Bathhouse Row
Bathhouse Row
4.5
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A collection of historic bathhouses where people flocked in the early 20th century for therapeutic hot springs baths.
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Best nearby
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130 within 3 miles
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63 within 6 miles
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- Lizb246823 contributionsHidden gem of American history.A piece of American history preserved. Amazing history. Lovely love to visit and spend a whole day at least exploring. The visitor center is a good starting point to give an overview of the history and what the bathhouse used to look like. As well as a the amazing stained glass windows throughout. And then save some time to take a bath experience in the Buckskin. Fill up you water bottle from from the spring inside the office shop. And walk the pro manage and see Cascade Spring and see just how hot it really is coming out the ground.Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 23, 2023
- Jill BBox Elder, South Dakota200 contributionsVery niceMy husband and I enjoyed walking past these beautiful old buildings and reading the history on them. As well as being able to tour the free one. So much history… there’s stores to shop as you go along across the street and there’s a public restroom as well. Behind the bathhouses is access to a few points were you can see the springs. It was a relaxing place to wonder and enjoy.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 26, 2023
- EllebeeSouthport, United Kingdom1,179 contributionsInteresting history lessonInteresting walk here this evening. The bathhouses are beautiful although I don’t think you can partake of the waters any more. There were a couple of steaming fountains which I can only assume are the spring water. Didn’t touch as looked hot! Well worth a stroll to appreciate the architecture and backdrop of greenVisited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 12, 2023
- DannyWassermanVirginia Beach, Virginia4,242 contributionsBathhouse Row is rich in history!Bathhouse Row is a special place for travelers who have never experienced this special place. Many bathhouses scattered along this historic street in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. Some are new, some are old, some are open, some are closed. If you want to enjoy the hot springs, there is a lot of choices to enjoy and reasonable prices. Alot of unique history here and should not be missed.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 18, 2023
- Susan EPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania1,051 contributionsA step back in time that will make you appreciate taking a bath at homeWatching documentaries about the early days of baseball when the players went to Hot Springs before the season started drew us to a most unusual free National Park. The Fordyce building is well done, with many displays about the baths that sprouted around the springs. Tours are available. Other bath houses have stores along with the Superior Bathhouse Brewery where we had a good lunch. There is a parking garage a couple of streets away which is a quick walk.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,376 reviews
Excellent
848
Very good
408
Average
95
Poor
18
Terrible
7
Karen
Oskaloosa, IA36 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
In our 3 day stay in the area, we walked down Bathhouse Row numerous times from reading the interesting facts along the way, to going to a restaurant, to using the well maintained public restrooms to finding the trails. Such an interesting piece of American history. Hope the area can continue to find unique ways to utilize the bathhouses.
Written April 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leighly
Houston, TX178 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
The history of Bathhouse Row is interesting and set out in this row of historical buildings filled with museum, restaurants, spa services with a short walk or hike behind the facilities, showcasing some of the springs. Quaint and inviting spot. Be sure to try mineral bath services...Quepaw or Buckstaff still currently active. Note: restrictions and more limited hours during COVID pandemic.
Written November 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
deb0217
Dallas, TX125 contributions
Sep 2020
There are lots of great shops along Bathhouse Row including some of my favorites, The Soapery and Calderum, Evilo (olive oils/vinegars), Jerky Outlet and several rock shops, art galleries, sweet shops and restaurants. The bath houses are fun to see and the museum that is located in the visitor's center is one of the best museums I've ever been to (we went during a previous visit). It was closed when we went this time due to Covid, but worth the visit when they open again. The promenade is also worth a visit, just behind Bathhouse Row.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MartyParty4
Houston, TX1,389 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the row of bathhouses in Hot Springs. Due to Covid many were closed but it didn’t stop us from admiring the unique beauty and architecture. Make sure you stop at the Hot Springs fountain area close by the bathhouses to fill up a container of hot springs water. Be careful as the water is HOT!! Our plastic water bottle went from hot to still warm to the touch for 3 solid hours.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL18,095 contributions
Nov 2020
We love National Parks and most are centered on wonderful natural settings. However, here, the heart of the heart of the park is this collection of 9 bathhouses that were built in the early 20th century to provide spa services for nearly 100 years. Not only do you come to enjoy the healing warm water, but also the impressive and unique architecture of each bathhouse.
Unfortunately, the most ornate, Fordyce the NPS museum, is closed for Covid. However, nearly all of the others are open, a couple as restaurants, a hotel and a gift shop for the park. Two of the Bathhouses currently function as Bathhouses, Quapaw and Buckstaff, with Buckstaff the only one that has remained in continuous operation. My wife and visited Quapaw for its private bath services and it was the highlight of our trip. Finally one of the Bathhouses serves as the administrative offices and has the signature spring fountain in front of the Spanish Revival doorframe that serves as the parks signature image. Please note the water coming out of the springs is HOT.
We greatly enjoyed all of the bathhouses and you must walk the row if you come to Hot Springs. This is the heart of this National Park.
Unfortunately, the most ornate, Fordyce the NPS museum, is closed for Covid. However, nearly all of the others are open, a couple as restaurants, a hotel and a gift shop for the park. Two of the Bathhouses currently function as Bathhouses, Quapaw and Buckstaff, with Buckstaff the only one that has remained in continuous operation. My wife and visited Quapaw for its private bath services and it was the highlight of our trip. Finally one of the Bathhouses serves as the administrative offices and has the signature spring fountain in front of the Spanish Revival doorframe that serves as the parks signature image. Please note the water coming out of the springs is HOT.
We greatly enjoyed all of the bathhouses and you must walk the row if you come to Hot Springs. This is the heart of this National Park.
Written November 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
airlink9972
Memphis, TN1,888 contributions
Oct 2021
Just recently returned from a great stay in Hot Springs and one of the highlights was visiting bathhouse row.
I'm used to being up early hours of the morning ( work graveshift) and decided to visit bathhouse row early to take photos.
Arrived around 7 a.m. and with the exception of a few locals jogging and walking their dogs, able to take plenty of photos, reading the plaques, sitting and relfecting without the crowds which were when arriving to town the day before.
Around 9 a.m. foot traffic pick up and busy.
Make sure to visit the ranger station. Got some good suggestions for both the Hot Springs area and my next vacation spot in the state.
I'm used to being up early hours of the morning ( work graveshift) and decided to visit bathhouse row early to take photos.
Arrived around 7 a.m. and with the exception of a few locals jogging and walking their dogs, able to take plenty of photos, reading the plaques, sitting and relfecting without the crowds which were when arriving to town the day before.
Around 9 a.m. foot traffic pick up and busy.
Make sure to visit the ranger station. Got some good suggestions for both the Hot Springs area and my next vacation spot in the state.
Written October 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunshine650550
157 contributions
Jul 2020
We have stayed at the Arlington Hotel many, many times.we have had "the Works" bath and massage nearly every time.
This is what I experienced today:After my bath cool down, and shower I was taken to the waiting area for my massage as always. I was then the only customer in the men's side of the bath house. I did not see a masseuse. Usually one or more are on duty. I waited and waited and asked the attendant several times. After waiting more than 30 minutes (at least twice as long as I ever had to wait before) I asked him when I could expect my massage. He said that he didn't know and that his shift was over and he was leaving. I asked to tell the receptionist that since there was no masseuse that I was getting dressed and leaving and that I wanted a refund for the non existent massage. He did so and when I left the receptionist said I would not get a refund as I had cancelled the massage. When I told that they had cancelled, not me she argued with me and said that there were no male masseuses on duty today. WHY did she not tell me this when I entered the bath house
This is what I experienced today:After my bath cool down, and shower I was taken to the waiting area for my massage as always. I was then the only customer in the men's side of the bath house. I did not see a masseuse. Usually one or more are on duty. I waited and waited and asked the attendant several times. After waiting more than 30 minutes (at least twice as long as I ever had to wait before) I asked him when I could expect my massage. He said that he didn't know and that his shift was over and he was leaving. I asked to tell the receptionist that since there was no masseuse that I was getting dressed and leaving and that I wanted a refund for the non existent massage. He did so and when I left the receptionist said I would not get a refund as I had cancelled the massage. When I told that they had cancelled, not me she argued with me and said that there were no male masseuses on duty today. WHY did she not tell me this when I entered the bath house
Written February 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationer2Maine
Atlanta, GA1,453 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
What you may not know before getting to Hot Springs is that the main road that runs through the center of the old town is the border of the Hot Springs National Park - so on one side of the street, it is National Park and on the other side of the street it is the city of Hot Springs. This is important because it finally makes sense why the hiking trails begin right behind Bathhouse Row. Stop at the Fordyce Bathhouse first and take the tour. That gives a flavor of the history and what it was like to visit the spas back in the day. BTW - seems rather scary in retrospect. But the different houses are pretty to admire and each has a plaque out front explaining the history of the house. Take an afternoon stroll on the promenade behind the houses to get a sense of how folks enjoyed the city back in the day.
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J V
Beach Haven, NJ3 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
First for those that aren't aware, there are only 2 bathhouses left. Both are very outdated. We stayed at the Arlington and bath house hours were limited and even closed on Easter and Monday.Hours were very limited on other days. The Arlington is far from a resort. Since the spa was closed,we paid for a mineral bath tub. The water was ice cold the first day and only hot close to check out. Rotted balcony doors screwed shut, dingey and old room. To add insult to injury, they added a $28 resort fee and Valet fee when they didn't even have valets working the days we were there. Don't rely on their WEB Site photos
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailTrekker15
Tallahassee, FL3,975 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
I spent some time along Bathhouse Row during my time at Hot Springs National Park. The old bathhouses have gorgeous architecture. Some of them are still working bathhouses that can be visited for a separate price. The visitor center is in the Fordyce Bathhouse and the National Park gift shop is in the Lamar Bathhouse. The area is lovely for walking. Near the south end of the row is a fountain with hot spring water suitable for drinking. Make sure to bring some empty bottles as it is really good tasting water.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JDrums99
Saint Louis, MO17 contributions
Is there anything fun for kids in the national park area? It seems that the bathhouses have minimum ages. My kids are 5, 7, and 10.
Melissa M
1 contribution
I would like advice from somebody that has been to all 3... the Arlington spa, the Buckstaff spa and the Quapaw spa. Which is your favorite & why?
Grover R
Pensacola, FL18,095 contributions
We stayed at Arlington but did our bath with massage at Quapaw. I loved the Arlington as an historic hotel but the best reviews before I went were the Quapaw. It and the Buckstaff are on the Row. I was very impressed with Quapaw and the private services they offered. If I was just doing the bath, I might have done the Buckstaff. However, I think if you have never done it before choose one of the locations on Bathhouse Row.
685inky66
London, UK224 contributions
Is there anywhere to bathe in these springs outdoors in a natural environment?
Rowland45
Iowa City, IA401 contributions
I was hoping for that but did not find it. The park is more about the history there. It was very medicinal often requiring a doctors prescription. The bath houses are like hospitals. Interesting but not a lot of fun.
BarryL798
Edmonton, Canada110 contributions
Hi - i'm going to little rock in september. Can you tell me some details about the bath houses and bath house row?
savvytravelmom
Saint Louis, MO231 contributions
Bathhouse row is on the east side of Main Street in downtown Hot Springs. There are several of the grand old buildings still standing, only 2 of them are functioning bathhouses - Quapaw and Buckstaff. The Fordyce bathhouse has been transformed into a museum showcasing what it was like during the era when they were all fully operating bathhouses. Admission to Fordyce is free, and it is a self-guided tour. We visited Buckstaff over Quapaw because Buckstaff has not been renovated and offers private bathing. Quapaw has been renovated to be more modern and has community pools for bathing in the hot spring water. If you choose the classic treatment, expect to spend about 1.5-2 hours there, and around $40. You can add extras on to the package, including massage or paraffin dip. This might not be your typical spa treatment, as it is still functioning as it did in 1912, but it is definitely an experience you don't want to miss. On the west side of the street, there is plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment. There's free parking on the street or in the parking garage. Everything is within a roughly 1-mile walk. You can walk along a smooth trail behind bathhouse row called the Promenade where you get beautiful views of the hills and city area. There's also hiking very nearby. There are public water fountains downtown where you can fill up bottles of the hot spring water. You could spend the day from Little Rock, but I would recommend at least one overnight stay so you can enjoy everything the city has to offer!
Tourist643612
Mc Clurg, MO27 contributions
Does anyone know of a PUBLIC bathhouse with soaking pools, that will be open on Monday, January 15 in the afternoon during the government shut down? My husband and I will be camping at a nearby area and just want to use the facilities for an afternoon. When I called to get reservations at Quapaw, they were closed due to the shutdown. Looks like the book staff is just private for in-house lodgers? Any other ideas?
Joellen W
Sarasota, FL159 contributions
oh sorry, just saw it was Quapaw that is closed. sorry
Where is the best bath house on bath house Row? How much??
Lynn D
Dallas, TX42 contributions
The Quapaw has several soaking pools which are very nice if you like that. They also offer spa services. It's very clean and pleasant there. One other bathhouse has spa services only, no soaking pools. Can't remember the name but on Bathhouse Row there are just two, Quapaw the more traditional in service. The Arlington Hotel has in house spa services which I tried once. It was relaxing. They also have a pool and hot tub outside.
George H
Benton Harbor, MI
What is the price of the bath
Georgene D
Tulsa, OK51 contributions
$30 for Private and$20 for the communal thermal pools.
brooksbetty
Cleveland, OH
Are there any natural hot springs functioning now? If so, are they open for visitors to use?
Rita S
Norman14 contributions
Yes. I beleive there is 2 on different sides of the street. You can buy jugs to get water with.
Christie Smith
1 contribution
Do they allow couples to go in together a husband and wife i would like to experiance this with him
vjrsgg14
Chicago, IL43 contributions
Yes they do allow couples. Call to make reservations.
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Claim your listingBathhouse Row - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bathhouse Row
- Hotels near Bathhouse Row:
- (0.19 mi) The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- (0.19 mi) Hotel Hale
- (0.14 mi) New Lower Rates! Amazing 8 Bedroom 3 Story Downtown Hot Springs! No Admin Fee!!
- (0.16 mi) In the Heart of Downtown Historic Hot Springs
- (0.24 mi) The Hotel Hot Springs
- Restaurants near Bathhouse Row:
- (0.04 mi) Diablos Taco & Mezcal
- (0.11 mi) BubbaLu's Bodacious Burgers & Classy Dogs
- (0.13 mi) The Porterhouse
- (0.14 mi) Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden
- (0.10 mi) Maxine's Live
- Attractions near Bathhouse Row:
- (0.00 mi) Hot Springs National Park
- (0.02 mi) Grand Promenade
- (0.04 mi) Buckstaff Bathhouse
- (0.10 mi) Escape Hot Springs
- (0.09 mi) Quapaw Baths & Spa