America250 in Hot Springs

- As part of the America250 commemoration, Hot Springs National Park will offer a variety of programming and partnerships throughout the year 2026 in order to raise awareness about America 250 and to provide local and national communities an avenue to participate in celebrations. Throughout the year, particularly on federal holidays and annual National Park Service celebration days, Hot Springs National Park will host and participate in America250-connected events.

Special Events

America250 offers a time to commemorate the history of the United States and carry on the duties of citizenship. Hot Springs National Park, first protected in 1832, is the oldest national park in the United States, and is the only protected resource to predate the state of Arkansas. Park rangers will work alongside local, state, and federal organizations to host free community events in the spring and summer leading up to July 4^th. These programs will include Junior Ranger Days, Hot Springs’ 194^th birthday, Citizenship Day/Naturalization Ceremony, and school fairs about Arkansas history and natural resources. These programs will celebrate 250 years of American history, the contributions of Hot Springs and Arkansas to the nation’s story, and the beauty and wonder of the Natural State.

National Park Week

April 18 (Saturday)-A250 Junior Ranger Day OR Be a Ranger DayOR Hot Springs 250 (first in the Natural State, Arkansas 250, history and natural protection combo)OR April 19 (Sunday)-Naturalization Ceremony AM, citizenship Festival PMApril 20 (Monday)-School Fair Day (Stations on the Lawn and in the building) April 22 (Wednesday)-GCL Hot Springs and Arkansas StatehoodOR Earth Day Alternative: Even in March with higher visitation if media outreach is limited.

4th of July Weekend

July 4, 2026 (Saturday) Red, White, and You PicnicOctober 10, 2026

Volunteer Events

Community members and service organizations interested in contributing to Hot Springs National Park projects as part of our America250 celebrations will have many opportunities to do so throughout the year. Volunteer events will allow community members to contribute to the environmental management and historic preservation projects that maintain the natural and historic beauty of Hot Springs National Park. If your organization is interested, you may reach out to (volunteer email) or find opportunities listed on Volunteer.gov.

MLK Day of ServiceDate: January 19, 2026 (Monday)CLEAN UP? HISTORIC PRESERVATION? TRANSCRIPTIONS? ORAL HISTORIES?

Caesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning Date: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday) HHISTORIC PRESERVATION? CLEAN UP? TRAIL WOK

Sept 11 Day of Service and RemembranceEvent Focus: Day of Service and RemembranceDate:

September 11, 2026 (Friday)Contacts: Military Families and Veterans FamiliesHOST MIL FAMILIES AND CHILDREN ON DEPLOYMENT? Fish and clean up Hike and clean up Special tour and transcription

National Public Lands DayDate: September 26, 2026 (Saturday)Hot Springs Leader-Chris Farrar. Historical DocumentationContacts:Artist in Residence?

Special Programs

Hot Springs National Park has contributed immensely to the nation’s stories of medical science, veterans affairs, and environmental protection. Park rangers will provide numerous special-topic presentations and programs throughout the year to share these stories with the local and national community. All programs will be free to the public and many will be co-sponsored by local groups and organizations. See our calendar of events and our social media pages for more information.

Garland County Library Park Chats

(4^th Wednesday of every (other) month)-Speakers and Topics vary.

Hot Springs Hikes

(1^st Saturday of every (other) month) 26 miles in 2026.

Juneteenth,

Panel InstallationEvent Focus: Installing four panels of bath attendantsDate: June 19, 2026 (Friday)

Constitution Day

Date:
September 17, 2026 (Thursday)

Education Programs

Hot Springs Park Rangers offer a variety of free education programs on Hot Springs’ history and science. To see our program offers, visit (enter website). We also are designing a new program to introduce students to Hot Springs History.