News Release

Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center to close for new exhibit installation

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The Fordyce Bathhouse

NPS Photo/Mitch Smith

News Release Date: January 6, 2023
Contact: Ashley Waymouth, 501-620-6742

Hot Springs, Ark. - The Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center and Museum at Hot Springs National Park will close on Tuesday, January 17 and remain closed through mid-February 2023. During this time, National Park Service staff and contractors will install new interpretive exhibits inside the facility. The visitor center lobby will remain open to the public.

The new exhibits replace those installed in 1989 when the Fordyce Bathhouse reopened as the park visitor center. They feature interactive models, archival photographs, artifacts from the museum collection and more to showcase the park’s famous thermal water and the importance of geology in creating the thermal springs; the evolution of Bathhouse Row; and the story of access to public health and bathing over the last nearly 200 years. While the existing exhibits on the 1st and 2nd floors will be replaced, the historic features of the Bath Halls on the 1st floor, Dressing Rooms on the 2nd floor, and the entire 3rd floor will remain unchanged.

“We are excited about the new exhibits,” said park superintendent Laura Miller. “We have learned so much more about how the thermal water system functions over the past 30 years and we know visitors will love the more engaging and interactive features.”

This project is being funded by fee dollars. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) allows the NPS to collect and retain revenue and requires that fee revenue be used to enhance the visitor experience. At least 80 percent of the money stays in the park where it is collected, and the other 20 percent is used to benefit parks that do not collect fees.

The Fordyce Bathhouse will reopen in February. Details for the Grand Reopening will be released as soon as they are available.

To stay up to date with the latest information, be sure to visit the park’s website, nps.gov/hosp, follow Hot Springs on social media (@HotSpringsNPS), or call the park’s visitor center at [phone].

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About Hot Springs National Park: Established as a federal reservation in 1832 to protect the unique geothermal spring water and associated lands for public health, wellness, and enjoyment. In 1921, the area became a national park with the same mission; preservation of the 47 hot springs that come out of the Hot Springs Mountain and the historic resources built for visitor enjoyment of the hot springs. Visit us at www.nps.gov/hosp, on Facebook www.Facebook.com/HotSpringsNPS, and Instagram www.Instagram.com/HotSpringsNPS.

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care forAmerica’s 424 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice and Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice.
 

Tags: museum exhibits, new exhibits, closures, fordyce bathhouse

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