Discover the Top 12 Fun Facts About Hot Springs National Park: Unveil the Magic Behind Its Soothing Waters and Stunning Scenery

1. First European Spa-Goer

Before there was "Hot Springs: The Spa", there was "Hot Springs: The Guy in a Top Hat Bobbing in Some Warm Water": Jean Emmanuel Prudhomme, a Louisianian with achy joints, became the first permanent European resident of Hot Springs National Park in 1807. He lived close to the thermal springs for two years, soaking up the natural goodness: Other settlers soon joined him, including the Percifulls, Mellards, Beldings, and Whittingtons, between 1810 and 1840, turning this bathers' haven into an actual community.
Source => hotsr.com

2. Smallest National Park, Biggest Relaxation

If you're in search of a national park that offers a steamy good time without taking up too much of your "me time," look no further than the petite and piping-hot paradise of Hot Springs National Park: Covering a mere 5,500 acres, this is the smallest national park in the United States, but don't let its size fool you – it packs a thermal punch with 47 natural hot springs and a rich history of swanky bathhouses that once pampered the wealthy elite in sizzling style, all since 1921 when it gained national park status.
Source => samplingamerica.com

Did you know Yellowstone National Park is home to over 400 geysers, including the legendary Old Faithful that erupts every 90 minutes? Discover more incredible facts about this steamy wonderland! 🌋💦

=> Fun Facts about Yellowstone-National-Park

3. Superman's Daily Planet Misconception

While Hot Springs National Park may boast of a comic connection that'll have you believing a man can fly, don't go looking for Superman's iconic red cape nestled among its steamy waters: The Medical Arts Building, which is often rumored to have doubled as the Daily Planet building from the classic Superman TV series, wasn't actually featured on the show, yet still remains a captivating slice of history near the park's beautiful and soothing natural springs.
Source => daytonward.wordpress.com

4. America's First Federally Protected Hot Springs

Feeling the burn after leg day? Mother Nature has her own Muscle Soother Bath waiting for you: Hot Springs National Park is the first to boast federally protected hot springs in the United States, dating back to 1832. You can still experience these natural hot tubs in Bathhouse Row, where historic bathhouses offer spa services and mineral-rich waters to help those tired limbs!
Source => nps.gov

5. Oldest Park with A-List Bathers

Before dipping their toes into fancy water, even prehistoric folks knew how to spa like it's Hot Springs, Arkansas: Hot Springs National Park, the oldest in the National Park System, was established as a federal reservation in 1832, a whole 40 years prior to Yellowstone. An impressive 5,500-acre playground rife with thermal springs, the park boasts the radiant Bathhouse Row, composed of eight opulent bathhouses. Brush up on Hydrotherapy 101 as you soak in tales of illustrious bathers like boxer Jack Dempsey, actors Sarah Bernhardt and George Raft, and even our very own Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Harry Truman who frequented this steamy sanctuary over the past millennia.
Source => hsguestguide.com

6. Thermal Spring Brewery Experience

Next time you're feeling "hoppy" and craving a soak, Hot Springs National Park has just the remedy: The Superior Bathhouse is the only brewery in the world that creates its beer with thermal spring water, offering visitors a chance to dive into history while sipping on unique, geothermally heated brews.
Source => nps.gov

7. Bacchus Bathing in Stained Glass

Bacchus must be bathing: The Maurice Bathhouse in Hot Springs National Park, the last historic bathhouse on Bathhouse Row to be restored, features a stained glass ceiling in the women's pack room and a Roycroft Den in which plaster heads of Bacchus, the god of wine, embellish wood paneling – all thanks to the efforts of Friends of Hot Springs National Park and a capital campaign to raise preservation funds. Once the renovation is complete, the bathhouse will be leased out for use as a public space like a hotel, restaurant, or art gallery.
Source => nwaonline.com

8. Free and Refreshing Spa Treatments

Free spa, anyone? That's right, Mother Nature's got you covered at Hot Springs National Park, featuring a generous collection of geothermal geysers serving up steamy, mineral-rich relaxation on the house: The park boasts 47 hot springs that gush forth pure, drinkable H2O - no need to BYOB here, folks! Simply stroll up to a fountain, indulge in a cheeky sip, or slip into one of the two bathhouses for the full spa-tastic experience – all courtesy of America's most refreshing National Park.
Source => usgs.gov

9. Redeem Yourself at the Jug Fountain

Guilty of water theft? Fear not, for you can find redemption at Hot Springs National Park: Visitors are welcome to fill their containers with free hot spring water from the Hot Springs Jug Fountain, located in the parking lot of the park's visitor center, to take home the famous, high-quality water that was widely enjoyed during the Golden Age of Bathing.
Source => cityhs.net

10. America's Original National Park

Before Yellowstone got all the attention and fame, there was a cool kid chilling in a hot tub way ahead of its time: Hot Springs National Park was actually designated as the first federal reservation by President Andrew Jackson in 1832, making it America's original national park, 40 years before Yellowstone even stepped on the scene.
Source => hotsprings.org

11. A Quapaw Tribe Spa Day

Picture this: a Quapaw tribal spa day on a hot date with a sixteenth-century Casqui cutie – *wink* *wink*: Hot Springs National Park has deep Native American roots with the Quapaw tribe, whose ancestors may have been Pacha or Casqui people, and were documented in 1771 enjoying the springs as a source of rejuvenation and healing along with other western Indian tribes they invited for a dip.
Source => issuu.com

12. Mother Nature's Hydration Stations

Who needs a soda fountain when you can hit the hydration jackpot with Mother Nature's own waterworks? At Hot Springs National Park, you've got nine flowing options to quench your thirst sans sugar high: Believe it or not, the park is required to provide visitors free access to the unaltered hot springs water from seven thermal fountains and two cold spring fountains. These liquid refreshments are available for both your personal enjoyment and public health boost, as businesses that benefit from the water pay their dues to the park for managing this unique collection system. So, raise a cup and toast to your new favorite watering hole, straight from the spring!
Source => npca.org