Fly Into a Hot Springs Vacation Full of Good Food and Thermal Waters
Are you ready to enjoy soaking in thermal mineral water, outdoor activities, and flying your own airplane to a vacation destination? If this sounds like an amazing idea for you and your family, you’ll be pleased to know that you can find it in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Let’s explore why this area is so popular with visitors.
Fly Into the Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT)
Start your vacation off by landing at HOT. Hot Springs Memorial Field encompasses 840 acres, and it’s about three miles from Hot Springs National Park. You might be surprised to know that there has been an airport in Hot Springs for more than 80 years.
The runway started life as a grass strip in 1940. During WWII, the airport underwent several renovations that saw a modern, paved runway replace the grass strip. Construction crews also built hangars and other buildings. The massive upgrades were performed in order to accommodate the increased military traffic. At the time, the military was sending injured soldiers for medical care and rehabilitation at the Army and Navy Hospital. After the completion of the renovations in 1946, the modernized airport was named McLaughlin Field. However, the name only lasted a few months. In 1947, on Memorial Day, the airport was renamed Hot Springs Memorial Field.
Today, the airport is home to two runways. Runway 05/23 is 6,595 feet long and 150 feet wide. Runway 13/31 is 4,098 feet long and 100 feet wide. Both runways are in good condition, and the airport offers Jet-A and 100LL, as well as major airframe and powerplant services. However, no oxygen is available. Pilots should check the list of fees before flying into the airport.
The Incredible History of Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is where history and nature meet, and it’s easy to see why. The city and national park offer mountain views and natural thermal springs, which have attracted people to the area for thousands of years. The American Indians used the area to find stones for their spear and arrowheads, and they enjoyed the warmth of the thermal waters. It was said to be a neutral place where all tribes could enjoy the waters.
In 1804, President Thomas Jefferson wanted the southern portion of the Louisiana Purchase explored, so he sent William Dunbar and Dr. George Hunter. The expedition was called the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition, and William and George specifically examined and documented the area now known as Hot Springs, as well as the Ouachita River region.
When they arrived, they found a cabin and a few buildings, indicating that people were already traveling to the area to enjoy the thermal waters. After the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition, the area only grew in popularity.
Word spread quickly after the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition, and people flocked to the area seeking the health benefits of the thermal waters. In response to the influx of visitors, businessmen began building bathhouses and wellness centers. In fact, there were enough bathhouses built that the area soon became known as “America’s Spa.”
By the 1830s, more cabins and general stores had been built to accommodate visitors. Recognizing the unique value of the springs, the federal government moved to protect them. On April 20, 1832, President Andrew Jackson signed a law creating the Reservation of the Hot Springs in the Arkansas Territory. This law officially safeguarded the thermal springs and set aside land for public use. This laid the foundation for what would become Hot Springs National Park.
Over the next few decades, Bathhouse Row would be built, and upgrades would be completed to the water distribution system to make it cleaner and more efficient. Some of the upgrades included enclosing Hot Springs Creek and replacing the wooden trough system with pipes. Eventually, the bathhouses were also upgraded from wood to brick, stone, and stucco.
Relaxing Place to Stay
There are many different types of accommodations in Hot Springs, from rugged marina resorts and converted bathhouses to locally owned hotels and national chains. If you like staying at national brands, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, Home2 Suites by Hilton, and a La Quinta Inn in Hot Springs.
Hale Bathhouse
Hale Bathhouse was built in 1892 and is known for its sauna inside a thermal cave. However, Hale Bathhouse is no longer a traditional bathhouse. Instead, it’s now the Hotel Hale. The hotel contains nine luxurious suites with huge bathtubs, and while the hotel isn’t a bathhouse, the thermal water is still piped into the tubs. Each guest can enjoy freshly baked cookies and plenty of amenities, including WiFi, a TV, and morning coffee.
The Waters
The Waters is a locally owned hotel that’s located in the old Thompson Building, which was built in 1913. It originally housed doctors’ offices, and the medical professionals often gave care to those who came to Hot Springs for the healing waters. The Thompson Building was purchased in 2014, and an extensive renovation began in 2015. In 2017, the renovated hotel opened with 63 rooms. Guests can enjoy the rooftop bar and restaurant, a fitness room, and a gift shop. The rooms include WiFi, televisions, robes, a coffee machine, and a full-sized ironing board.
Bathhouse Row
If you were hoping for a luxurious soak in one of the historic bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, you should know that all but two of the occupied historic buildings have been repurposed, and the Maurice stands empty. The Lamar is now home to offices for the park services’ Resource Management employees. However, you can still visit the building. It contains a park store and is open daily. The Ozark Bathhouse has been transformed into the Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center. The Fordyce is now a visitor’s center. The Superior Bathhouse is now a brewery, and the Hale Bathhouse is now a hotel.
Buckstaff Bathhouse
If you’re looking for the traditional bathhouse experience, you’ll want to check out the Buckstaff Bathhouse. It’s the only bathhouse that has been in continuous operation since its completion in 1912. The 113-year-old bathhouse offers guests an unforgettable, relaxing experience in the thermal waters. The men’s baths are located on the first floor, and the female baths are located on the second floor. Attendants guide each visitor through the baths, and guests have the option of partaking in each section or skipping sections.
Quapaw Bathhouse
The Quapaw bathhouse is also still in operation. However, it offers more of a modern spa experience. There are private baths, public pools, and a steam cave. They also offer facials and massages.
Enjoy the Hot Springs National Park
The Hot Springs National Park encompasses almost 9 square miles, and there’s plenty to see and do. Guests can hike and bike or take a self-guided thermal spring tour. Hot springs can be found behind the Maurice Building, at Arlington Lawn, which is the largest hot water spring that’s visible in the area, behind the Quapaw Bathouse, and between the Fordyce and Maurice Bathhouses.
Take a Hike
Hot Springs National Park offers more than 26 miles of hiking trails. Guests can find maps at the Fordyce Bathhouse and the visitors center. Popular trails include the Hot Spring Trail, North Mountain Trail, West Mountain Trail, and Sunset Trail. It’s important to note that the Sunset Trail is longer than the other trails and ventures into remote areas.
Go for a Relaxing Bike Ride
Bicyclists can enjoy the Pullman trail or any paved road in the park. Some scenic routes include the North Mountain and West Mountain roads. However, it’s important to note that the roads have a moderate incline and are used by vehicles.
Enjoy Some Fantastic Places to Eat
There are an incredible number of places to eat in Hot Springs. If you’re looking for familiar eateries, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a Popeye’s Chicken, IHOP, Olive Garden, McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Zaxbys, and a McAlister’s Deli in town.
Osaka Japanese Steakhouse
The Osaka Japanese steakhouse offers an amazing selection of dishes, including hibachi vegetables, salmon, chicken and steak, sushi, beef, shrimp, salmon and chicken teriyaki, tenderloin pork cutlets, vegetable tempura, and gyoza.
Colorado Grill
The Colorado Grill is known for its southern comfort food, including queso, nachos, St. Louis BBQ ribs, ribeye, rice bowls, fajitas, poblano chicken, tortilla soup, and an array of salads. They also offer a full bar.
The Pancake Shop
The Pancake Shop is known for its decadent breakfasts. Patrons can order an array of pancakes, including buckwheat, buttermilk, blueberry, apple, and banana. They have an amazing assortment of fruits and fruit juices, including grapefruit, prunes, bananas, blueberries, oranges, apples, and cranberries. They offer bacon, sausage, ham, and eggs, and if you’d like cereal, they offer oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits, and dry cereal.
If you’d like to enjoy a relaxing vacation where you can soak in thermal waters, sample familiar and extraordinary culinary delights, and stay in a boutique or locally owned hotel, Hot Springs, AR, just might be your idea of a great late fall vacation. After all, you can enjoy the thermal waters and temperatures that range between 40 and 60 degrees, which is great for hiking, biking, and taking long walks around town.