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.

There is a massive, can't-miss mural on Central Avenue in Hot Springs, and it depicts a Quapaw man…read moredecked out in traditional garb. This public art, which stands about 140 feet by 42 feet, was created by Pepe Gaka (Giuseppe Percivati), a street artist from Italy. This artwork celebrates the first residents of the area: The Quapaw Tribe. Hot Springs was inhabited by the Quapaw people long before spas and bars and hotels lined the streets. Hot Springs acknowledges this in many ways throughout the city, and this mural is also a nod to the indigenous people who first lived on this land.

I am in heaven!! The variety of gems and jewelry is amazing!! The people are so kind and caring…read more Extremely knowledgeable about all the different sculptures and pieces they offer.

This is the place to go for incredible crystal, rocks, handmade jewelry and natural wonders. They…read moreoffer incredibly large geodes and other rock specimens for sale as well as handmade art and imports. I bought an amazing art mosaic for my home. Kudos to the staff, Mary and Lisa who were very friendly and helpful. I will definitely be returning on my next trip to Hot Springs.

Beautiful garden in SoMa Little Rock. Sunday they host a Farmers Market. Lots of small businesses…read morerepresented.

I came across The Bernice Garden when I visited the Essie Purse Museum across the way. This is a…read morereally cool garden/art installation, unique in the business area in which it's located and an awesome place to sit and enjoy the art with a coffee or local sweet. Highly recommend a visit if you're in the area.

Stumbled onto this walk while exploring Hot Springs on Christmas Eve…read more Since the weather was in the 20s, didn't spend too much time, but interesting to see the accomplishments recognized of those who were born or lived in Arkansas. Notables along the walk include sports legends like Baltimore Orioles third baseman Brooks Robinson, the great poet Maya Angelou, musicians like Dale Evans, Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell and US President Bill Clinton. Even General Douglas MacArthur is honored along the walk. He was born at the Little Rock Barracks to a military family. Would not go out of my way, but is nice for a quick visit if you are in the area. Parking is available. Free parking on Sundays.

How fun to walk along this group of plaques and see famous/familiar names! Johnny Cash, Bill…read moreClinton, Cliff Harris, and so many more!

What a fun place to explore your creativity! An excellent welcoming DIY mosaic art studio that has…read moresome wonderful people working on beautiful creations. Alice, the owner, is phenomenal and no matter what stage you are in the process, a first-timer or working on your dream master project, she will be happy to give you important pointers and terrific suggestions. Mosaic Madness Studio in Hot Springs, AR is in their 20th year of business, you can do a project in one day, so if you're visiting or just looking for interesting interesting activity that is fun for you and family friendly, drop by and have fun!

Go here. Just do it. You will love it! Alice is so…read moredelightful & such a gracious business owner. She is extremely personable and you'll feel like you're old friends. The process of making a mosaic is time consuming, but not difficult at all. Alice will walk you through it. It took about 3-4 hours for us to finish our glass placement. You will not be able to walk out with a finished product after one session, so plan to come back to grout (or if you ask nicely, they just might grout it for you). Projects start at $25 - a STEAL!!

Striking Clinton library along the Arkansas river only 5 minutes from downtown. Entry is free…read more If you're interested in the history of the Clintons, 96 Clinton and gore campaign or just interested in learning about American politics, this is a must see! The multi level space is beautiful and really takes you through the progression of the Clintons. There is a very small gift shop on site with the usual options. Tip- stop by cafe 42 on the lower level, food is delicious and service is top notch!!

The whole spirit of this library breathes new breath into the spirit of progressive democracy…read more From the very large and impressive exhibits to the smallest of contributions. I am so glad we made the effort to witness it all in our short time in Little Rock.

When we first moved to Hot Springs we both volunteered at the gardens. It was wonderful. Got to…read moremeet a lot of people and see so much beauty. The two lives in the spring are absolutely gorgeous. So many varieties. So many colors. Gorgeous! Christmas is a incredible time. The displays, the workmanship that goes into them. They're all made there on site. It's a wonderful time. I always loved working at Christmas. Lots of hot chocolate, Santa Clause The restaurant is amazing. They have such a great variety! The carts and the drivers are just awesome. You'll see so much of the park, especially if you're older, you'll enjoy the cart rides. Go and get to enjoy the beauty of Hot Springs!

Love being there. The staffs are friendly, the gardens and grounds are soothing and peaceful. I go…read morethere at least twice a week, maybe 3 times when I can escape from my hustle and bustle. Every time I was there, I feel a sense of peace and joy. Where else can you get that kind of relaxation in a city? It's just beautiful.