Hot Springs, Arkansas: America’s Generational Gathering Place
The State of Arkansas, birthplace of legendary country singer Johnny Cash, retired NBA star Scottie Pippen and former U.S. President Bill Clinton, is also home to an eclectic historic vacation destination where people have congregated for centuries. Hot Springs is located about an hour southwest of the state capital Little Rock, wedged in a picturesque mountain valley within the Ouachita Foothills. Centuries of different Native Americans tribes were drawn to the bubbling mineral springs percolating from the depths of the rock strata found in this geologically stunning corner of the world. French and Spanish explorers have been noted as encountering this medicinal meeting place as early as the 16th Century. It has been a favorite gathering place for generations ever since.
The attraction to the area’s thermal springs from which the city draws its name, led to then President Andrew Jackson designating the region as a National Reservation in 1832. This was the first ever example of the US Federal government protecting a significant natural asset or Americans to enjoy. The city’s famous Bathhouse Row brought throngs of tourists to the city, eventually leading to numerous hotels being constructed developing Hot Springs into a multi-faceted tourism destination.
According to the city’s published history, the early legacy of Hot Springs became one surrounded in the salty and nefarious activities associated with the establishment of illegal gambling houses. A pair of local families controlled the city's gaming parlors which eventually became a draw to some of the country’s most notorious gangsters, many regularly seen spending time in the numerous speakeasies and hotels. This era of the city’s history continues at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort which features seasonal thoroughbred racing and year round gambling. The city’s remarkable mobster past is also celebrated with numerous museums and displays paying tribute to the time of prohibition and the Tommy Gun. Room 443 of the iconic Arlington Hotel was the favorite haunt of legendary gangster Al Capone. According to the hotel lore Capone and his entourage would command an entire floor complete with a hidden escape route should something sinister occur..
Historic Bathhouse Row with the Arlington Hotel in the distance. (Courtesy of Hot Springs CVB)
Baseball fans can immerse themselves in another of many reasons why Hot Springs became known as America’s First Resort. In 1886 the manager of the Chicago White Stockings, now Cubs, travelled his team south to begin the tradition that is now known as “Spring Training.” In short time, the city expanded its baseball facilities to encourage more and more players to come south for the warmth and mineral springs. This continued for many years and saw numerous baseball legends spend time in Hot Springs. The interactive Hot Springs Baseball Trail pays tribute to the many locations and legendary figures of the game like Stan Musial, Honus Wagner and Jackie Robinson, who spent time in the city honing their skills in the city, getting ready for a season of games in the “Big Leagues.”.
Golf is another of the many drawing cards for Hot Springs. Dating back to 1898, the Hot Springs Country Club was founded by the city’s hoteliers to provide another leisure and social activity for guests. The club has gone through many iterations from its nine hole roots, with it now being a splendid 36 hole private facility. The Park Course is named for Willie Park Jr, the man who laid out the first design. The current routing has changed over the years leaving few remnants of Park’s original work in the current layout. This course is the kinder and gentler of the championship courses at the club features rolling fairways and challenging, yet accessible green sites. The Arlington Course is the club’s daunting beast. The William Diddel design features stark elevation changes and wickedly placed and shaped greens. It is no surprise that the PGA competed on these holes in the 1950’s and it is still used as a U.S. Open qualifying site. Both courses have seen updates by the Coore & Crenshaw design team, restoring the greens and bunkers to their past glory. It is said that Babe Ruth was a frequent player when he was in town, which is no surprise given his love of golf and the quality of experience found at Hot Springs Country Club.
The spring of 2021 will see Hot Springs National Park celebrate its 100th year designated as one of America’s true great natural wonders. As a gathering place for centuries, the city is truly one of those special places that has something to offer any visitor. Offering everything from a theme park to miles of beautiful hiking trails, to the traditional go karts and mini golf and plenty of water sports on beautiful Lake Hamilton, the city embraces its gangster and baseball past, and blends that history with modern day fun..
An adventure to suit any taste awaits in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Check out more about the city and all of its attractions here.
