Suggested Reading

Hot Springs National Park protects a variety of resources, like the historical landmark of Bathhouse Row, the Ouachita Mountain ecosystems, and the unique thermal waters. This remarkable intersection of natural processes and human uses has inspired generations of stories to try to understand how this place came to be what it has been and what it is today.

In the links below, you'll find access to research written by park staff, articles written by the National Park Service related to Hot Springs, and federal studies commissioned to understand what we are tasked with protecting.

 

Dive Deeper into Hot Springs

  • A mosaic of historical images of some of the early bathhouses in Hot Springs.
    African Americans & the Baths

    Read about African Americans who worked in the bathhouses and buildings that were built so this group of individuals could enjoy the area.

  • Thermal water cascades down a mossy hillside into two concrete collection pools.
    Hot Springs Geology

    The story of the Park's thermal springs begins with rocks that formed over 400 million years ago...

  • An active scene in front of the Fordyce Bathhouse; people sitting ,walking, and looking joyous.
    Bathhouse Row

    Bathhouse Row is home to the Park's historic bathhouses. Learn about what is available in each of the bathhouses today.

 
National Park Service symbol with an arrowhead shape with mountains, water, and a bison inside
Official NPS Arrowhead

NPS Photo

National Park Service Resources:

  • NPS Library Resource Catalog
    The National Park Service Resource Information System (NPS LIBRIS) is a place to search for resources within the entire NPS.

  • National Park Service Data Store
    Known as Integrated Resource Management Application (IRMA), this quick search can get you access to natural, history, and cultural resources, along with social science research done at national parks across the country.
 

NPS Articles Related to Hot Springs National Park

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    Historic Lamar Bathhouse with parks store items in the window and a sign in the front lawn that reads The Bathhouse Row Emporium
    Lamar Bathhouse, The Bathhouse Row Emporium

    NPS Photo/Mitch Smith

    Bathhouse Row Emporium:

    The America's National Parks sponsored store is The Bathhouse Row Emporium, in the Lamar Bathhouse. Among the items carried are books about Hot Springs history, the plants and animals of the area, and other national parks.

    These resources are available in the park's Eastern National store. Educators get a 15% discount with their school ID. They may also be available through your local library or by interlibrary loan.

    To inquire about store items, check out the store website, or call the store manager at (501) 620-6740.

     
    A park ranger delivers a program to a high school group in front of a thermal spring.
    Plan A Field Trip

    Hot Springs National Park has a variety of ways your class can interact with the Park. Click on this link to learn more!

    Ornate stained glass in the Fordyce Bathhouse with a statue of Hernando De Soto in the foreground.
    Curriculum Materials

    From podcasts to lesson plans, we have helpful tools to bring Hot Springs National Park into your classroom.

    Walking down bathhouse row, 2 historical figures are seen blended into a modern day photo.
    History & Culture

    Learn more about Hot Spring National Park's unique cultural and natural history.

    A view from West Mountain overlook looking across rolling hills with fall colored leaves.
    Nature

    Learn about the natural resources at Hot Springs National Park. This includes information about our thermal water, wildlife, and plants.

    Late Archaic to Early Woodland Novaculite projectile point
    Archeology

    Hot Springs NP has a dense, rich archeological record with 92 sites and counting. Learn more about our history's mysteries.

    Last updated: May 14, 2023

    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    101 Reserve Street
    Hot Springs, AR 71901

    Phone:

    501 620-6715

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