What You Need to Know About the Hot Springs Bathhouses in Arkansas

Exploring Bathhouse Row can be a bit confusing. You’re expecting what’s known as Hot Spring Bath Houses to actually be bathhouses, but that’s not necessarily the case.

In Hot Springs National Park, the street of bathhouses known as Bathhouse Row only has two functioning bathhouses. Historically, all eight of the bathhouses on this street used to be bathhouses, but now, aside from the 2 that operate as bathhouses, the other 6 are used for a variety of different purposes.

Bathhouse Row – Hot Springs Bath Houses

Bathhouse Row consists of 8 bathhouses that have been restored and are used for different purposes. Since only 2 of the 8 bathhouses are actually being used as bathhouses, if you’re looking to soak in the hot spring waters, there are two bathhouses you can go to: Quapaw Baths and Buckstaff Bathhouse.

Both of these bathhouses provide a completely different experience. For a more modern spa experience, go to Quapaw Baths. For a traditional bathhouse experience, go to Buckstaff Bathhouse.

1. Quapaw Baths & Spa

Quapaw Baths is an age 14 and older bath facility where you can soak in different pools of water that are at different temperatures. For just $20, you can soak in the thermal waters to relax and unwind. No reservation is necessary for the public thermal pools. It’s first-come, first-served, so if it’s busy, be prepared for a little wait. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit.

If you’re looking to indulge in spa services, Quapaw Baths offers a variety of spa services such as massages, facials, body treatments, etc. You see their full list of services here. If you are looking for a nice, relaxing soak in hot spring water, this is the place to go!

If you’re interested in history, read more about the history of Quapaw baths here.

2. Buckstaff Bathhouse

Buckstaff Bathhouse is quite a different experience from Quapaw Baths. Rather than being a luxurious, relaxing experience, expect to experience a traditional hydrotherapy bathhouse experience. The experience is the same as what was originally offered in the bathhouse to alleviate people from arthritic symptoms and promote relaxation. No clothing is worn for this experience, so you will need to be comfortable in front of professional staff.

Children above the age of 10 are allowed in this bathhouse and go through the same bathhouse experience. To see the full range of services, click here.

You can learn more about the history of Buckstaff Bathhouse here.

The other 6 bathhouses are no longer used as bathhouses and are now used for different purposes. The first one you should visit is Fordyce Bathhouse.

3. Fordyce Bathhouse

Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the National Park Visitor Center and historic museum. You can get more information about the National Park, and also look around the free museum to see what a traditional bathhouse looked like and how they operated. Entrance to the museum is free.

You can learn more about the history of Fordyce Bathhouse here.

4. Superior Bathhouse

Once offering affordable hydrotherapy massages, Superior Bathhouse is now a brewery that serves beer brewed from hot spring water. They also serve food and wine. See the menu. You can even purchase a vessel to take beer with you.

Read about the history of Superior Bathhouse here.

5. Lamar Bathhouse

Today, Lamar Bathhouse has been converted into a gift shop, known as Bathhouse Row Emporium, a shop operated by America’s National Parks. Other parts of the building are used as office spaces, a small library, and museum storage. If you need, you can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass here.

Learn more about the history of Lamar Bathhouse here.

6. Hale Bathhouse

Hale Bathhouse has been converted into a family-owned hotel, known as Hotel Hale. You can stay here and enjoy soaking in your own private tub in your room that has the geothermal Hot Springs mineral water pumped directly into it. You can also dine underneath a beautiful skylight or have brunch here. Reservations recommended.

Read about the history of Hale Bathhouse here.

Hotel Hale
341 Central Ave. Hot Springs, AR 70901 (map)
(501) 760-9010

7. Ozark Bathhouse

The Ozark Bathhouse currently operates as a Cultural Center and gallery, showcasing artwork from the artists-in-residence and other temporary exhibitions, events, and programs. Admission is free.

Read about the history of Ozark Bathhouse here.

8. Maurice Bathhouse

Maurice Bathhouse is permanently closed and is currently vacant and available for commercial leasing.

Best Bathhouses in Hot Springs

If you’re looking for the best bathhouses to go to in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the answer is pretty clear. If you want a spa experience or want to soak in the thermal waters, go to Quawpaw Bathhouse with your bathing suit. Make sure you visit the Fordyce Bathhouse to see the National Park Visitor Center and museum to learn more about the history of Hot Springs.

If you’re adventurous and want to experience a “traditional” bathhouse experience, make an appointment at Buckstaff Bathhouse. Check out some YouTube videos so that you know what you’re getting into.

If you want to stay right in Hot Springs Bathhouse Row, you can stay at Hotel Hale and soak in your own private bathtub with water from the hot springs. The hotel also has a lovely atrium to dine in.

Grab some food and drinks at Superior Bathhouse, stop by Ozark Bathhouse to see some artwork and the cultural center, and browse through the gift shop at Lamar Bathhouse!

Hope you enjoy your trip to see the bathhouses in Hot Springs!

Related Articles:

• Read about the different things to do in Hot Springs or the things to do in Hot Springs with kids!

• See what we did on our weekend getaway to Hot Springs and the Diamond Lakes region.

• Find the best place to stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

• Want to try digging for diamonds in Arkansas? You can try your luck at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, a real diamond mine.

For more information on Hot Springs and Diamond Lakes, visit diamondlakes.org.

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