I might not have even known Hot Springs was on the map if it hadn't been for an article in Family Fun magazine about a year ago. I took note, tore it out, and filed it away for safe-keeping. A woman I met at a conference last fall told me that the Arkansas route from Dallas to Illinois was the prettier one, and when I looked at the map, I noticed that it went right by Hot Springs.
Hmm...maybe we should plan a stop there? I'm glad we did!
This is as close to real mountains as my kids have ever seen. While it was beautiful, I'll admit we'd best get them to the real thing as soon as possible.
A creek runs into a waterfall here in the middle of downtown. It is curious to watch the water running in it give off steam. The kids enjoyed playing in the water, but did so cautiously. At 143 degrees it is as hot as a cup of coffee. You can stick a finger in but it won't stay there for long! Our ideas of soaking our feet were quickly dashed.
The spring blossoms were stunning. Can't wait until we see this in Central IL!!!!
A park ranger recommended we tour a restored bathhouse. While not everything that took place here was above reproach, it was interesting to see credit for the healing waters given to God in this verse above the door. The kids had a great time earning a Jr. Ranger patch by completing a free workbook. We enjoyed it too as it had us look carefully at the architecture of each bathhouse (there are 8 altogether) and stop and read most of the signs. Very interesting!
Fordyce Bathhouse is now the Hot Springs Visitors Center. Other bathhouses are being restored and two are open to the public for business. A Hot Springs bath is $24, and if you add a Swedish massage it is $55. We didn't indulge, but it did sound tempting! There are also a few steaming fountains and places where you can collect water in a jug to take it home. Who ever knew you could make such fuss over water!?
A creek runs into a waterfall here in the middle of downtown. It is curious to watch the water running in it give off steam. The kids enjoyed playing in the water, but did so cautiously. At 143 degrees it is as hot as a cup of coffee. You can stick a finger in but it won't stay there for long! Our ideas of soaking our feet were quickly dashed.
The spring blossoms were stunning. Can't wait until we see this in Central IL!!!!
A park ranger recommended we tour a restored bathhouse. While not everything that took place here was above reproach, it was interesting to see credit for the healing waters given to God in this verse above the door. The kids had a great time earning a Jr. Ranger patch by completing a free workbook. We enjoyed it too as it had us look carefully at the architecture of each bathhouse (there are 8 altogether) and stop and read most of the signs. Very interesting!
Fordyce Bathhouse is now the Hot Springs Visitors Center. Other bathhouses are being restored and two are open to the public for business. A Hot Springs bath is $24, and if you add a Swedish massage it is $55. We didn't indulge, but it did sound tempting! There are also a few steaming fountains and places where you can collect water in a jug to take it home. Who ever knew you could make such fuss over water!? 
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