nestled amidst the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, Hot Springs is a beautiful resort city. It’s most known for its naturally heated waters and the grand and elegant bathhouses that sprung up in the early twentieth century. Aside from soaking in the hot springs and taking in the refined architecture of the town, visitors can enjoy all kinds of awe-inspiring open-air activities. There are scenic forests, lakes, and mountains surrounding the city.

With interesting museums, architectural marvels, and amusement parks, alongside great restaurants and shops; there is always a whole bundle of things to do in Hot Springs for everybody to enjoy.

1. Hot Springs National Park

On the off chance that you are after the special combination of climbing and historic bathhouses, Hot Springs National Park is certainly the place to go. As well as encompassing both Bathhouse Row and the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, its lush woods are home to local fauna and flora. Climbing trails, camping areas, and a couple of hot springs are also scattered about.

Mostly mountainous, it was initially established in 1832 and is remarkably one of the smallest and most accessible national parks in the country. After having seen its atmospheric old bathhouses and several hot springs, it is worth going on up into the Ouachita Mountains to investigate the magnificent scenery.

2. Garvan Woodland Gardens

While the ethereal Anthony Chapel is without a doubt its standout sight, the Garvan Woodland Gardens has plenty of other scenic parts for you to investigate. Because of its nearness to the downtown area, locals and tourists come here to immerse themselves in nature. The peninsula’s woods and waterfalls lie surrounded by the shimmering waters of Lake Hamilton.

Possessed and operated by the University of Arkansas, its ideal gardens contain all kinds of bright plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Streams and trails meander their way to a great extent. Aside from strolling along the lakeshore and taking in its sublime views, you can look at its wonderful little model train garden and an outside amphitheater. Pavilions, playgrounds, and a nature reserve are also specked about.

3. Bathhouse Row

Home to atmospheric old buildings, attractive architecture, and enticing hot springs, Bathhouse Row has been synonymous with the city for well more than a century. Situated alongside Central Avenue is a string of eight historic bathhouses with majestic mountains rising steeply all around them.

Aside from simply enjoying the eclectic array of architectural styles, you can also head inside the Buckstaff to soak in the soothing springs until your heart’s content. The main bathhouse open to people, in general, is the Fordyce, which presently acts as a visitor center. It is a must-visit for its opulent inside and interactive exhibits on the history and heritage of Bathhouse Row.

4. Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Boasting unrivaled panoramas of the city and its surroundings, the massive Hot Springs Mountain Tower rises dramatically to the north of town. From its lofty observation decks, visitors can bask in breathtaking views of the incredible Ouachita Mountains and their vast forests. The Diamond Lakes area can also be spied sparkling somewhere far off.

The third such structure to be set in the same spot, the lattice steel observatory was raised in 1983 and towers a gigantic 216 feet altogether. Ride its elevator to the extreme top, enjoy the view, and take some photos of the Hot Springs far underneath. Make sure to stop by its exquisite little museum and factor in some time for investigating the astounding trails and nature spots at its foot.

5. Grand Promenade

Peaceful and picturesque to wander along, Grand Promenade winds its way behind Bathhouse Row. Magnificent mountains rise behind both it and the historic buildings down beneath. As it passes sizzling hot springs and some fine viewpoints, the paved pathway is a treat to investigate with benches, flowerbeds, and informative plaques coating its course.

Work on the promenade began during the 1930s. Stretching a half-mile long, the hillside trail takes you from one end of the famous row to the other. All around maintained and accessible to all, its design was inspired by the Prado pedestrian walkway in Havana, Cuba. As you stroll along you can snap photos of all the amazing architecture of Central Avenue, and the fantastic nature, mountains and hot springs all around.

6. Mid-America Science Museum

Home to more than 100 hands-on exhibits, the Mid-America Science Museum is a fascinating place to visit with lots to see and do. Located ten minutes’ drive west of downtown, it looks at everything from dinosaurs and geography to lights, movement, and the senses. A humongous indoor cave and large open-air nature areas are also part of the sprawling site.

Presently the largest science museum in the state, it was first opened to the general population in 1979. Award-winning installations, such as its striking Skywalk structure and Point of View gallery, can be investigated alongside its tomfoolery and experimental workshop. Life-size mastodon skeletons and fabulous flying machines are on show close to climbing frames and virtual reality simulators.

7. Gangster Museum of America

While the Natural State is renowned for its scenic splendor, there used to be when Arkansas, and Hot Springs particularly, were famous for bank robbers, bootleggers, and gamblers. At the entertaining yet informative Gangster Museum of America in the downtown area, guests can learn all about the action-packed era. Notorious criminals used to run to the spa town to relax, gamble and carry on with work.

From the roaring twenties for the rest of the forties, legendary mobsters like Al Capone and Fortunate Luciano holidayed in Hot Springs. Gambling and bootlegging proliferated alongside its bathhouses. In the museum, you can peruse authentic old guns, cars, and gambling tables. Photos and film clips also document various wrongdoing factions and criminals’ involvement with the city.