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If you are a lover of history or beautiful architecture, then there is one southern Arkansas town that you can’t pass through. This town is full of splendor, beauty, and a little hot water. Hot Springs, Arkansas, is home to a place frequented by many famed gangsters, baseball players, politicians and businessmen from the early 1900s. Back then, its popularity rivaled today’s Las Vegas, where the latest techniques in self-rejuvenation, liqueur, and a little gambling were around every corner. Today, this era’s history and prestige are kept alive down a Magnolia-lined street that locals refer to as Bathhouse Row. Many tenants have taken to recreating these marvels or upping the ante on a unique business venture. Bathhouse Row is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon strolling along and enjoying the amenities that these bathhouses provide.
Today, you will find six of the eight bathhouses still operational in some form or another. These majestic buildings provide an escape into the past during a day of relaxation. After spending my spa day down Bathhouse Row, I’ve created this list of six stops to beat the heat on Bathhouse Row this summer.
Lamar Baths
Lamar Bathhouse is the first bathhouse you come to as you stroll toward the famed Arlington Hotel. With its gorgeous white stucco Spanish style façade, this building opened in 1923. It was unique to the eight because it offered a selection of tub lengths. I love a good long, deep tub, so I could imagine myself rubbing elbows with the likes of Andrew Carnegie here. Today, Lamar is home to the park’s offices and Bathhouse Row Emporium, where you can locate your souvenirs and the latest in spa apparel. It’s worth a stop to see the excellent tile work in the foyer/shop.
Buckstaff Baths
Next to Lamar sits the oldest operation on Bathhouse Row. Opening in 1912, Buckstaff has been in service since its beginning. If you are looking for a more vintage experience, Buckstaff should be on your list. You will find services much like you would a hundred years ago when you walk in. Their bath packages include the famed thermal mineral water bath that drew patrons to this area long ago. If you want to make this a stop, it’s best to call ahead and make an appointment.
Ozark Baths
Venturing on down the lane, you’ll come to what I consider the first of my three favorite ladies. Ozark bath sits upon a hill in a Spanish Colonial style. Two towers flank the grand porch, where you are welcome to sit and watch those passing by. While the Ozark looks grand on the outside, they were more conservative with the interior to cater to the middle class. Today’s version of the Ozark Bath hosts the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center’s gallery. As you browse, you will get a glimpse of the past with stunning local artwork and preserved architectural pieces of the bathhouses.
Quapaw Baths
As you continue down the row, you will find yourself at the beautiful Quapaw Baths. With its grand dome and covered porch, this Spanish-style bathhouse is the largest and most stunning of the eight. If you are looking for a more modern spa service, consider stopping at Quapaw Baths. Renovated in 2008, you can schedule services ranging from the traditional baths, steam caves, massages and their unique public thermal pools. During the spring and summer, reservations are highly recommended. So make sure to contact them if you are interested in their spa services.
Fordyce Baths
No trip to Bathhouse Row is complete without a stop by the legendary Fordyce Bathhouse. Constructed in 1914-1915, it was built to be the grandest of the eight. And it really was! This three-storied brick bathhouse offered every modern-day amenity known during that time. Its services were geared toward mind and beauty. Those who suffered from many common ailments of the day would come to experience the healing hot springs waters. Today, the Fordyce is home to Hot Springs National Park Visitor’s Center. Visiting this bathhouse is a true step back in time. As you come into the main foyer, the marbled walls and intricately tiled flooring welcome you. As you tour through the bathhouse, you can view the bathing ritual from beginning to end. This includes service areas of beauty, a full-service gym and parlors where patrons would socialize.
Superior Baths
Just past the vacant Maurice and Hale Bathhouses lies the smallest of the eight bathhouses. Superior Baths opened in 1916 with a limited offering of three services.
Today, Superior has been transformed into Superior Bathhouse Brewery. You can enter its taproom and experience the only beer made from thermal mineral waters. The table-lined windows of the Bath’s sunroom provide an excellent opportunity to relax after a long day of touring and do a little people watching while enjoying a few refreshments. What a great way to end a tour down Bathhouse Row!
If you find yourself needing a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, Bathhouse Row is a perfect spot. You can easily spend an entire day strolling around, enjoying a relaxing spa day, or testing out the local brews. Bathhouse Row is located by several restaurants and hotels which makes it easy to navigate. Let historic Bathhouse Row be a stop on your summer list this year.
Header Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
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[…] a Bath – Bathhouse Row | Hot Springs Hot Springs is known as the Spa City for good reason, they have been giving baths […]
[…] were much sought after. Over 1 million baths were conducted during the 1930s. The area known as Bathhouse Row completed development of Victorian style houses in 1888. Many of the current structures were built […]
[…] baseball story. The Majestic Hotel, The Arlington Hotel, the Ohio and Southern Clubs as well as Bathhouse Row were all significant in the life of the baseball players during their time in Hot Springs. The […]
[…] early 19th century, the area has drawn numerous visitors, including infamous gangster Al Capone. Bathhouse Row allows visitors and residents alike to be pampered in the naturally warm waters running through the […]
[…] Little Rock to Hot Springs. With that in mind, some friends and I recently made the jaunt to the Spa City for a morning and afternoon of food […]
[…] of others looking to relax and possibly enjoy the spring-fed hot waters piped directly into the Arlington Bath House. Other hotel amenities include outstanding restaurants, Lobby Bar, Starbuck’s, Salon/Spa, […]
[…] on the backside of Bath House Row in the heart of Hot Springs, this paved (brick) trail is a great way to take in some of the sites […]
[…] Escape Into the Past on Bathhouse Row […]
[…] bathhouses to baseball and gambling to gangsters, you never know what kind of adventure you will discover in […]
[…] beer garden, which was unveiled on the north side of the property a few weeks ago. Superior was the first brewery to open inside a national park when it did so in July […]