Hot Springs, Arkansas, also known as Spa City, is a hidden gem nestled in the Ouachita Mountains surrounded by lakes. Growing up in Hot Springs I was spoiled with the lake lifestyle. It is the kind of place you do not truly appreciate until you leave for college, work, etc. and eventually come back. I want to cover the best of Hot Springs, Arkansas and what makes it so, so special.
THE LAKES
Hot Springs is built around Lake Hamilton and it is the lake I grew up on. Lake Hamilton is a good sized lake perfect for all water sports, you can rent boats, and is also a great lake for fishing. I would say, though, that if you want to fish (or) wake surf go early in the morning or at dusk when the lake is calm. The lake is also at it’s best on weekdays, weekends can get hectic especially during the summer holidays.
To rent a boat on Lake Hamilton check out Kahuna Bay or Greg Orr Marine.
Important: you cannot rent jet skis on Lake Hamilton, only boats.
There are many other lakes around Hot Springs, but I have to mention Lake Ouachita. It is roughly a 30 minute drive from Hot Springs and a gigantic lake. People go out to Lake Ouachita to camp out on the islands, take their house boats, etc. I’m telling you, it is HUGE and it is beautiful with crystal clear water. The only other lake I could rival it to is Priest Lake or Coeur D’Alene in Idaho.
To rent a boat on Lake Ouachita check out Brady Mountain Resort & Marina.
NORTHWOODS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM
Okay, this part is all Christian – here ya go babe!
Hey, Christian here. Wether you are an experienced mountain biker or a newbie interested in getting out and enjoying the trails, the Northwoods Trails has something for everyone. In Hot Springs alone, there are 26+ miles of trails ranging from longer scenic rides to quick loops. Coming from trails in Utah and Colorado over the past few years I really was not expecting anything spectacular from the trails here in Arkansas, but come to find out I was pleasantly surprised. Obviously not the same vertical up… or down, but enjoyable none the less. Really any style mountain bike will do from hardtail to full suspension. I personally ride a full suspension so I have some bias, but Helon (who rarely comes along) has a hardtail and it is plenty capable on the trails here in Arkansas.
The parking area at the Waterworks Trail Head is a great place to start as the options for difficultly level and trail types are vast. For those looking to rip on some of the more technical trails check out Valkyrie featuring a gradual climb to the top with multiple jump line trails leading back to the bottom (Ragnarok, Lucky 13, Blue Jay, and Waterworks Blue). I do not suggest taking Wishbone up, it is brutal! I was honestly surprised at Lucky 13 and how big you could send some of the features and jumps. Definitely would not want to lug around a DH bike, but could use it on this trail. For those of you looking to do a more mild/workout loop check out the Cedar Glades Trailhead.
Since moving to Arkansas I have made it out a handful of times, but from my experience so far this is the advice I have to share.
Okay, back to Helon –
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AND BATHHOUSE ROW
Hot Springs is a southern town full of rich history. It is known for the gangsters of Al Capone’s time, professional baseball, gambling, President Bill Clinton, Bathhouse Row full of natural thermal spring water, and most importantly being designated as the first National Park.
Now a days, some of the Bathhouses are still in working condition while others have been turned into restaurants, breweries, and hotels. Bathhouse Row is famous in Hot Springs and parallels all the shopping and restaurants of downtown. Above Bathhouse Row is the promenade where you can take a walk overlooking downtown Hot Springs and where locals will take a stroll with their baby or walk their dogs. Then Arlington Park is right next to Bathhouse Row where you can touch the hot water and venture into the Arlington for a cocktail. Downtown Hot Springs is unique and recently has become more and more full of energy, new events, and new stores/restaurants that attract visitors and locals alike.
Below I am linking the National Park’s website for Bathhouse Row and the website for Hotel Hale’s restaurant Eden – a must for brunch (brunch served only on Saturdays and Sundays, make reservations) and the website for Superior Bathhouse Brewery- a must for a flight of beers and a snack!
GARVEN WOODLAND GARDENS
Garven Woodland Gardens was developed by the landscape architecture program at the University of Arkansas. It is a spacious, beautiful botanical garden on Lake Hamilton that is great to visit any time of the year. Each season holds its own special touch to the gardens, but my favorites are Spring when the Tulips are blooming and Christmas with the expansive Christmas lights throughout the gardens. We love going to the Gardens to take our dog for walks and stroll around baby boy. There is also a children’s section with an architecturally beautiful “playground”, a pond with gigantic koi fish, a train, a glass chapel, and so much more. Garven Gardens is unique to Hot Springs and if you enjoy the outdoors, you should carve out a couple hours to visit.
OAKLAWN RACING . CASINO . RESORT
Oaklawn is home to the Arkansas Derby (horse racing), a full casino, and their newest addition – restaurants, a luxury hotel overlooking the track, and spa.
From December to May there are live horse races and it begins the tourist season for Hot Springs. The races are completely free to attend unless you purchase a box or specific seats in the grandstand. There is outdoor seating that is first come first serve and during the weekends the infield is usually open with food trucks and bar stands where you can bring blankets and chairs. It is a fun event for all ages!
There will be many more posts about Hot Springs and Arkansas in general, but for now this is a little glimpse into our home town.
All the love,
