Hot Springs National Park and Museum are located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is where visitors can experience the health benefits of the mineral-rich springs. Moreover, the park takes up 5,550 acres, including the city's downtown area. They also have local mountains, forest and river that leads to the springs. Also, the park offers 26 miles of hiking trails and scenic roads. This is a popular place for family vacations with campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and unique spa facilities. Now, let's find out what is the history of Hot Springs
VISIT HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK AND MUSEUM
History of Hot Springs
The Native Americans call The Hot Springs the "Valley of the Vapors." In addition, they realize the therapeutic properties of the geothermal mineral springs that flow through the mountains and forests. The area was declared a "natural wonder" in 1832, long before the Park Service was established.
The springs were "discovered" by business people in the nineteenth century, and bathhouses were constructed to allow people to "take the waters." Moreover, natural mineral springs cure most ailments, including arthritis, muscular and intestinal disorders. Eight Hot Spring bathhouses were built through the center of the town in an area they call Bathhouse Row. Two bathhouses still offer spa treatments and an opportunity to soak in the thermal waters.
Buckhouse Bathhouse, in continuous operation since 1912, offers the traditional experience with a hot towel and steam cabinet treatments. On the other hand, the Quapaw Bath and Spa offers more contemporary massages, facials, spa treatments, and soaking in the thermal pools
Hot Springs National Park Museum and Visitors Center
The historical Fordyce Bathhouse at 369 Center Street was repurposed into a museum that offers a history of the Hot Springs area. Furthermore, Visitors take a self-guided tour through the restored building to see the tubs, dressing rooms and other facilities that were part of the luxurious "Golden Age of Bathing" enjoyed by visitors to the springs a century ago. The interactive exhibits offer a history of 200 years of public bath facilities. In addition, exhibits explain the geology that created the thermal springs.
Other bathhouses along the street are now restaurants and gift shops.
The Natural Springs
The geothermal river system is located within the park's base of Hot Springs Mountain. The mountain heats the water as it moves through the faults and fractures deep into the earth. This is often as deep as 8,000 feet below the surface. The mountain will force the water back up to the surface, where it can average 143 degrees F. That is too hot for people to enjoy. So, they cool it to about 94 to 104 degrees F in the spa pools.
We hope you learned a lot about the history of Hot Springs. Also, please take the opportunity to enjoy the comforting mineral waters of Hot Springs National Park along with its spectacular scenery when you visit Arkansas.