heard about: one at Whittington Park and the other at Happy Hollow. But plenty of folks stopped in front of the NPS Administrative building on Reserve Street. + Don't forget to get your national park passport cancellation stamp inside the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitors Center. It was to the right of the front office when we visited.

What a cool , family owned place. Made me feel like a kid again. Slow down from the fast paced life…read moreand drop by here. Support local! Thanks yall!

I read about Tiny Town in book entitled 100 things to do in "Hot Springs before you Die". So i put…read moreit on the iteniary while visiting. It is a very old building and an elderly lady was working when we attended. She took our admission fee, turned on the lights and ushered us into the viewing room. It is a 65 year old display of numerous scenes that a single man crafted from discarded materials and wood carvings. I thought it was fascinating. There was a carnival scene, with a working carousel and ferris wheel with hand carved people in them, an Indian village with a dying cowboy with an arrow through his heart, a replica of Mt Rushmore, a dog getting ready to attack a cat, trains cruising around, an Andy Griffith scene, mountains and waterfalls, a man swimming, kids on swings and seesaws and OH so much more. There were so many moving parts, so many intricacies to see and ponder. The lady guided us part of the way (she had a very soft voice, and with the background noise of the moving parts it was almost impossible to understand her) but you could tell ahe was passionate about the display which was sweet). She then let us to walk around at our leisure. There are signs to read and buttons to push to make certain object either move or light up, while some of the display is in constant motion. We spent about 30 to 40 minutes in the depot so it doesn't take a long time to see but it was worth the $8 admission fee. Free street parking right outside the depot and a small gift shop.

Visiting the Fordyce Bathhouse was one of the most nostalgic and unexpectedly fascinating parts of…read moreour Arkansas trip visiting family from Florida. I first visited Bathhouse Row when I was 16 years old, so getting to walk through it again decades later with my own 16-year-old daughter felt really special. It's one of those places that stays in your memory because it's both beautiful and genuinely interesting. The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center and museum for Hot Springs and spans multiple floors plus a basement - it's filled with restored rooms, exhibits, furnishings, and historical displays. Best of all? Admission is completely free, though donations are encouraged. Honestly, it's incredible how much history and preservation work you can experience here without an entrance fee. One thing I found especially fascinating was learning that the natural spring water can reach temperatures up to 140 degrees. The museum also walks you through the history of hydrotherapy and the various treatments people once believed could heal illness and restore health. Some of the old medical equipment and therapies were truly wild by today's standards. I also loved learning that recreation, socialization, exercise, and relaxation were considered important parts of healing. The old gymnasium was one of my favorite sections because it gave such a glimpse into how wellness was viewed during that era. Some of the antique workout equipment honestly looked both impressive and slightly terrifying at the same time. The building itself is gorgeous and beautifully preserved with stained glass, tiled rooms, vintage bathing areas, and so many details that make it easy to picture what Bathhouse Row was like during its peak popularity. What surprised me most is how accessible and approachable the experience is. You don't need to be a hardcore history buff to enjoy this place. Whether you're interested in architecture, medical history, historical gym equipment, or simply stepping into another era for a little while, it's absolutely worth visiting. For me personally, though, the sweetest part was sharing a place I remembered from my own teenage years with my teenage daughter and family all these years later. That alone made this stop special.

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitors Center is probably where we should have started our visit to Hot Springs…read moreNational Park in Hot Springs, AR. But dogs were not allowed, so we found a dog boarder and came back to explore this FREE museum. The old cranky park ranger that we spoke to inside at the front counter was not friendly at all on 7.21.2025. He was very dismissive and not willing to share any insight beyond the two questions I asked him. Not welcoming. I didn't hear his interactions with previous visitors, but it doesn't matter. We had just walked in and my children were in good behavior. Quite frankly, he's primarily the reason for a star knocked off. TIPS + Don't forget to get your national park passport cancellation stamp. It was to the right when we walked in. + I paid for all-day parking (just a little over $8) in the Exchange Street Parking Plaza garage on Exchange Street. All three of us are highly active, so this was an easy walk for us even in the late July heat. Nice, simple exhibits. We enjoyed seeing how folks enjoyed the thermal springs long ago.

I would recommend the Gangster Museum if the history is interesting to you. It's a very…read more"tourist-y" place but it's also historically accurate and the staff is good at what they do. I have been 3 times total. Once as a tourist myself, and twice taking others after I moved here. Some loved it and found it very interesting and others were bored to tears, visibly yawning as we walked from room to room. I think it's terrific, but again, subjective. /Gangster

If you go to Hot Springs, this is a must. It costs about $16.50 for adults. I'm not sure if…read moredifferent prices for children or other discounts. It's about an hour and half guided tour. If you get Bird, aka "the Bird Man," as a tour guide it will be informative and entertaining. Reminder...you can tip the tour guides. Doesn't seem like people remember to do that. He takes you "through time" and gives you the history of gangsters and Hot Springs. It was so informative and you learn about so many people and places of Hot Springs. They sell hats for men and women. They also sell souvenirs and books. The lady at the check-in desk was very friendly and helpful.