Geology and history of Hot Springs, Arkansas - the only National Park with a brewery
Hot Springs, Arkansas is known for its natural hot springs and historic bathhouses. The hot springs are unique geological formations that have fascinated scientists and visitors for years.
The Geology
Hot Springs is in the Ouachita Mountains, a region known for its hot springs and mineral deposits. This area was formed during the Paleozoic Era, around 500 million years ago, when the collision of two land masses caused mountain-building events.
Hot Springs National Park is the only national park that protects the unique combination of lithology, geologic structure, and water sources that produce the springs.
The geology of Hot Springs, Arkansas plays a crucial role in the formation of the natural hot springs. The hot springs result from geothermal activity heating the water deep below the Earth's surface.
The Ouachita Mountains are composed primarily of sedimentary rocks, which are rocks that formed by the accumulation of sediment over time. These sedimentary rocks contain layers of limestone and sandstone that are relatively porous, allowing water to flow through them. As the water enters these porous layers as rainwater trapped in cracks in the rock, it becomes heated deep below the surface, and enriched with minerals dissolved from the rock. The water then springs to the surface through fractures and faults in the rock, where it emerges as a hot spring.
Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, Arkansas with historic bath houses lining the street.
Healing Waters
Moss that grows in the hot water in Hot Springs, AK
The hot springs in Hot Springs have been used for centuries for their healing properties. The first bathhouse was built in 1830. Baths and massage were offered to people suffering from various medical conditions. Though the water really isn’t magical, many people found relief from pain due to the hot water soaks and massage.
The water is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are thought to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and muscles. Today, visitors to Hot Springs can experience the natural hot springs in two of the historic bathhouses, which have been preserved since the early 20th century.
The Biology
When you visit Hot Springs you will no doubt notice that the springs all seem to be very good at growing moss. The moss can easily take hold in the cracks and crevices of the limestone. These mosses are thermophiles, meaning “heat loving.” They thrive on the hot, mineral-rich water.
A public water fountain where you can get the mineral water Hot Springs is known for.
When you visit
So, is Hot Springs the town, or is it the National Park? Well, it’s both! The town pretty much is the park.
Soaking in the springs
There are a lot of things to do in Hot Springs. Unfortunately, soaking in the springs is only permitted in two of the bathhouses, the Buckstaff and the Quapaw. There are no pools available for public soaking. There is, however, a water fountain where visitors can fill their own vessels of spring water.
Note: take a vessel! There are a couple of stores where you can buy a mason jar or water bottle, if you don’t remember.
A National Park with a brewery?!
Hot Springs is the only National Park that has it’s own brewery. Housed in the Superior bathhouse, this is also the only brewery to utilize thermal spring water as a main ingredient. What a delight to enjoy a beer and dinner after a nice soak or massage!
The cell phone tour of bathhouse row
With several stops all along the Row, you can learn about the Park's history any time of day. Like many national parks, Hot Springs offers a self-guided tour where you call in to a service and hear about the various stops. At each stop there’s a sign with a number and you can hear history and facts about the stop.
The yellow brick road that meanders through Hot Springs, AK
Walking, off the street
Behind and above the bathhouses is the Grand Promenade, which is a red and yellow brick road that allow easy walking and features information signs. If you want a little more of a challenge, paved and unpaved trails meander the hillside behind the bathhouses. There are trials of every length and difficulty, something for everyone!
Worth the drive
A short drive up West Mountain offers stunning views of the town below. It’s quite a short drive, with a few turnouts for some photo opportunities.
One final thought, Hot Springs was the smallest National Park until the St. Louis Arch took that honor according to one of the park employees we spoke with. Does that mean they’re “arch” enemies?
Hot pocket park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
