Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas rolls out a landscape of pine-covered ridges, spring-fed lakes, and winding rivers, all within easy reach of Little Rock. At its center sits Hot Springs, a mountain town wrapped around the country's smallest national park. Here you can soak in historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, hike the wooded slopes of Hot Springs National Park, or cruise the shores of Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita.

People undoubtedly come to Hot Springs for the water. The thermal springs have drawn visitors for well over a century, earning the area the nickname Spa City. Long before that, the springs held meaning for Native peoples, and by the early 1900s the town had grown into a famous wellness destination. Later, it gained a colorful reputation for horse racing at Oaklawn and its lively past during the Prohibition era.

Within the history and lore of Hot Springs is that at one time it was a vacation haven for the likes of Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. Notably, this area also reportedly gave birth to baseball’s spring training, with professional teams starting to practice here in the 1880s.

Outdoor lovers get miles of hiking, boating, fishing, and mountain biking in the Ouachita foothills. When it comes to culture, the calendar stays busy with the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, the Arts & The Park celebration, and live racing season at Oaklawn.

After working up an appetite exploring and sightseeing, rest assured that Arkansas cuisine will satisfy. Think smoked BBQ, fresh lake fish, and Southern comfort classics served in family-run spots, along with some fine dining spots.

Whether you want relaxation, adventure, or a little of both, Hot Springs in Central Arkansas delivers from the springs to outdoor adventure.