An American Spa

Bathhouse Row is the historic heart of an American spa. Since the 1830s the city of Hot Springs has channeled much of its energy into becoming a national health resort. The Federal Government made “taking the waters” available to all by providing baths and health services to veterans and the poor, and the National Park landscaped many of the exercise paths that were considered essential to good health. Some of the bathhouses have closed—locally, demand for the medicinal baths peaked in 1946—but the spa experience continues. Traditional bathing remains available at the Buckstaff Bathhouse and some nearby hotels, and visitors can stroll the brick Grand Promenade behind Bathhouse Row or hike mountain trails throughout the National Park.

Hot Springs, Arkansas · United States