Bathhouse Row | Hot Springs

Bathhouse Row is the historic centerpiece of Hot Springs National Park, representing both the city’s spa heritage and the cultural significance of its thermal springs. Stretching along Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs, it is a collection of eight bathhouses, several fountains, and auxiliary buildings that collectively form a National Historic Landmark District. Bathhouse Row captures the peak of American spa culture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Historical Background

The thermal springs in Hot Springs have been used for centuries, first by Native Americans and later by European settlers, who believed in their therapeutic properties. Bathhouse Row developed during the 1870s–1930s as Hot Springs became a premier spa destination, attracting visitors from across the United States seeking health treatments, leisure, and social interaction.

The row flourished during the early 20th century, when the city was famous for combining medical treatments with luxury. Bathhouses were constructed in styles ranging from neoclassical to Spanish revival, each building designed to impress both aesthetically and functionally.

Notable Bathhouses

Fordyce Bathhouse

Built in 1915, now the park’s visitor center.

Showcases the history of the springs, bathing culture, and spa therapies.

Features grand interior spaces, terrazzo floors, and decorative moldings.

Buckstaff Bathhouse

Established in 1912 and still operating as a traditional bathhouse.

Known for its simple, functional design emphasizing therapeutic baths.

Quapaw Bathhouse

Offers modern spa services while preserving historical architecture.

Notable for its Spanish revival style, colorful tilework, and rooftop terraces.

Hale Bathhouse

Recently restored, it provides hot spring baths and spa treatments.

Other historic bathhouses include the Lamar, Ozark, Maurice, and Superior bathhouses, many of which have been repurposed for offices, galleries, and spa facilities while retaining architectural charm.

Architectural Features

Bathhouse Row is remarkable for its combination of ornate facades, decorative tile, and grand entrances. Common features include:

Tall, arched windows that allow natural light into treatment rooms.

Terra cotta and brick detailing, often with intricate patterns and motifs.

Fountains and porticos connecting the row with the public promenade along the springs.

Interiors featuring marble floors, stained glass, and vintage treatment rooms reflecting early 20th-century design.

Visitor Experience

Walking along Bathhouse Row, visitors experience a sense of history intertwined with ongoing spa culture:

Fountains along the promenade allow sampling of thermal waters.

Ranger-guided tours and interpretive signage detail the history, architecture, and stories of famous visitors.

Active bathhouses like Buckstaff and Quapaw allow guests to experience traditional thermal baths.

Photography opportunities abound, with façades, fountains, and rooftop views providing striking visuals.

Cultural Significance

Bathhouse Row embodies more than architecture; it represents an era when health, leisure, and social life merged. It reflects the evolution of American spa culture and the commercialization of natural resources for wellness tourism. The row has also influenced the identity of Hot Springs, making it a destination for both historical tourism and contemporary spa experiences.

Bathhouse Row is a living historical district where visitors can stroll, observe, and even participate in a tradition that has been central to Hot Springs for over a century. Its combination of architectural elegance, historic importance, and ongoing function makes it a must-visit element of Hot Springs National Park.