Hot Springs | Mineral Baths, Architecture & History
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Before the National Parks took over the hot springs of Hot Springs, Arkansas, they were known as a meeting place of peace and healing. Indigenous groups from all over gathered here in peace, laying their weapons down, bringing goods to trade and exchanging immaterial culture. In the time of Al Capone, famous gangsters, including Al, landed here also laying their weapons down to enjoy the healing and relaxing nature of these waters.
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@fishyculture mentioned a friend of hers getting healed in the water 😉, read on to hear the story of Ini dipping his feet in the water.
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We walked through the town and National Park today, much to our delight. We were overjoyed to see Hot Springs steaming from the Park to downtown and spigots spewing fresh cold water for residents and visitors to enjoy.
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As many of you know, we came to this gathering place in search of Yaupon Holly, but that is not all that we found. Hot and cold spring waters flow abundantly in this town. Truly a convergence of many earthen wonders.
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Beautiful stone architecture highlights the natural resources and a sweet series of trails through the National Park in the middle of the city make Hot Springs, Arkansas a unique destination.
There’s a certain charm to this city and we enjoyed walking the streets, indulging in pure spring water and experiencing the forest. Yes, the National Park is within city limits which seems odd, but makes for a much more pleasant city.
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The story we read was that folks coming for healing didn’t want to sit out in the forest, so there are no more wild spring one can access. Now the National Park Service controls and regulates use of these healing waters. Unfortunately you now have to pay to soak in the hot water.
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(The channel used to get water out of the mountain.)
Bathhouse Row
The main drag consists of Bathhouse Row, a collection of unique and beautifully crafted buildings. Hot Springs is known for its bath houses, a culture which began in the late 1800s. The buildings channeled thermal waters from the mountains into buildings designed after European spas of that era.
People came from far and wide to soak in the hot healing waters to cure everything from skin conditions to arthritis. The tradition continues today, although it’s unfortunate there are no wild Springs accessible anymore.
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Join Us as we walk the beautiful magnolia lined bathhouse Row. The street carried a certain classy feel to it. Years of distinguished bathing guests may have had something to do with it.
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Each bathhouse seems to try outdo their competition by offering “superior” baths. Architecture is the chosen method to impress, although all share a common water source.
![D5DC33AA-680B-4DDA-973F-2042B2A7B288.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmP8Q1yKCD8X3G4Wb9N9sodNX8HTrCwkommGTrgYsJSnar/D5DC33AA-680B-4DDA-973F-2042B2A7B288.jpeg)
(A image from 1930 bath culture)
Architecture
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Hot Springs is full of old buildings rich in character. The majority of local stone is tufa (aka travertine) which is mostly calcium carbonate.
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This quality of building is sorely lacking in most North American cities, and it makes for much more pleasant visiting experience if there are old, well built structures to enjoy.
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Walking the trail above the city, we enjoyed the vantage from above. We even managed to find very mature male and female Yaupons with a great view of the bathhouses.
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(Mature male Yaupon)
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(Mature female Yaupon with berries)
Fresh Cold Spring Water
Rarely have I been to a town or city where there is fantastic water available for free. The National Park has created a number of outlets where you can indulge in delicious pure spring water.
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Mineral Content
All springs have a unique mineral signature, luckily these had a breakdown for interested parties.
Here is the lowdown on the one Wren is drinking above:
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And here is the one from the hot spring fountain:
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Pretty interesting!
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Hot Spring Foot Bath
The only access to hot spring water was in the park at a lovely cascade. The problem was it was too hot! I tried soaking my feet, but after 15 seconds they really started burning. It felt great, just a shame I couldn’t soak longer.
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I left with some pretty lobsterish feet and I’m not sure I was healed!
Thanks for taking a walk with us through down town Hot Springs!
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Nature is full of wonders and healing power we humans sometimes overlook. I really enjoyed your article and lovely photography. And lobster legs made me laugh out loud. Hehe! ^^ When I am getting sick or cough I usually soak my feet in hot salt water. Then I get lobster legs too, but it is really helpful.
Yes so much healing power there ❤️
Haha! Glad to get a laugh ;) that’s a cool way to heal a cough and head off illness- thanks for sharing! 🦐
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Ancient or anything olden is always of quality than the contemporaries. That's my oberservation so far
Yes, my observation, too. So much quality in the past! Let’s bring it back ;)
Hot Springs was a pretty cool little spot, we were there a few years ago, did you go up on that tower they have there? I forgot what it was called but you get a nice view of the whole town from up there. It was also Bill Clintons home town. The baths were pretty much all closed while we were there so we couldn't soak. Thanks for sharing!
Ah I did see the tower, but didn’t go up as it was sooo overcast the sky and everything was white :)
We didn’t soak either, but may on a return trip ;) thanks for stopping by!
Hot Springs is a magical place. Both times I've been there, I was impressed by the soothing spirit of the place.
That’s how I felt too 💙 that’s kind of a rare feeling in towns
Exactly. I think it is due to the organic incorporation of the natural surroundings. If we could learn to do this on a larger scale, I think it would greatly enhance the urban quality of life.
You are so right about the charm of well constructed architecture. Growing up in California, there weren't very many buildings that showcased that type of detail. About 20 years ago I went to a little hot springs resort Calistoga, but it was pretty shabby in comparison to your photos. I did enjoy a pretty amazing mudbath though!
Btw, love your hat Wren!
Ahh a mud bath, actually in mud? So cool! Yeah they just don’t make em like they used to! And thanks ;)
I can't remember exactly what was in the mud, maybe clay based? It was 20 years ago! I remember the room had two cement 'tubs' that they filled with warm mud and my friend and I certainly had a good laugh about it all. The showering off was hilarious because from there we were going to some type of a body wrap and then a massage. One of those nifty removable shower heads or at least a hose would have been more effective!
Omg sounds crazy fun and amazing! If I’m ever in that area I’ll have to check it out!!
Has the National Park service enhanced the access to the hot springs or has it destroyed some of the natural beauty and wonder?