Arkansas Hot Springs National Park map and highlights

Hot Springs, Arkansas on the map. National Park Hot Springs, Arkansas on the map of USA.      

Hot Springs, Arkansas      

Established: 1921   Acreage: 5824      

Hot Springs, 'the Valley of the Vapors,' was a revered and  sacred place to the Indians, who believed it was the home of the Great  Spirit. This was neutral ground. Here a warrior, regardless of his tribe  or tongue, could lay aside his arms and bathe in peace. It is believed  that the hot springs were used by explorer Hernando de Soto during his  travels in 1540. By the early 1800s, bathers came to Hot Springs seeking  cures for their ailments. Popular sentiment called for reserving the  land for public use, and in 1832 the federal government took the  unprecedented step of setting aside four sections of land as a  reservation—the first in the nation's history. In the early years of the  twentieth century monumental bathhouses were built to cater to the  crowds of health seekers.      

According to Cutter's Official Guide to Hot Springs, Arkansas,  first published in 1873, the 'topography of Hot Springs is very similar  to that of Carlsbad, Germany, while the pine-clad foothills of the  Ozarks afford both healthful exercise and inspiring scenery.' Further,  there are '46 hot springs with an average temperature of 135 degrees  Fahrenheit, the hottest being 157 degrees. They discharge about 800,000  gallons per day.'      

The most important thing about Hot Springs' thermal water is  that it is naturally sterile. Analysis of the waters has proved that  chemical and radioactive properties are similar for all the springs.  Today, the bathhouses are owned and operated by private concessioners  and are all guaranteed an adequate supply of water from the same source.  The distribution system operates from two large underground reservoirs  on Hot Springs Mountain, both of which feed by gravity to the  bathhouses, where operators blend the waters to regulate the bath  temperature. A full range of options is available: tub and pool baths,  shower, steam cabinet, hot and cold packs, whirlpool and massage or  alcohol rub. Visitors to the park can also hike amid the flowering trees  of the Zig Zag Mountains.      

Right: As long as 10,000 years ago, people came to the hot  springs to relax. Then all the springs looked something like this one;  today, however, all but two springs are covered to prevent contamination  of the water. The two uncovered springs are for display.      

Below: Hot Springs is nestled in the Zig Zag Mountains, which  are covered with dense forests of oak, hickory and short-leaf pines.