Superior Bathhouse Brewery | Hot Springs

The Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, is a one-of-a-kind establishment that blends history, craft brewing, and the region’s famous thermal waters. Housed in the historic Superior Bathhouse, built in 1916, it is notable for being the only brewery in the world to use natural hot spring water in the beer-making process, linking Hot Springs’ spa heritage directly to contemporary craft culture.

Historical Background

The Superior Bathhouse originally operated as a full-service bathhouse during the early 20th century, offering thermal baths, steam rooms, and therapeutic treatments. Like other bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, it catered to visitors seeking health and relaxation. After decades of decline and closure, it was repurposed as a brewery in 2009, preserving the historic architecture while transforming it into a modern craft beer destination.

Architecture and Design

The building retains many historic elements characteristic of early 20th-century bathhouses:

Classic brick façade with decorative detailing typical of the era.

Arched windows and vintage signage echoing its original use.

Interior spaces that combine exposed beams, polished concrete, and stainless-steel brewing equipment, creating a unique mix of historic charm and industrial modernity.

While modern brewing technology dominates the interior, the historic features maintain the bathhouse ambiance.

Brewing and Unique Features

The brewery’s signature characteristic is its use of thermal spring water, drawn directly from Hot Springs’ natural springs, which gives the beer a distinctive mineral quality. Superior Bathhouse Brewery produces a variety of craft beers, including:

IPAs, stouts, and lagers.

Seasonal and specialty brews inspired by Arkansas ingredients and traditions.

Experimental small-batch beers created in collaboration with local and regional brewers.

The brewery also offers tastings, tours, and events that educate visitors on both the brewing process and the historic significance of Bathhouse Row.

Visitor Experience

Visitors to the Superior Bathhouse Brewery enjoy a multi-layered experience:

Sampling craft beers in a taproom while surrounded by historic architecture.

Learning about Hot Springs’ natural thermal waters and their role in brewing.

Attending brewery tours that explain brewing techniques and showcase equipment.

Experiencing a casual, social environment that connects the city’s historic spa culture with modern craft beer trends.

The brewery also hosts food trucks, live music, and special events, making it a lively cultural hub downtown.

Practical Information

Location: Central Bathhouse Row, within walking distance of other historic bathhouses and downtown Hot Springs.

Admission/Services: Free to enter for tastings; beer purchases are available by the glass, flight, or growler. Brewery tours may have a fee.

Accessibility: Taproom and main areas are wheelchair accessible; some historic architectural features may have limited access.

Best Time to Visit: Evenings and weekends for live events, weekdays for quieter tasting and tours.

The Superior Bathhouse Brewery uniquely combines Hot Springs’ historic thermal spa tradition with modern craft brewing, making it a destination where history, culture, and gastronomy intersect. Visitors can enjoy not just a beer but also a taste of Arkansas heritage in a historic and lively setting.