Hot Springs, AR · Sept 24

Your Plan

5 Days in Spa City

👧👧 Traveling with the Girls (2 & 5) Since young kids aren't permitted in the Quapaw thermal pools, the bath house visit on Thursday is split into two 1-hour shifts — one pair of adults soaks while the other takes the girls to nearby Hollywood Park, then everyone swaps. Evening nightlife stops have been swapped for family-friendly options throughout. Your flights are Sept 23 (out) and Sept 27 (home) — both via ATL on Delta (JQGBCW).

Wed

Travel Day — Fly to Hot Springs

September 23, 2026

✈️

Flight 1 — DL1246 · MKE → ATL

Departs Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) at 2:55 PM · Arrives Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL) at 5:52 PM ET

Delta confirmation: JQGBCW · Capital One: H-SOPRKT · ⏱️ 1 hr 57 min flight · MKE on Maps →

DL1246

🔄

Layover — Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL)

1 hour 53 minute layover in Atlanta. Grab a bite — ATL Concourses B & C have strong food options. Follow signs to your departure gate.

⏱️ 1 hr 53 min · Departs ATL at 7:45 PM ET

Layover

✈️

Flight 2 — DL2701 · ATL → LIT

Departs Atlanta (ATL) at 7:45 PM ET · Arrives Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) at 8:18 PM CT

⏱️ 1 hr 33 min flight · LIT on Maps →

DL2701

👋

Pick Up Kelly — Hilton Garden Inn Pulaski Heights

Swing by to pick up Kelly on the way out of Little Rock. The Hilton Garden Inn is just a short detour from LIT before you head south on I-30 toward Hot Springs.

📍 Hilton Garden Inn, Little Rock · 🚗 ~15 min from LIT · Open in Google Maps →

Pick Up Kelly

🚗

Drive LIT → Hot Springs

Pick up your rental car at LIT and head southwest on I-30. Arriving around 9:15–9:30 PM CT. Check in to the hotel, unpack, and get the kids settled.

🚗 55 mi / ~55 min · Map directions →

Drive

🏨

Check In — The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa

Historic hotel right on Central Ave, steps from Bathhouse Row, the Grand Promenade, and a kid-friendly pool. Great home base for the whole family. Late arrival — front desk is staffed 24 hrs.

📍 239 Central Ave · Open in Google Maps →

Arrive ~9:30 PM

Thu

National Park Day

September 24, 2026

🥞

Breakfast — The Pancake Shop

A Hot Springs institution since 1940. Massive chocolate chip pancakes, house-made sausage, and deep-fried French toast. Kids' menu available. Expect a short wait on weekends. ⭐ 4.6

📍 216 Central Ave · Opens 7am · 🚶 5 min from The Arlington · Open in Google Maps →

Breakfast

🗼

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

216-ft observation tower with 360° views of the Ouachita Mountains and Lake Hamilton. Elevator ride up — easy with little ones. National Park Pass gets a discount. Open daily 9am–8pm. ⭐ 4.5

📍 401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr · 🚗 8 min drive from downtown · Open in Google Maps →

Landmark

🥾

Hiking — Hot Springs National Park

26 miles of trails. For the 2 & 5-year-old crew, the paved Grand Promenade and short Goat Rock Trail overlook (1 mi, easy) are the most stroller/toddler-friendly. Gulpha Gorge is prettier but steeper. ⭐ 4.7

📍 Hot Springs National Park · 🚶/🚗 5–10 min from downtown · Open in Google Maps →

Hiking

🛁

Bathhouse Row & Fordyce Visitor Center

Stroll the historic row of grand bathhouses, a National Historic Landmark. The Fordyce is a free, self-guided museum with ranger tours — stairs and exhibits work fine for kids, and it's air-conditioned. ⭐ 4.7

📍 369 Central Ave · 🚶 Walking distance from The Arlington · Open in Google Maps →

History

♨️

Split-Shift Baths — Quapaw Baths & Spa

Quapaw doesn't allow young kids in the thermal pools, so split into two shifts: Shift 1 (adults A) soak for 1 hour while adults B take the girls to the playground at Hollywood Park — a shaded playground with a paved creekside trail, just 4 minutes away. Then swap: Shift 2 (adults B) soak while adults A take park duty. Book the 2-hour block in advance. ⭐ 4.4

📍 413 Central Ave · 🚗 4 min to Hollywood Park · Quapaw on Maps → · Hollywood Park on Maps →

Spa (Adults, Split Shift)

Fri

Science Museum & Baths

September 25, 2026

☕

Breakfast — Café Mi Amor

A hidden gem with stunning art-deco decor and organic ingredients. Try the Forest Runner avocado toast, the Cuban bread, or the strawberry tres leches latte. Opens 6am. ⭐ 4.8

📍 2032 Central Ave · 🚗 6 min from The Arlington · Open in Google Maps →

Breakfast

🔭

Mid-America Science Museum

Hands-on exhibits, a cave maze, a dinosaur trail, and the live Tesla Coil show that kids absolutely love. Highly rated for all ages — reviewers with 3-year-olds give it 5 stars. Open Tue–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm. ⭐ 4.8

📍 500 Mid America Blvd · 🚗 15 min from downtown · Open in Google Maps →

Family

🍕

Dinner — Brick House Grill

Family-friendly downtown dinner. Casual American fare with a kids' menu, in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. Famous for cheese curds and burgers. Open 11am–9pm. ⭐ 4.2

📍 801 Central Ave #24 · 🚶 Walking distance from The Arlington · Open in Google Maps →

Dinner

🍺

After Dinner — Superior Bathhouse Brewery

The only brewery in the US that brews with thermal spring water — right on Bathhouse Row. Craft beers brewed on-site, a full pub menu, and one of the coolest settings in town. Great spot for adults to decompress while the kids wind down. Open until 10pm. ⭐ 4.5

📍 329 Central Ave · 🚶 2 min walk from The Arlington · Open in Google Maps →

Brewery

Sat

Duck Tour & Downtown

September 26, 2026

🦆

National Park Duck Tour — Lake Hamilton

The best-rated option in town (⭐ 4.5, 1,092 reviews) and great for kids — an amphibious "duck boat" rolls through downtown then splashes into Lake Hamilton. About 1 hour total. Guides are native Hot Springs locals.

📍 418 Central Ave · ⏱️ ~1 hr tour · 🚶 Walking distance from The Arlington · Open in Google Maps →

Duck Tour

🐊

Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo

Goats, rabbits, and small gators kids can pet, plus 300+ alligators to see. A fun, low-cost stop that's a hit with young kids. Open daily 10am–5pm. ⭐ 4.3

📍 847 Whittington Ave · 🚗 6 min from downtown · Open in Google Maps →

Family

🛍️

Explore Downtown Central Avenue

Browse art galleries, local boutiques, and souvenir shops along the historic strip. The Bathhouse Row Emporium (NPS gift shop) has great keepsakes. Fully walkable and stroller-friendly.

📍 Central Ave, Downtown · Open in Google Maps →

Downtown

🥨

Dinner — Steinhaus Keller

German-inspired restaurant on Central Ave with outstanding schnitzel, fresh-made pretzels, and a kids' menu. Lively atmosphere, generous portions. Open from 3pm, reservations recommended Saturdays. ⭐ 4.4

📍 801 Central Ave #15 · 🚶 Walking distance from The Arlington · Open in Google Maps →

Dinner

Sun

Fly Home

September 27, 2026

🚗

Drive to Little Rock Airport (LIT)

Your flight departs at 5:16 PM — plan to leave Hot Springs by 2:45 PM at the latest to allow time for the drive, car return, and check-in with kids. An earlier departure gives comfortable buffer.

🚗 55 mi / ~55 min · Map directions →

Depart by 2:45 PM

✈️

Flight 3 — DL3025 · LIT → ATL

Departs Bill & Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) at 5:16 PM CT · Arrives Atlanta (ATL) at 7:54 PM ET

Delta confirmation: JQGBCW · ⏱️ 1 hr 38 min flight · LIT on Maps →

DL3025

🔄

Layover — Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL)

2 hour 52 minute layover — plenty of time to grab food and let the girls run around. ATL has a play area in Concourse F. Find your gate and relax before the final leg home.

⏱️ 2 hr 52 min · Departs ATL at 10:46 PM ET

Layover

✈️

Flight 4 — DL1268 · ATL → MKE

Departs Atlanta (ATL) at 10:46 PM ET · Arrives Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) at 11:48 PM CT — home!

⏱️ 2 hr 2 min flight · MKE on Maps →

DL1268 · Arrive 11:48 PM

🌡️ September Weather in Hot Springs Expect warm and mostly pleasant days — highs in the low 80s°F with cool evenings around 60°F. September is one of the best months to visit: summer crowds have thinned, the foliage starts turning, and the thermal baths feel perfect after a day outdoors. Pack light layers for evenings.

Beyond the Itinerary

Things to See & Do

🛁

Quapaw Baths & Spa

Historic thermal bathhouse on Bathhouse Row with public pools, private baths, and full spa services. The couples aromatherapy package is a standout — private bath, massage, foot scrub, and facial.

⭐ 4.4 · 2,766 reviews

Wed–Sun 10am–6pm · (501) 609-9822

Open in Google Maps →

🗼

Hot Springs Mountain Tower

A 216-foot observation tower at the top of the National Park offering breathtaking 360° views of the Ouachita Mountains. Hike the Peak Trail up or drive. National Park Pass saves on admission.

⭐ 4.5 · 6,571 reviews

Daily 9am–8pm · 401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr

Open in Google Maps →

🦆

National Park Duck Tours

Amphibious duck boat tours through downtown Hot Springs and onto Lake Hamilton. Native guides share local history and gangster lore. Pet-friendly, and sunset tours are especially scenic.

⭐ 4.5 · 1,092 reviews

Daily 9am–7:30pm · 418 Central Ave

Open in Google Maps →

🕵️

Gangster Museum of America

Guided room-to-room tours reveal Hot Springs' wild past as America's gangster resort town. Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, and more. Live-costumed guides make it theatrical and engaging for all ages.

⭐ 4.3 · 1,693 reviews

Mon–Sun 10am–5/6pm · 510 Central Ave

Open in Google Maps →

🌸

Garvan Woodland Gardens

210 acres of botanical wonderland on Lake Hamilton — waterfalls, bridges, peacocks, a fairy garden, model train, and the spectacular glass Anthony Chapel. One of Arkansas' most beautiful spots.

⭐ 4.7 · 892 reviews

Daily 9am–6pm · 550 Arkridge Rd

Open in Google Maps →

🔭

Mid-America Science Museum

Hands-on exhibits, a cave maze, a dinosaur fossil dig, and the live Tesla Coil show — reviewers with 3-year-olds rave about this place. Spend 2–4 hrs here easily. One of the best family stops in town.

⭐ 4.8 · 3,305 reviews

Tue–Sat 9am–5pm · Sun 1–5pm · 500 Mid America Blvd

Open in Google Maps →

🥾

Goat Rock Trail

Easy-to-moderate 1-mile trail to a scenic rock overlook in Hot Springs National Park. Connects to other trails for longer hikes. Colorful mossy boulders, lizards, and great fall foliage in late September.

⭐ 4.7 · 195 reviews

Hot Springs National Park · Free

Open in Google Maps →

🐊

Arkansas Alligator Farm

See 300+ alligators and pet farm animals at this quirky Hot Springs staple. Feeding time is a highlight. Budget-friendly and family-friendly — great for a 1-hour detour.

Popular family stop · ~$12/adult

847 Whittington Ave · Downtown area

Open in Google Maps →

🍺

Superior Bathhouse Brewery

The only brewery in the US that brews with natural thermal spring water, right on Bathhouse Row. Craft beers on tap, a full pub menu, and a one-of-a-kind historic setting inside the smallest bathhouse on the row.

⭐ 4.5 · Bathhouse Row landmark

329 Central Ave · Open daily until 10pm

Open in Google Maps →

🏇

Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

Live thoroughbred horse racing and a full casino right in Hot Springs. Even outside race season the casino is open year-round. A big part of the city's history and a lively evening option.

Major local landmark · 2705 Central Ave

Open year-round

Open in Google Maps →

🧗

AdventureWorks Zipline

Treetop zip lines and a 16-obstacle aerial challenge course through the lush Ouachita forest surrounding Hot Springs. Open year-round with signature canopy zip tours and combo packages.

Adrenaline option · Book online

North of downtown Hot Springs

Open in Google Maps →

🎱

Ohio Club — Live Music

The oldest bar in Arkansas and once a gangster hangout. Now a beloved live music venue with a full bar and historic atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed evening on Central Ave after dinner.

Hot Springs institution

336 Central Ave · Downtown

Open in Google Maps →

Restaurants & Cafés

Where to Eat in Hot Springs

Breakfast

🥞

The Pancake Shop

216 Central Ave · Open 7am–1pm daily · Est. 1940

⭐ 4.6

☕

Café Mi Amor

2032 Central Ave · Open 6am–3:30pm daily · Organic, art-deco vibe

⭐ 4.8

🥐

Angel's Breakfast Bistro

5001 Central Ave B · Wed–Sun 8am–2pm · Mimosas & quiche

⭐ 4.5

🌯

Hot Springs Breakfast Burrito

1001 Central Ave · Tue–Fri 7:30am–1pm · Local Red Light Roasters coffee

⭐ 5.0

Dinner

🏦

The VAULT Restaurant

723 Central Ave · Tue–Sat from 4:30pm · Upscale American, book ahead

⭐ 4.7

🥨

Steinhaus Keller

801 Central Ave · Mon–Sun from 3pm · German food, great beer

⭐ 4.4

🦞

Fisherman's Wharf Steak & Seafood

5101 Central Ave · Tue–Sun 11am–8/9pm · Lakefront views

⭐ 4.5

🍔

Brick House Grill

801 Central Ave · Mon–Sat 11am–9pm · Best cheese curds in town

⭐ 4.2

📞 Reservation Tip The VAULT and Steinhaus Keller fill up fast on Friday and Saturday nights in late September — book both at least a week ahead. The Pancake Shop doesn't take reservations; arrive before 8am to beat the wait. Quapaw Baths should also be booked in advance for spa services.

Insider Advice

Trip Tips & Essentials

🅿️

Parking Downtown

Best free parking near Bathhouse Row is the garage at 128 Exchange St. Central Ave itself is metered. The National Park lots near the Fordyce Visitor Center are free for park visitors.

🎟️

National Park Pass

An America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year) gets you free entry to Hot Springs National Park and discounts at the Mountain Tower. Worth it if you visit any other national parks this year.

♨️

Book Baths Early

Quapaw Baths is the most popular thermal experience — book spa services 1–2 weeks ahead online. For public soaking pools, arrive right at 10am opening to get in without a long wait.

🌡️

September Weather

Highs in the low 80s°F, lows around 60°F. Pack: sunscreen for the water park, a light jacket for evenings, and comfortable walking shoes for Bathhouse Row and trails.

🏨

Where to Stay

The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa (historic, on Central Ave), Lake Hamilton resort area (lakefront calm), or boutique options downtown. Book ahead — Hot Springs fills up on fall weekends.

🚗

Getting Around

Hot Springs is a car-friendly city. Downtown and Bathhouse Row are walkable, but most other attractions (Magic Springs, Garvan Gardens, Fisherman's Wharf) require a 5–15 min drive.

🦆

Duck Tour Timing

The late-afternoon tour (around 4–5pm) on Lake Hamilton catches golden hour light on the water. Captain Goose is a fan favorite guide — ask for him when booking at (501) 321-2911.

🍽️

Cash Handy

A few spots like the Fordyce Visitor Center gift shop and some trail-area vendors prefer cash or exact change. The Garvan Woodland Gardens also specifies card or exact cash only.

📸

Best Photo Spots

Mountain Tower at sunset, Bathhouse Row at golden hour, Anthony Chapel interior at Garvan Gardens, and the Lake Hamilton splash-down on the duck tour. Bring a waterproof bag to the water park.

🐾

Pet Friendly?

National Park Duck Tours is pet-friendly (dogs can ride up front free). Hot Springs National Park trails welcome leashed dogs. Most indoor attractions and restaurants are not pet-friendly.

✈️ Flying Tip — Milwaukee to Hot Springs Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT) has limited direct flights. Most travelers fly MKE → DFW or MKE → LIT (Little Rock) then drive ~55 miles south on I-30 to Hot Springs (about 50 minutes). Check American, Southwest, and Delta for best connections. Renting a car in Little Rock is often cheaper than Hot Springs.

Self-Guided Audio Tour

Shaka Guide: National Park Itinerary

🎧 Get the Shaka Guide Tour · $15.99

Available on the App Store and Google Play

Walking Tour — Bathhouse Row

🏛️

1. City of Hot Springs Visitor Center

Get a map, use restrooms, grab brochures on local activities · 10 min

⛲

2. Hill Wheatley Plaza Jug Fountain

Donation plaza with Bill Clinton Park and display fountains · 5 min

🌳

3. Bill Clinton Park

Named for the Hot Springs native and 42nd President — shaded fountains, good rest stop · 6 min

🪨

4. National Park Administration Building

Built 1936. Two fountains out front — one is a free-drinking jug fountain · 5 min

🛍️

5. Lamar Bathhouse — NPS Emporium

Built 1923. Now the NPS gift shop — sample spring water and pose in an old bathtub · 15 min

🛁

6. Buckstaff Bathhouse

Built 1911, operating continuously ever since. Book a mineral water soak here · 5 min

🎨

7. Ozark Bathhouse — Cultural Center

Free entry when open (mostly weekends). NPS Artist in Residency gallery · 5–30 min

♨️

8. Quapaw Bathhouse

Named for the Quapaw Tribe. Sat empty 20+ years, reopened 2007. Gift shop and café inside · 5 min

🏛️

9. Fordyce Visitor Center & Museum

Opened 1915, first bathhouse to close in the 1960s. Now free NPS museum. Ranger tours available · 1 hr

🐚

10. Shell Thermal Water Fountain & Display Spring

Hot thermal water at base of Grand Staircase. Watch water bubble straight out of the mountain · 5 min

🏛️

11. Maurice Bathhouse

Built 1911, Mediterranean style. The only building on Bathhouse Row still empty as of 2024 · 5 min

💧

12. Maurice Historical Springs

Dripping Spring and Tunnel Spring set into natural tufa rock — original display springs from 1903 · 5 min

🏨

13. Hale Bathhouse — Hotel Hale & Eden Restaurant

Built 1892 — oldest structure on Bathhouse Row. Survived fires of 1905 and 1913. Now a luxury hotel · 5 min

🧱

14. Superior Bathhouse

The smallest and only brick bathhouse on the row — now a brewery. Bold name for the smallest building · 5 min

🌊

15. Arlington Lawn Hot Water Cascade

Largest visible spring in the park. Hot water flows from the hillside into two pools below · 5 min

🚶

16. Grand Promenade North Entrance

Shortcut up to the Grand Promenade. For stroller access, continue to Fountain Street · 5 min

🔝

17. Top of the Hot Water Cascade

Source of the cascade pools below. Specialized thermal-spring plants visible along the hillside · 5 min

🪨

18. Tufa Terrace Trail

Access point to the Tufa Terrace Trail — observe the natural tufa rock formations · 5 min

🎵

19. Grand Staircase & Bandstand Site

Historic bandstand once filled this overlook with big band music. South end of Tufa Terrace Trail · 5 min

🏥

20. The Army Navy Hospital

Impressive 1933 structure. Served soldiers, then became a rehabilitation center. Abandoned since 2019 · 5 min

♟️

21. Grand Promenade South Entrance

Benches, chess tables, Noble Fountain (installed 1896), and views of the Army Navy Hospital · 5 min

Scenic Drive — Hot Springs Mountain

🧺

22. Hot Springs Mountain Picnic Area & Pagoda

Restrooms, picnic area, trailhead for the 1.5-mi Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Pagoda built 1910 · 5 min

🗼

23. Hot Springs Mountain Tower

216-ft tower opened 1983. Two viewing levels — enclosed exhibits + open-air deck. Small admission fee · 20 min

🏔️

24. North Mountain Scenic Viewpoint

Ouachita Mountain panorama. Trailhead for Goat Rock Trail (2 mi roundtrip to viewpoint) · 5 min

💧

25. Happy Hollow Jug Fountain

One of two cold-water springs in the park. Fill your bottles for free — formerly part of McLeod's Amusement Park · 5 min

Scenic Drive — West Mountain

⚾

26. Babe Ruth Home Plate

March 17, 1918: Babe Ruth hit a career-defining 500+ ft home run here. Ball landed in the alligator farm nearby · 5 min

💧

27. Whittington Spring Fountain

Second cold-water fountain in the park. Free water fill at the West Mountain drive entrance · 5 min

🔭

28. West Mountain Lower Overlook

Views of downtown Hot Springs, the Army Navy Hospital, and Mountain Tower · 5 min

🌲

29. West Mountain Trail & Shelter

Trail connects north and south around the mountain top. Can be made into a ~2 mi loop · 5 min

🌄

30. West Mountain Loop Overlook

Views over the Ouachita River Valley. Exposed Arkansas Novaculite rock. Trailhead for the 10-mi Sunset Trail · 10 min

📱 How to Use Shaka Guide on Your Trip Download the Shaka Guide app before you leave home. The Hot Springs National Park tour ($15.99) works offline once downloaded — no cell service needed on the mountain drives. Start the Bathhouse Row walking tour from the City Visitor Center on Central Ave, then drive up Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain after. Budget about 3–4 hours total for all 30 stops. Read the full Shaka Guide article →

Hot Springs,
Arkansas

5 Days in Spa City

Things to See & Do

Perfect Fall Timing

Where to Eat in Hot Springs

Trip Tips & Essentials

Shaka Guide: National Park Itinerary

30 Stops · Two Scenic Drives + Walking Tour