When you open yourself up to life, Life opens up to you!: Hot Springs Arkansas

Hot Springs Arkanas

March 9 – 12, 2020

Zipped out of Louisiana and

over into Arkansas.

Look we found WALDO!!

Wanted to check out the National Park there so we found Hot Springs KOA to stay in. It was nice but not very unusual or exciting. It was very convenient to Hot Springs National Park. One of the perks of the park was the shuttle service back and forth between the KOA and the national park. The national park and town of Hot Springs was a fun day trip for us, but more on that later from Teri. The campground had few outdoor amenities and limited walking areas. There were a few trails but nothing very long. The office had most things a camper might need and the people here were very helpful. The bathrooms and laundry were in good shape and clean. This was our first KOA, and while not very memorable, was a nice quick stopover.

Nice Comfortable Site

Hot Springs National Park

Paul and I spent a day at Hot Springs National Park on March 10. When one thinks of a National Park one immediately thinks of being surrounded by nature, out in the wilderness, some remote place with awe inspiring views. Not so Hot Springs. When you arrive at the town of Hot Springs your first thought is how do I now get to the National Park. Well, guess what, you are there! You stand there on the main street (Central Avenue) and look from one side to the other. On one side of the road is typical touristy shops, restaurants, apartments; looking just like a downtown anywhere USA. Then you look to the other side of the street and there it is: the National Park, that section being also known as Bathhouse Row.

BathHouse Row

Hot Springs is the oldest National Park, established in 1832, making older than Yellowstone by 40 years. It was established to protect the amazing thermal waters flowing from Hot Springs Mountain. Like so much of America this land was first used by American Indians in particular the Caddo, Quapaw and Choctaws. You can read more about this Here (https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/historyculture/upload/american_indians.pdf).

In 1804, an expedition was sent out to explore the recently acquired Louisiana Purchase. The springs were “discovered” and it didn't take long for them to be exploited and turned into public bathouses. The town grew rather haphazardly. Soon the government came in and set rules and regulations and eventual made the area on the south side as well as Hot Springs Mountain a National Park to help control and preserve the area. There are several of the historic buildings on Bathhouse Row, and a few you can go into it. Two are spas where you can experience the hot springs, yes, for a steep cost.

And one is a restaurant where we had a fun lunch to celebrate Paul's birthday including a beer flight of local beers. The museum run by the Nat'l Park is interesting and informative. Here is were you can get more info: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm

On the top of Hot Springs Mountain is a observation tower that overlooks the area. There is a crazy winding rode you can drive or like us you can hike one of the many trails.

The formation of the springs is fascinating and, no, I don't completely understand how it works. Here is information on that: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/nature/hotsprings.htm

It is amazing the water coming out of the springs is over 150 degrees and takes over 4 thousand years to reach the surface!! No bacteria lives it and it has a pure taste. It's neat there are several places where you can put your hands in the water, believe me, it's HOT!