A Tour of Hot Springs’ Iconic Bathhouse Row

Events / Travel
The Ozark bathhouse, now a cultural center with an art gallery, was built in the style of the Art Deco movement. (National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park)

One of the most iconic stretches in Hot Springs, Ark., home to Oaklawn Park, is Bathhouse Row. This elegant collection of buildings and gardens was built over the thermal waters that first drew tourists to the small, southern resort. The eight buildings were constructed between 1892 and 1923 and are third- and fourth-generation structures. Although the bathing industry declined with the rise of modern medicine, Bathhouse Row has found new ways to thrive and is still at the core of the identity of Hot Springs.

Here is a look at each bathhouse, traveling down Central Avenue from south to north.


Lamar

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: April 16, 1923 – Nov. 30, 1985

Named for: Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, who was Secretary of the Interior when the first bathhouse was built in 1888

Features: The Lamar is one of six bathhouses with a Spanish flavor. It offered a range of tub lengths for people of various heights and a co-ed gym with a separate area just for women.

Today: The Lamar is home to Bathhouse Row Emporium and National Park offices. The Emporium’s items include bottles to fill with hot springs water, spa items, and history books.


Buckstaff

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: Feb.1, 1912 – present

Named for: Controlling shareholders George and Milo Buckstaff

Features: Although it has undergone many changes over the years, the Buckstaff is one of the best preserved of all the bathhouses. The 27,000 square feet, three-story facility provides the traditional bathing experience that was offered years ago.

Today: The Buckstaff is the only bathhouse to be in continuous operation since opening.


Ozark

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: 1922 – 1977

Named for: The surrounding mountain range then considered to be a part of the Ozark range but now known as the Ouachita Mountains

Features: The Ozark is set between two low towers and was built in the style of the Art Deco movement. It was one of the smaller bathhouses, with 14,000 square feet and 27 tubs. It catered to bathers who did not want to pay for a lavish experience.

Today: The Ozark is home to Hot Springs National Park Cultural Center, featuring gallery spaces for the park’s artist-in-residence program and other temporary exhibitions. It is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and also for special events.


Quapaw

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: 1922 – 1968, 1969 – 1984

Named for: An American Indian tribe who lived in the area

Features: The Quapaw is the longest building on Bathhouse Row, occupying the site of two previous bathhouses. Its tiled dome is one of the most distinct features on Bathhouse Row.

Today: Quapaw Baths and Spa offers modern spa services in the renovated building. The thermal pools currently are undergoing extensive repairs, but according to the Quapaw website, “We are getting close to the finish line.”


Fordyce

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: March 1, 1915 – June 30, 1962

Named for: Owner Sam Fordyce

Features: With 28,000 square feet, the Fordyce is the largest bathhouse on the row. It has three floors, two courtyards and a large basement. The basement had a bowling alley and display of the springs. It provided more services than any other bathhouse. It had a beauty parlor, an assembly room with a grand piano, a shoeshine stand, a pool table in the men’s parlor, and a roof garden.

Today: It was extensively restored and now functions as a museum and the park’s visitor center. People can see treatment rooms, parlors, gymnasium, bathtubs, and equipment used in the bathhouse. In the basement, visitors can see the Fordyce Spring that supplied the thermal waters to the facility.


Maurice

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: Jan. 1, 1912 – Nov. 1974

Named for: Charles Maurice, who owned the Independent Bathhouse, which the Maurice replaced

Features: The Maurice had a gymnasium, a roof garden, two elevators, and was the only bathhouse on the row to have a pool. The third floor had a Craftsman-style den with a stained glass ceiling and a frieze hand-painted by artist Frederick Wernicke.

Today: The Maurice is the only bathhouse that does not have a tenant. The National Parks Service is accepting proposals for a long-term lease.


Hale

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: 1892 – Oct. 31, 1978

Named for: Early bathhouse owner John Hale

Features: The Hale is the oldest bathhouse on the row. The Hot Springs run through a tiled enclosure in the basement. The bathhouse was also connected to a thermal cave carved out of the mountain that was used as a hot room.

Today: The Hale has been turned into a boutique hotel with nine suites, each with a large soaking tub that runs the thermal mineral water. It also includes the restaurant Eden and meeting spaces.


Superior

National Park Service images, courtesy of Hot Springs National Park

Bathhouse years: Feb. 1, 1916 – Nov. 1983

Named for: The superior service the business strived to provide

Features: The 11,000 square feet Superior is the smallest bathhouse on the row. It had the lowest rates and offered basic services.

Today: Superior Bathhouse Brewery is a brewery, restaurant, and special event venue. They brew their beer with the thermal spring water.

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