Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Hot Springs

"The botanical garden of the University of Arkansas is home to a variety of flowers, plants, and trees. Travel the wooded shoreline and see the rocky inclines where the greenery grows in the Ouachita Mountains. Also, visit the picturesque Anthony Chapel on the grounds."

"Garvan Woodland Gardens is Arkansas' premier botanical garden. It is located on a Lake Hamilton 210-acre peninsula. This is a highly recommended attraction."

"Hot Springs Reservation, the first designation of Hot Springs National Park, was set aside by Congress in 1832. This makes Hot Springs National Park the oldest unit in the national park system, 40 years older than Yellowstone National Park. The hot springs flow from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain, part of the Ouachita Mountain range."

"Hot Springs is near several state parks and it is near three lakes: Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine and Lake Ouachita. Lake Ouachita is the largest in the state. It's clear water and surrounding forest make it a top choice."

"You can hike from The Waters or drive to this overlook with breathtaking view of 140 miles of Arkansas countryside. At   1,256 feet above sea level, it offers an unforgettable view of Hot Springs National Park and the Ouachita Mountains. http://hotspringstower.com/"

"401 Hot Springs Mountain DrHot Springs, AR 71901(501) 881-4020. Opened in 1983, the Hot Springs Mountain Tower is an observation tower that stands 216 feet and highlights some of the best views in Arkansas, the Ouachita Mountains, and Hot Springs Mountain."

"The tower elevator brings guests 216 feet up to the observation decks where they can see panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Mountain, and the Diamond Lakes area."

"Back in the day, the Fordyce Bathhouse was one of the town’s swankiest. It’s now a museum and visitor’s center that would be a great place to stop not long after you’ve gotten into town. The building has been restored to near original condition and includes many of the amenities that it featured in years past, like interesting, antiquated exercise equipment and therapy devices that purportedly relieved symptoms from a long list of ailments."

"Why You’ll Love It: This is the official National Park center and they provide lots of opportunities to learn!. The main lobby has park guides to answer your questions. You can also explore multiple floors of historic equipment used in the early bath houses."

"Named after its original owner, Samuel Fordyce, this site served as a bathhouse between 1915 and 1962. Today, it functions as a visitors center housing an array of exhibits."

"At just shy of two million acres, Ouachita National Forest covers vast expanses of forested and mountain land between the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma. With dozens of miles of trails, numerous campsites and a host of other activities available to outdoor lovers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s one of the area’s most popular outdoor destinations. Amateur rock hounds are attracted by the huge vein of crystals that runs through the area, and hunters and fisherman are drawn here as well."

"This last location should be experienced with a multi-day camping trip. It’s the type of place you would love to get lost in—as long as you aren’t actually lost/without your phone, of course. Ouachita has something for everyone here: rivers, mountains, forests, lakes, hiking, biking, horseback, and ATV riding."

"My husband and I came here for dinner one night and it was absolutely delicious!. My husband loved his carne asada, especially how it was served (on an open..."

"Baseball runs deep in Hot Springs National Park, America’s First Resort for athletes and gangsters of the past. From historic fields and recreational retreats, to the roles of Oaklawn Racing and Gaming and Bathhouse Row as entertainment for baseball’s finest, a connection to history is around every turn. Find out more at http://www.hotspringsbaseballtrail.com/"