Hot Springs National Park is a U.S. national park located adjacent to the county seat of Hot Springs, Arkansas, in central Garland County. On April 20, 1832, the United States Congress passed a law that established the Hot Springs Reservation as a place for future recreation. It was the first time federal land had been set aside to preserve its use as a recreational area before the concept of a national park was even conceived. The medicinal properties of hot spring water have been widely accepted for centuries, and it was a legend among several Native American tribes. The city grew into a prosperous spa town after it was granted federal protection in 1832.
The cultural history of Hot Springs National Park is extensive. Our historic bathhouses grand architecture is matched by the natural wonders that have drawn visitors here for centuries. Hot Springs National Park is a unique and beautiful destination because of its ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and numerous creeks, all of which are right in the middle of the city.
Entrances and how to reach Hot Springs National Park
Little Rock, Arkansas, is the nearest international airport to Hot Springs National Park. You can get to Hot Springs from the airport by driving west on I-30. You can get to Hot Springs by taking ARK-7 from the south. Take either US 70 or US 270 if you’re coming from the west.
Driving Directions
How to Get There From Little Rock, Arkansas
- Exit 111 of Interstate 30 W toward Texarkana is the closest exit to US 70 W – Hot Springs, which is 54 miles away and takes about an hour (28.57 miles)
- East Grand Avenue becomes US 70 Business, formerly known as US 70 W. (18.65 miles)
- To reach Reserve Street, take a right at the fork in the road (4.66 miles)
- On Central Avenue, turn right (0.3 miles)
From Texarkana
Interstate 30 East to Exit 78 for AR 7 from Texarkana, TX, a distance of 112 miles and a time of about two hours. To continue north on AR 7/Valley Street, make a left at the bottom of the ramp. Near DeGray Lake, Valley Street changes its name to Central Avenue (31 kilometers).
Driving time from Fort Smith to Little Rock
- It takes about two hours and forty minutes when taking Interstate 40 East to US 270 West.
- Garrison Ave/US-64 E/AR-22 to N 8th St., heading southeast (0.25 miles)
- Turn right onto Towson Avenue/US-71 Bus S. at the third turn (3.68 miles)
- On Highway 71/US-71 Bus S., make a slight right turn. US-71 Bus S. will continue to follow you (0.77 miles)
- Highway 71/US-71 Bus S will be on your left. Keeping on the S Highway 71 E, keep going (39.37 miles)
- In the future, US-71 S will be referred to as S Highway 71 E. (16.42 miles)
- Turn left onto US-270 E/Highway 270. Follow US-270 East as far as you can (64.11 miles)
- To get to Albert Pike Rd/US-270 Bus E, continue straight ahead. Take Bus E of the US-270 and keep following it (2.98 miles)
- The US-70 Bus E/US-270 Bus E will be on the left (0.26 miles)
- W Grand Ave/US-70 Bus E/US-270 Bus E is on the right (0.52 miles)
- The Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway/AR-7 will be on your left (0.71 miles)
From Fort Smith
Alternate Route AR 10 133 miles, approximately 3 hours from Fort Smith.
- Garrison Ave/US-64 E/AR-22 to N 8th St., heading southeast (0.25 miles)
- Turn right onto Towson Avenue/US-71 Bus S. at the third turn (3.68 miles)
- On Highway 71/US-71 Bus S., make a slight right turn. US-71 Bus S. will continue to follow you (0.77 miles)
- Highway 71/US-71 Bus S will be on your left. Continuing on Highway 71 is recommended. A total distance of (9.61 miles)
- W Center St/AR-10 Spur is on the left. W Center St. will be your next stop (5.47 miles)
- AR-10 is the new name for W Center St. (50.76 miles)
- E 8th St/AR-10 will be on your left as you turn left. You should keep an eye on AR-10 (11.08 miles)
- The Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway/S Scenic 7 Dr./AR-10/AR-7/AR-28 can be found on the right-hand side. The distance between here and there are 0.55 miles.
- Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway/S Scenic 7 Dr/AR-7 is the second road on the left after you pass through the stoplight. As always, keep an eye on AR-7 (44.06 miles)
- Fox Pass Cutoff will be on your slight right after you make this turn (3.30 miles)
- Taking Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway/AR-128/AR-7, turn right onto Park Ave. Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway/AR-128/AR-7 continues. (3.26 miles)
The following are other modes of transportation:
Air Travel
Travelling by Air Shuttles and rental cars are available at Little Rock National Airport (approximately 60 miles away) and the local airport in Hot Springs.
Commercial Bus
Hot Springs has a Greyhound bus station at 1001 Central Avenue Suite D. Call 1-800-231-2222 for fare and schedule information.
By Train
Train Amtrak’s Texas Eagle serves Little Rock, Arkansas, as part of its Texas Eagle service area.