Hot Springs Mountain Tower | Hot Springs

The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, standing high above the Ouachita Mountains and offering a sweeping perspective of both the natural landscape and the historic town below. Rising 216 feet above the crest of Hot Springs Mountain, and more than 1,200 feet above sea level, the tower gives visitors an unrivaled bird’s-eye view of Hot Springs National Park, the Ouachita Mountains, and the Diamond Lakes region.

History and Background

The current tower, completed in 1983, is the third observation structure to stand on Hot Springs Mountain. The first was built in 1877 as a wooden structure, followed by a steel observation tower in 1923. Both earlier towers eventually deteriorated, but the tradition of offering visitors a mountaintop view was preserved with the construction of the modern structure. The new tower was designed with steel framing, elevators, and large glass panels to make the experience both accessible and safe.

The Visitor Experience

Reaching the tower involves a scenic drive or hike through Hot Springs National Park, winding through forests of pine and hardwoods, with occasional deer and songbirds along the way. Once at the base, visitors can:

Ride the Elevator: A glass-enclosed elevator carries guests swiftly to the observation decks.

Two Viewing Platforms: The enclosed deck allows panoramic views in comfort year-round, while the open-air deck offers a more direct, breezy vantage point ideal for photography.

Gift Shop and Exhibits: The base includes a small gift shop, local souvenirs, and information about the region’s geology, history, and wildlife.

Views from the Tower

On a clear day, visibility can stretch up to 140 miles, revealing:

The rolling blue-green ridges of the Ouachita Mountains.

The historic grid of downtown Hot Springs, including Bathhouse Row.

Sparkling stretches of nearby lakes, including Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita.

Seasonal beauty: spring dogwoods and redbuds, lush summer greenery, vibrant autumn foliage, and sometimes a rare winter dusting of snow.

Many visitors time their ascent for sunset, when the mountains glow gold and pink, or for the crisp clarity of early morning light.

Atmosphere

The tower has an airy, exhilarating feel, with the open decks making visitors aware of the wind, the sound of distant birds, and the vast silence of the mountains. From above, the town of Hot Springs looks almost like a model village, with the bathhouses neatly lined up against the green backdrop of the hills.

Practical Information

Location: Atop Hot Springs Mountain, within Hot Springs National Park, accessible by car or foot.

Admission: Ticketed entry; discounts often available for children and seniors.

Hours: Open daily, though hours vary by season.

Accessibility: Elevators make the tower accessible for most visitors.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for dramatic sunsets, though mornings offer quieter visits and crystal-clear views.

The Hot Springs Mountain Tower combines natural beauty with a sense of perspective, both literal and symbolic. Standing at the top, with the Ouachitas stretching endlessly to the horizon, visitors often remark on the serenity of the view and the way the historic town nestles harmoniously against the surrounding wilderness. It’s a simple but powerful reminder of why Hot Springs has long been a place where nature and human history intersect.