The 3 Best Senior-Friendly Hot Springs in Arkansas

Arkansas calls itself “the Natural State” because of its diverse wildlife, natural resources, and stunning landscapes. Several protected species of wildlife thrive in Arkansas, and this state is home to the incredible Hot Springs National Park. This park features everything from scenic drives to 26 miles of hiking trails. Unlike other states in the U.S. — such as Oregon — there are no outdoor swimming options for thermal hot springs. However, Arkansas is home to some bathhouses and indoor locations where the thermal waters can be enjoyed. With no strenuous hikes to reach any of these destinations, the hot springs in Arkansas are easily accessible by all.  This article will discuss the three best senior-friendly hot springs in Arkansas.

The Quapaw Bathhouse – 98°F-105°F

Average Temperature: The ends of the pools are heated to 98°F while the center is at 105 °F 

Two things you are sure to experience at the Quapaw Bathhouse are healing waters and a stunning atmosphere. This bathhouse offers four thermal pools, all under beautiful skylights. The water is rich in beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Additionally, it is free of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and sulfate. If you choose to heal in the therapeutic waters, you have the choice between the public thermal pools or a private bathing experience. You can enjoy sessions such as micro silk hydrotherapy, an aromatherapy bath, or a thermal mineral bath. 

Accessibility and Crowds

While there are some restrictions on who can enter the pools due to health concerns, the bathhouse is still easily accessible. No hikes or excursions are required to reach this destination, and you can choose to avoid other bathers by selecting the private bathing experiences. 

Additional Things to Know

• If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator or are pregnant, you will not be allowed in the public pools, baths, or steam cave. 
• No services are offered to children under the age of 14. 
• Reservations are required for all services. However, the public thermal pools are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Buckstaff Bathhouse — 102°F 

Average Temperature: 143°F when it comes in, then is cooled to 102°F 

Many people come to the Buckstaff Bathhouse to soak their problems and their aches away. Thermal mineral water is pumped directly into the bathhouse from the hot springs at a temperature of 143°F. The water is cooled to a suitable temperature that is safe for soaking. There are multiple parts to this bathing experience, including whirlpool mineral baths and massages. 

Accessibility and Crowds

This bathhouse is a popular destination in Arkansas, so you will definitely have others bathing in the healing waters as well. However, private bathing experiences have plenty of opportunities, so it should not feel crowded. While the resort is accessible to all, some limitations exist for those who can soak. This is depending on certain health issues they may have, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Those who have those conditions and choose to soak do so knowing the potential risks.  Despite these restrictions, it is still a great senior-friendly hot spring because of its easy accessibility. 

Additional Things to Know

• Regulations only allow one person per tub at a time; even children must soak alone. 
• Must be ten years or older to enjoy the spa and its services. 

The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa – 144°F 

Average Temperature: 144°F but then cooled to an acceptable temperature in the baths. 

The last hot spring on our list of senior-friendly hot springs in Arkansas is located in Hot Springs National Park, Arizona. The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa is a great place to escape for a retreat. As the largest hotel in Arkansas, with over 500 rooms, there is plenty of space for you to enjoy your stay.  Besides its beauty and historic value, this hotel is known for its thermal water spa. Fresh, hot spring water is pumped directly into the hotel, and many guests visit for the chance to soak in the soothing and healing waters. 

Accessibility and Crowds

Accessibility to this hot spring is easy because it is in a hotel. There are no hikes or walking trails necessary to enter the hot spring; just enter the hotel, and the hot spring is located on the third floor. That said because it is in a hotel and a well-known thermal pool, privacy and seclusion are not as available as an outdoor remote hotspring. 

Additional Things to Know

• The thermal hot spring offers therapeutic services such as hydrotherapy, mineral water whirlpool baths, and massage. 
• Reservations are required to enjoy these thermal waters. 
• If you enjoy scenic walks in addition to your relaxing soak, the hotel is also close to the Garvan Woodland Gardens. This botanical garden is known for its architecture and incredible nature views.

Summary of the Best 3 Senior-Friendly Hot Springs In Arkansas 

Below is a table that reviews the best three senior-friendly hot springs in Arkansas and information about each of them. They are ranked below from hottest temperature to coolest temperature.

Other Ways to Enjoy the Thermal Waters 

Hot Springs National Park is an incredible location that features nearly 4,000-year-old spring water. While there are no outdoor soaking opportunities in the park, there are other ways for you to enjoy and interact with the healing thermal waters other than the bathhouses mentioned above. 

Drink It 

That’s right! Besides soaking in these ancient, healing waters, you can also consume them! According to the National Park Service, “Congress first protected the hot springs in 1832, and it intended for the water to be used.” The hot spring water has been deemed safe to drink and is highly reviewed by many tourists for its good quality. While the water temperature kills most harmful bacteria, Legionella bacteria have been detected in some water samples. However, the water is monitored to U.S. standards for safe drinking water, so many people still enjoy drinking these thermal waters. Here are just three of the several locations where you can drink the spring thermal waters. 

• In front of the Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center on Reserve Street.
• Between the Hale and Maurice Bathhouses on the Bathhouse Row. 
• The Shell Fountain on the Stevens Balustrade. 

Touch the Thermal Springs

Also, in Hot Springs National Park, there are places for you to be able to touch the thermal waters. While the water comes out of the ground at a scolding 147°F, it has cooled down to safe temperatures by the time it reaches the natural pools where you can touch it. Here are three places where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and touch the thermal spring waters. 

• The Display Spring
  • Listen to the sound of running water as you watch these thermal waters flow. Great place to relax and enjoy nature. Located behind the Maurice Bathhouse. 

• How Water Cascade
  • This is the largest visible spring in the park, and it ventures off a steep cliff into two pools. This spring is located at Arlington Lawn. 

• The Fordyce Fountains
  • These fountains are seen as the grand entrance to the park and have impressive streaming water that shoots out of them up toward the sky. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Bram Reusen/Shutterstock.com