Hot Springs, Hot Springs, Arkansas

## Overview Hot Springs, Arkansas, is home to one of America's most unique natural treasures — a series of thermal springs that have drawn visitors for centuries. Located along Bathhouse Row and Convention Boulevard in Hot Springs National Park, multiple public drinking fountains deliver naturally heated spring water directly from the earth. These thermal springs emerge at temperatures around 143°F (62°C) from the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain, having traveled deep underground through faulted and fractured rock formations over an estimated 4,000-year journey before resurfacing. Hot Springs National Park is the oldest federally protected area in the United States, with the springs first set aside as a federal reservation in 1832 — 40 years before Yellowstone became the first official national park. Long before European settlers arrived, the thermal springs held deep significance for Indigenous peoples, including the Caddo, Quapaw, Choctaw, and Chickasaw nations, who considered the area neutral ground where all tribes could peacefully gather to enjoy the healing waters. Today, the National Park Service manages and monitors the spring water. The state regularly tests the public fountains and posts water quality results. Visitors have historically used these fountains as a source of drinking water, and many locals and tourists alike fill jugs and bottles from the taps along Convention Boulevard. The water has been reported to taste clean and smooth, with a naturally occurring mineral content that includes silica, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. ## Directions 1. Head to **134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 71901**. 2. Convention Boulevard runs through the heart of the historic downtown district, parallel to Bathhouse Row and Central Avenue. 3. Multiple public drinking fountains are located along Convention Boulevard and nearby streets. Look for the distinctive NPS-maintained fountain spigots — several are clustered near the intersection of Convention Boulevard and Central Avenue. 4. The fountains are accessible directly from the sidewalk, with no hiking required. *Note: Some fountains dispense hot thermal water (too hot to drink immediately), while others are cooled for drinking. Look for signage indicating whether the water has been cooled.* ## What to Expect The public drinking fountains along Convention Boulevard are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are free to use. You'll find several fountain stations scattered along the street, each fed directly from the thermal springs beneath Hot Springs Mountain. Many visitors bring their own bottles or jugs to fill up. The surrounding area is the beautifully preserved Bathhouse Row, a National Historic Landmark District featuring eight ornate bathhouse buildings dating from the early 20th century. The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the park's visitor center and is well worth a stop. Central Avenue offers restaurants, shops, galleries, and a lively downtown atmosphere. Parking is available along Convention Boulevard and in nearby lots, though spaces can fill up during peak tourist season (spring and fall are especially popular). The fountains and surrounding sidewalks are wheelchair accessible. Whether you're passing through or making a dedicated trip, filling a bottle from these ancient thermal springs is a memorable and uniquely American experience.