Hot Springs National Park

Quick answers

When is Hot Springs National Park open?

Usually Mon–Sun 5:00–22:00. Details

When is the best time to visit Hot Springs National Park?

By typical weather, the best months for a day outdoors here are March, October, and November. Details

When is Hot Springs National Park open?

• Mon–Sun 5:00–22:00

From 56 published days, 2026-11-07 to 2027-01-01; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of our historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

When is the best time to visit Hot Springs National Park?

By typical weather, the best months for a day outdoors here are March, October, and November.

The weather works against it in January, February, June, July, August, and December.

The warmest month is July, with average highs near 93°F (34°C); the coolest is January, near 49°F (9°C).

May is the wettest month, with about 6.1 in (155 mm) of precipitation in a typical May.

Typical weather, 25-year Meteorological and Solar Monthly & Annual Climatologies (January 2001 - December 2025). Data from NASA Langley Research Center POWER Project (CC BY 4.0)

Official facts

For river levels near Hot Springs National Park, the USGS gauge Whittington Cr At Tunnel Ent At Hot Springs, AR (07358253) posts live readings, under 1 km away.

Public access: Open access.

Protected area: 4,919 acres (1,991 ha).

Designation: National Park. Listed as "Hot Springs National Park" in the Protected Areas Database of the United States. Protection: protected from conversion, multiple uses allowed (GAP 3).

Established: 1921.

Managed by: NPS.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Gap Analysis Project (GAP), 2025, Protected Areas Database of the United States (PAD-US) 4.1 · U.S. Geological Survey, National Water Information System

At the park

• Visitor center exhibit
• Golf activity
• Playground play area
• ATV / off-road activity
• Biking activity
• Camping activity
• Disc golf activity
• Horseback riding activity
• Hunting activity
• Caves & caverns scenic feature
• Waterfalls scenic feature
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature
• Hiking trails trail
• Boating water
• Fishing water
• Hot springs water
• Paddling (kayak/canoe) water
• Scuba diving water
• Swimming water

Shows and experiences

• Historic sites & museum
• Junior Ranger Programs - Saturdays

What's on at Hot Springs National Park

The park's own calendar lists six dated events from January 10, 2026 to March 1, 2027, four different events in all.

November 2026 is the busiest month, with three events.

Fordyce Tour is held on two dates and Ranger Guided Walk (Outdoor) is held on two dates.

By kind, the calendar holds four regular events.

Most listed start times are in the morning, from 9 am to 2 pm.

Events

• Hot Springs Hikes Jan 10 – Dec 12, 2026
• Fordyce Tour Aug 9 – Nov 14, 2026 · 02:00 PM–02:30 PM · This tour takes place with the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum at 369 Central Avenue.
• Ranger Guided Walk (Outdoor) Aug 9 – Nov 15, 2026 · 10:30 AM–11:15 AM · Program begins at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum, at 369 Central Avenue
• Run with a Ranger Nov 7, 2026 · 09:00 AM–11:00 AM

Before you go

Getting there

From Little Rock: Take I-30W towards Texarkana. Exit 111 for US 70W/Hot Springs. Turn Right onto Spring St. Turn Right onto Central Ave. Drive North, the Park will be on the right after Reserve St. From Texarkana: Take 1-30E. Exit 78 for AR-7 and turn left under the highway. Follow AR-7 North for 31 miles. AR-7 becomes Central Ave., the Park will be on the right after Reserve Street.

Weather & when to go

Average temperatures in Hot Springs can range from about 90°F (32°C) to less than 27°F (-2.7°C). Summer days can be hot and humid, with heat index values up to 110ºF (43ºC). Winter wind chills can make temperatures feel much colder, as low as 15ºF (-9.4ºC). Spring and fall typically have the most rainfall. Generally, Hot Springs experiences mild weather throughout the year.

History

Opened

1921

Heritage status

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

• Park opened