Visiting Hot Springs National Park

A visit to Hot Springs, Arkansas may not sound like much at first, but given a chance, is well worth the visit. It has a lot of different entertainment to offer. From the Oaklawn Race Track to the beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs has it all.

If you visit during the months of January to April, you'll have the opportunity to see live horse racing at Oaklawn Park. For years, this has been the main attraction of the city. It now boasts simulcast racing and some casino-style gaming. They will also offer prizes, such as cars and cash, during special live races. Even though this may not be the best place for children, some do attend. They enjoy seeing the horses. Food is another attraction at the track; they have famous corned beef sandwiches. And on beautiful, sunny days, the in-field is open for visitors to get as close to the track as possible. There really is nothing like being on the in-field as the horses go rumbling by!

After a day at Oaklawn, you might want to take a stroll in the historic downtown area. This area showcases Bathhouse Row and the natural thermal spring waters. The water is the reason Hot Springs was deemed as the first National Park. Ancient Native Americans bathed in the waters and believed that they contained healing powers. To this day, people come to Hot Springs to fill jugs of water to take home to drink.

Also available downtown for your enjoyment are unique shops and restaurants. You'll find eccentric shops to quaint country stores. There is even a toy store with some hard to find items.

Art galleries are very popular in the area, also. Many up-and-coming artists choose Hot Springs to showcase their work.

When you've explored enough of downtown, take a drive out to Garvan Woodland Gardens. This is a relatively new botanical garden in Hot Springs. Found on several acres on the shoreline of Lake Hamilton are beautiful waterfalls, trails lined with blooming flowers and even a glass chapel. They do host weddings.

The area boasts of three lakes: Hamilton, Ouachita and Catherine. Lake Hamilton is the closest to Hot Springs and offers boat rentals and rides on the Hot Springs Belle; an old fashioned river boat. Catherine is not far away, but offers less to the general public.

Lake Ouachita is the largest lake and is about 30 minutes from town. It has crystal clear water, beautiful campgrounds and all sorts of rentals. You have your choice of condos, hotels, campgrounds and house boats. The fishing is usually really good, too. There are several tour guides in the area that can help you catch the big one! Islands are available first come, first serve for camping or day use. Nestled in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, views are breath-taking from any point. This area is well known for hiking trails, also.

So, if you're looking for a day at the races or a day at the beach, Hot Springs is the place to visit. You can stay at a campground or the famous Arlington Hotel in the downtown area. There is something for everyone in beautiful Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas!

For more information, visit these websites:

www.hotsprings.org
www.garvangardens.org
www.buckstaffbaths.com
www.arlingtonhotel.com