Fordyce Bathhouse Museum | Hot Springs

The Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, located on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, is a historic bathhouse transformed into the park’s main visitor center and museum. It combines architectural grandeur, historical exhibits, and interpretive displays to showcase the story of Hot Springs’ thermal waters, the spa culture that flourished there, and the broader history of the city.

History and Architecture

The Fordyce Bathhouse was built in 1915 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, one of the most ornate and impressive structures on Bathhouse Row. Its construction features:

Terra cotta detailing and arched windows.

Decorative tilework and grand facades.

Vaulted ceilings and terrazzo floors that highlight early 20th-century craftsmanship.

Originally functioning as a full-service bathhouse, it offered therapeutic treatments such as hot and cold baths, steam rooms, massage, and mineral soaks, catering to visitors seeking both health benefits and social engagement.

Museum and Exhibits

Since its conversion into a museum and visitor center, Fordyce Bathhouse preserves the look and feel of a traditional bathhouse while educating visitors about the history of Hot Springs and its springs. Key features include:

Bathhouse Rooms: Restored treatment rooms, including massage rooms, soaking tubs, and steam areas, recreated to resemble how they appeared in the 1920s.

Interactive Exhibits: Touchscreens and displays explain the geology of the thermal springs, the medicinal beliefs surrounding them, and the evolution of spa practices.

Historical Artifacts: Old photographs, vintage bathing equipment, and promotional materials illustrate the daily life and culture of Bathhouse Row’s heyday.

Cultural Context: Exhibits highlight notable visitors, including politicians, celebrities, and everyday citizens, showing how Hot Springs became a national wellness destination.

Visitor Experience

Walking through the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, visitors gain a sense of stepping back in time:

Ornate tile floors and ceilings evoke the elegance of the early 20th century.

Soft lighting and restored tubs provide a tangible sense of historic bathing practices.

Informational panels and video displays explain both the natural and social history of the springs.

Visitors can also access the museum’s resource library, which offers more in-depth historical information, and participate in ranger-led tours that provide anecdotes about the bathhouse, the springs, and the city.

Practical Information

Location: On Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs, adjacent to other historic bathhouses.

Admission: Free entry, with optional guided tours available.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, including ramps and elevators.

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with quieter mornings offering the best opportunity to explore the exhibits without crowds.

The Fordyce Bathhouse Museum is more than a visitor center; it is a preserved slice of early 20th-century spa culture. By combining architecture, history, and interactive exhibits, it allows visitors to experience the therapeutic, social, and cultural significance of Hot Springs’ famous thermal waters.