Buckstaff Bathhouse | Hot Springs

The Buckstaff Bathhouse, located on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, is the only bathhouse on the row that has operated continuously since it opened in 1912, preserving the tradition of thermal bathing while maintaining its historic character. Unlike other bathhouses that have been repurposed as museums or offices, Buckstaff still offers the original spa treatments, making it a living piece of Arkansas history.

Historical Background

Built during the height of Hot Springs’ spa era, the Buckstaff Bathhouse was designed to provide therapeutic services to visitors seeking relief for a variety of ailments, from arthritis to general fatigue. It catered to both locals and national visitors who traveled to Hot Springs for health and leisure. The bathhouse embodies the simple, functional style of early 20th-century therapeutic facilities, contrasting with the more ornate designs of neighboring structures like the Fordyce Bathhouse.

Architecture and Interior

The Buckstaff Bathhouse features:

Exterior: A restrained brick façade with minimal decorative flourishes, emphasizing practicality over grandeur.

Interior: Restored to retain the original layout, including:

Hot and cold plunge baths.

Steam rooms and saunas.

Massage and treatment rooms.

Historic Equipment: Some original fixtures and tubs remain, providing visitors with a sense of authenticity.

Its modest style and focus on function reflect the bathhouse’s mission: providing effective therapeutic bathing rather than showcasing architectural opulence.

Services and Treatments

Buckstaff Bathhouse continues to operate as a working spa, offering treatments similar to those used for more than a century:

Thermal mineral baths, using the natural hot spring water.

Steam and dry heat therapy.

Traditional massages and hydrotherapy.

Visitors can experience the bathhouse as guests did in the 1910s and 1920s, with the water flowing directly from the same natural springs that have drawn people for centuries.

Visitor Experience

Visiting the Buckstaff Bathhouse offers a sense of historical continuity:

Guests can immerse themselves in the original spa rituals while surrounded by period-appropriate architecture and décor.

The atmosphere is serene and focused on wellness, in contrast to the busier, museum-oriented Fordyce Bathhouse.

Staff provide guidance on treatments, ensuring that visitors understand the therapeutic use of the hot springs.

Practical Information

Location: Bathhouse Row, downtown Hot Springs.

Admission/Services: Paid access for spa treatments; prices vary depending on services.

Accessibility: Facilities are largely accessible, with accommodations for mobility concerns.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with mornings and weekdays offering quieter, more personal experiences.

The Buckstaff Bathhouse is a living testament to Hot Springs’ spa tradition, allowing visitors to step directly into a historic bathing experience. Its enduring operation and preserved authenticity make it a unique destination for anyone interested in wellness, history, or Arkansas culture.