Happy Hollow Spring, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, USA

## Overview Happy Hollow Spring is the only cool water spring within Hot Springs National Park — a distinction that makes it a unique stop in a park famous for its naturally heated thermal waters. While the park's 47 protected hot springs emerge at temperatures averaging around 143°F (62°C) after traveling deep underground for approximately 4,000 years, Happy Hollow Spring flows cool and refreshing, fed by shallower groundwater that hasn't made the same geothermal journey. Located along Fountain Street in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, this public drinking spring sits within the boundaries of the oldest area in the U.S. National Park system — Hot Springs Reservation was set aside by Congress in 1832, decades before the National Park Service was even established. The thermal springs of this region have been valued for centuries; Indigenous peoples, including the Caddo, Quapaw, and other nations, considered the area a neutral ground where tribes could peacefully gather to enjoy the healing waters. Today, the park's iconic Bathhouse Row — a stunning collection of early 20th-century bathhouses — stands as a National Historic Landmark and continues to offer visitors the chance to soak in the famous mineral-rich hot spring water. Happy Hollow Spring has historically served as a public drinking water source, and visitors have long reported that the water tastes clean and refreshing. As a cool spring in a landscape dominated by thermal waters, it offers a pleasant contrast and a convenient place to fill a bottle while exploring the park. ## Directions 1. From downtown Hot Springs, head to **Fountain Street** near the southern end of Bathhouse Row. 2. The spring is located at or near **231 Fountain Street, Hot Springs, AR 71901**. 3. GPS coordinates: **34.518397, -93.049521** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring can be easy to miss among the park's many features. 4. Parking is available along Bathhouse Row and in nearby public lots. From there, the spring is a short walk. ## What to Expect Happy Hollow Spring is a developed public drinking spring with accessible spigots or fountain-style access, typical of the park's historic spring infrastructure. The water flows cool — a refreshing change from the steaming thermal springs found elsewhere in the park. The surrounding area is one of the most scenic and historically rich sections of any national park. Bathhouse Row, just steps away, features eight magnificent bathhouse buildings dating from 1892 to 1923, including the Fordyce Bathhouse (now the park's visitor center) and the Buckstaff Bathhouse, which still offers traditional thermal baths. The Grand Promenade, a beautiful brick walkway behind the bathhouses, provides a lovely stroll with views of the hillside and access to several park trails. Visitors should note that while Happy Hollow Spring has been historically used as a drinking water source, water quality can vary with conditions. The park periodically tests its public springs, so checking with the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center for the latest water quality information is a good idea before drinking. The spring is accessible year-round, and the mild Arkansas climate makes visits comfortable in most seasons. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring the park on foot.