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Contact: Shelley Todd, 501-620-6751
Hot Springs, Arkansas - If you have ever wondered what it was like to be a hiker or explorer, a fur trapper or soldier, or perhaps what it was like to be a member of the upper and middle class centuries ago, then “Historic Specters Haunt Bathhouse Row” is the program for you.
Just in time for Halloween, Hot Springs National Park rangers and volunteers will don vintage costumes to bring various periods of local history alive and offer educational activities Oct. 27-29.
“This will be Hallows Eve with a twist,” said park Superintendent Josie Fernandez. “We are incorporating historical characters and information about animals to our spooky weekend schedule so we can have fun and learn about history and nature.
“To add to the festivities the documentary Boggy Creek Monster, a film sure to scare up a good time at the park with family and friends, will be featured at the campground amphitheater Saturday evening,” Fernandez said.
Weekend programming will feature:
Friday, October 27 at 12:30 p.m. “All about Bats!” at the Fordyce Bathhouse Theater, learn all there is to know about one of the animals most associated with Halloween.
Friday, October 27 at 7 p.m. “Changing Landscapes” at Gulpha Gorge Campground Amphitheater (305 Gorge Road). Come see pictures of what the national park looked like long ago and learn about what has changed through time.
Saturday and Sunday, October 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Bathhouse Row rangers and volunteers will portray a variety of characters from our local past such as:
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A Hiker who will describe the “terrain cure,” which was part of an early 1900s holistic health approach, along with bathing in and drinking the thermal water;
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A veteran of the American Civil War, who will talk about his experiences in the Army-Navy hospital to take thermal water and other available treatments;
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A fur trapper and Dr. George Hunter, who will chat about the early exploration and history of the area surrounding the hot springs; and last but not least
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Some ladies and gentlemen who will share their experiences as patrons of the bathhouses travelling from afar seeking healing from the thermal waters of Hot Springs.
Saturday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. stories around the campfire and at 7 p.m. the “Boggy Creek Monster” (1:15 hour film) at the Gulpha Gorge Amphitheater.
The Visitor Center if located at 369 Central Avenue in the former Fordyce Bathhouse. Guided tours of the historic building are at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Campground programs ae subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather.
For more information, call 501-620-6715 or email hosp_park_information@nps.gov. Follow us online at www.nps.gov/hosp and on Facebook/Instagram @HotSpringsNPS.
Last updated: October 30, 2017